CT Scan results ......

jcfree

Just wanted to check in and give an update on my CT scan from last Friday. The report showed scan was clear, so still NED since April 2015. Receiving infusions every three weeks of H & P which my Onc says is working well for me. The scan did show lymphedema is increased on the right side where masectomy was and 16 lymph nodes were removed. I feel it, and my arm is showing some swelling down to just above my wrist. Looks like I need to pursue treatment for this now. I exercise daily on an exercycle and do arm exercises. Will probably need to change arm exercise regime with the new change. Any advice on lymphedema in the arm is appreciated.

Groovywilma

Clear scan and NED still! Awesome! I don't have any experience with lymphedema, but I hope someone else can give you some good suggestions. Happy to hear your update on the scan, though!

Lauriesh

congratulations on Ned!

I would stop the arm exercises until you see a lymphadema therapist. also, avoid any heavy lifting and repetitive arm motions. Eating a low sodium, low carb diet and drinking a lot of water can help reduce swelling. The good news is it can be controlled if you get treatment early and follow the therapist's recommendations. I have had it for over 12 years and I no longer even wear a compression sleeve because It is so mild

DivineMrsM

jc, glad to hear the ned results!

pajim

Congratulations!

I don't know much about lymphadema, being lucky enough not to experience it, but there are specialists around. One of the hospitals (only one, so far as I can tell) has a center devoted to it. You might ask around your area for a specialist or two. They're usually nurses or physical therapists.

jcfree

I am definately going to find treatment locally where I live through my internist. Not going to lift anything heavy or start any new arm exercises till I see a specialist for this issue. I need to up my fluid intake and have started cutting back on carbs and sugar. Just don't want this to get worse than it is . Thanks for the good advice!

Heidihill

yay, jc!

Regarding the lymphedema, until you see a therapist here are some tips from bco

 Protect your skin.

The skin is your body’s protective barrier against dirt and bacteria from the outside world. Any cuts — whether small cracks due to winter dryness, a bug bite, splinter, hangnail, needle stick, razor nick, or a more serious injury — can allow bacteria into the body. Take care to protect the skin of your hand, arm, and underarm on the side of the body treated for breast cancer...

If you notice a cut or break in the skin, wash the area thoroughly with antibacterial soap or regular soap, apply a topical antibacterial ointment such as Neosporin or Polysporin (or store-brand equivalent), cover it with a bandage or band-aid, and watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth in the area, or fever. There is no need to seek emergency medical care — just use good common sense....

Try to avoid anything that (a) causes much more lymph than usual to be produced in the body’s tissues and/or (b) prevents lymph from flowing freely out of the hand and arm. High temperatures, such as a hot tub or very hot shower, cause more blood to flow to the arm (think of the skin redness that often comes from heat). So does sudden intense exercise or lifting before your arm is ready for it, which can strain or pull the muscle. Pressure from a heavy shoulder bag or too-tight clothing or jewelry can restrict the flow of lymph out of the hand, arm, and/or chest areas.

I would also sleep with the arm "propped on pillows on a slant so that your hand is above your wrist and your elbow is higher than your shoulder (encouraging the flow of fluid up the arm)."

If you were leaning your arm on the exercycle you might have put too much pressure on it. I used to bike one handed to avoid this problem.