Fluid is building up after surgery

tonmoydas_phy

Hello guys, my mother is a beast cancer patient. She had her surgery approx 8 mouths ago and she is going through chemotherapy. She had to cut her right breast. Dr prescribed 6 cycle chemotherapy and 5th cycle had already done. But after 4th chemotherapy, we found out that her right hand is filled with fluid. From the *top to bottom* hand. She is experiencing intense pain on her hand. We went to doctor and told everything. But he only prescribed Paracetamol to relief that pain. She is having the pain for more than 1 month. Already she had taken 40 plus Paracetamol. But the pain still coming back almost everyday and the fluid isn't going! Was there any problem with the surgery? Or there is any problem with Lymb nod?

I'm very much frightened about her situation. Dr has planned to give her Radiotherapy after the Chemotherapy cycle. I can't even see any improvement. I know body fluid isn't good for cancer patient. Any suggestion or good words would be highly appreciated for me.

chrissyb

Hi tonmoydas, it sounds like your mother may have Lymphodema.........many women get this after surgery, particularly when the lymph nodes have been taken. There is no cure for this but it can be managed to make it a little more comfortable for you Mum on a daily basis.

Is there a clinic near you that can show your Mum how to gently massage the area and or to wrap the hand and arm to help reduce the swelling? If not, and I don't usually recommend this, but I think you will find information on Youtube that will give you the right techniques to do this.

As for the treatment that your Mum is receiving and will receive, it is the standard treatment given. I do so hope that your Mum can get some relief.

Love n hugs. Chrissy

Kicks

It sounds like yoi Mom has developed LymphEdema. There is a Forum here about LE and how to deal with it. It would be helpful to post a thread there.

Very briefly - with BC surgery, lymph nodes are often removed or damaged by the surgery and can no longer move the lymphatic fluid which allows it to 'pool' within the tissue in the affected area. It can not be 'cured' but with education, compression garments and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (a specific massage).

It would be good for your Mom to see an LET (LymphEdema Therapist) who has additional education in dealing with LE that most PTs (Physical Therapists) or OTs (Occupational Therapists) don't have.

If you post in the LymphEdema section - you get a lot of replies.