Question for the SMEs (Subject Matter Experts)

sbelizabeth

My axillary dissection was done October 2011, and the surgeon removed a boatload of lymph nodes. I've had no issues with lymphedema except some bothersome truncal edema before I had DIEP reconstruction in 2013. That resolved during the reconstruction recovery.

Within the last few months, though, my arm aches, particularly underneath the upper part, and my hand falls asleep all the time, sometimes painfully so. I can't see any swelling anywhere.

I'm moving toward an appointment with the LE therapist I've seen in the past, but in the meantime, could this be LE? A tumor on my spine? Ebola? Tooth decay?

Breast cancer, the gift that keeps on giving. Thanks for whatever help you can provide.

carol57

sbelizabeth, the ache could well signal LE, even without swelling, but the hand falling asleep does not seem typical of LE, at least not in my experience and not that I can recall reading. Nerve irritation? Is it the whole hand, or just one side? (Which would argue for a nerve issue, I think.) I hope others will have some ideas for you on this. How frustrating for you!