Can lymphedema cause a persistent redness?

raven4mi

I had a skin-sparing, nipple-sparing BMX in April of last year with TE placement for reconstruction. In May of last year I had a fairly rare infection on the right side so the TE was removed. Flash-forward to March of this year and the TE was reinserted on the right. Since the insertion I've had swelling in the chest area above the TE which the PS didn't seem to be concerned about. In April, I got what appeared to be another infection - the breast turned really red, almost purple and bruised looking in some spots and I was immediately put on antibiotics which I've been on ever since. They did several cultures but they all came back negative, however they didn't culture until I was already on abx. The redness has improved in that it has lightened somewhat (at least it's not the dark purple, bruised-looking that it was initially) and clinically I feel fine - there's no pain or fever, I can exercise, I feel great. I just happened to have my 6 month check up with my MO last Thursday and he took one look at the breast and said that he didn't feel it was an infection after all since I've been on abx for so long and there's not been any further improvement. Upon examining my arms he said he felt a very, very slight increase in size on the right side which I can assure you is imperceptible to me but he feels may be the cause of the chest swelling and so has referred me to a PT specializing in lymphedema. (I should note that I had only one lymph node removed which the MO says carries about a 5-9% chance of causing lymphedema so, of course, I may have it. I've had the worst luck with "odds" over the course of this reconstruction process.)

I have been praying for some kind of answer/resolution to this problem as I'm so anxious to finish the reconstruction process after over a year, as you can imagine, but in all the reading I've done I've never heard of lymphedema causing redness like this unless infection was an issue. I want to believe the MO that it is/was not an infection but I'm afraid I'm grasping at straws. I'm also seeing an infectious disease specialist and, of course, am still seeing the PS weekly. If anyone has any input I'd appreciate it.

exbrnxgrl

Raven,

I have very mild LE on the underside of my upper arm. The area is almost always a bit red and warm, more so when the weather is hot or I've been lifting heavier objects. Take care

MinusTwo

Raven - great news that your doc is sending you to a certified LE/PT. Most docs just pooh pooh lymphadema. I've never had redness so I can't answer that question. Below is a great site for you to read & review before your appointment. Many of our BCO ladies were instrumental in the writing. Good luck.

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

Binney4

Hi, Raven,

It's absolutely possible for breast lymphedema to cause redness (and swelling) that is readily mistaken for infection. And of course treating for infection would be the first step, just to be sure. But once it's been established that infection is not the issue (or at least is no longer the issue), then treating the lymphedema is the next step. Lymphedema is an inflammatory condition, but the breast/chest is often the area where that is most evident, showing up as redness that does not respond to antibiotics. Treatment would involve Manual Lymph Drainage (lymphedema "massage") from a well-qualified lymphedema therapist and the use of compression (a bra, cami or other garment).

Another issue that can show up and add confusion with breast lymphedema is skin changes such as peau d'orange, which resembles the texture of an orange peel. Both skin changes and the redness are eased--and often eliminated entirely--by good lymphedema therapy and on-going self-care.

So, yeah, lucky you for having an MO who is on the ball with this one! Please do keep us posted and let us know what you discover.

Here's more information about breast lymphedema:

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

Gentle hugs,
Binney

raven4mi

Thank you exbrnxgrl, MinusTwo, and Binney for the information. Very helpful! Sets my mind a little more at ease. I'm waiting for a call back from the PT office to get on the schedule. I'm hoping this is finally an answer (not a very good answer since it's lymphedema, but an answer nonetheless! It's been such a mystery.)

Raven

tsoebbin

Hey Raven... I had inflammation on my chest and arms. It was freaky looking but not warm our achey. I went to my PCP and she gave me antibiotics to hold onto in case it worsened.

It didn't and began to resolve after my LE therapy.

Many hugs to you!

Traci

stagefree

yes

raven4mi

Just wanted you all to know that I finally had my first appointment with my PT today (after a bit of a scheduling snafu) and I'm so excited to finally be getting some help! The PT I met today is actually just filling in for the regular LE specialist (the sub is also an LE specialist) and won't be my "regular" PT but was able to do the evaluation, take the initial measurements, and start on a little massage today. She also said that it will be up to the regular PT whether or not they want me to order any specialty camisoles/binders/etc. so for now she has just taped the breast - it looks like a really big pastie. LOL! My husband will get a kick out of it. Lastly she said that this redness is very typical and she's seen much worse cases by a long shot! I realize that every case is different but I forgot to ask her approximately when to expect to see results. I have another session tomorrow so I'll be sure to jot down my questions.

I'm just so very grateful to my MO for recognizing this for what it is and for making the recommendation. I'm feeling very lucky right now.

Thanks again to all of you for your feedback!