Is it lymphedema related

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Swede
Swede Member Posts: 5
edited August 2015 in Lymphedema

Hi everyone. I am approximately 10 months post lumpectomy with SLND (positive for macromets), 6 months post chemo, 2 months post radiation and have been on AIs for 2 months. In the last week I have noticed increased swelling, warmth and tenderness in the affected breast, and slightly reduced range of motion of that arm as well. Today I noticed a small pea-sized lump at the SLND area which I do not remember being there before. However, before, the SLND area was not tender so I was not feeling around. I have a call into the doctor, but in the meantime, I am wondering what you think? Is it lymphedema? I don't have arm swelling. I am feeling a lymph node or new tumor? Can my symptoms be caused by something else? My anxiety level is really beginning to rise. Thanks in advance.

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited August 2015

    Sounds to me like you should at least talk to you Dr.

    Have you seen a LymphEdema Therapist yet? If not now would be a good time to see one for baseline measurements and education in what to watch for, what can 'help' to not bring it on (also what can 'encourage' it to come on), how to do MLD. Also 'LE friendly' exercises to help with your ROM issue. IF you do develops LE - the sooner you start handling/managing it the better.

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  • Nordy
    Nordy Member Posts: 2,106
    edited August 2015

    Warmth and redness both signal infection -- the lump you feel could be another lymph node that is inflamed to fight off the infection. Head to your doctor at this point rather than your PT--- they will and should just send you on to your doctor at any sign of infection anyway. Make sure that is taken care of and then ask for a referral to PT once everything settles down so that you can know the signs and symptoms of lymphedema, arm care and other precautions. Also, call your doc sooner than later. Hugs to you.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited August 2015

    Swede, I'm so sorry for this new worry--bummer! I agree with Nordy and would encourage you to get to your doctor (or critical care) right away. The risk of infection is high, and you don't even want to think about not treating it immediately. Please do let us know what you discover.

    That said, it sure is possible that what you're seeing is "truncal" lymphedema, which can occur without any arm involvement. It can also cause redness and warmth in the breast (because lymphedema is an inflammatory condition). Generally those symptoms are treated first as an infection, since that's an emergency. If the antibiotics have no affect, then the treatment would be lymphatic "massage" (Manual Lymph Drainage) by a well-trained lymphedema therapist, and gentle compression.

    Here's information on breast (truncal) lymphedema:

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunck...

    And here's information on infection (cellulitis):

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Med...

    Hoping you have real help and answers soon. Keep us posted! Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • LymphActivist
    LymphActivist Member Posts: 64
    edited August 2015

    It sounds like breast lymphedema or delayed breast cellulitis. You may read more about this condition at: http://www.lymphactivist.org/breast_lymphedema_for...

    Concur with Binney's post above. Have your physician diagnose, and get a referral to a qualified, certified lymphedema therapist.

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