Post op swelling that's not lymphedema??

Jnnmn7

I had bilat mastectomy and ALND on the right 10-5. My right arm, above my elbow on the underside, has swelled up slightly. The nurse at my breast surgeons office says it's probably just post op swelling but of course I'm worried it's lymphedema. I still have all 4 drains in. And I did probably overuse it yesterday

Anyone else swell up this this?

Bootscootin

Given that you had surgery barely a week ago, you could certainly expect some post-op swelling. But...that inside right above the elbow is a common place for lymphedema swelling as there are lymph pathways that run through there. One of my therapists said to imagine a toll plaza where a number of the toll booths had been shut down. Imagine how the cars get backed up waiting to pay a toll. I would recommend an appointment as soon as possible with a certified lymphedema therapist. They can teach you precautions to take, manual lymph drainage, and help you get a compression sleeve for prevention. Let us know how you are doing.

LymphActivist

Don't wait too long before having your arm evaluated by a lymphedema therapist. The tendency of breast surgeons is to assume post-surgical swelling and to allow it to persist until it becomes clinical lymphedema--at which point it may have become irreversible. A recent trial of manual lymph drainage immediately after breast cancer treatment was able to prevent lymphedema after 6 months whereas the control arm of the experiment developed an average of almost 10% excess fluid. Bring a copy of the paper to your doctor and ask for a referral to a specially trained and certified lymphedema therapist. See http://www.lymphactivist.org/review-zimmermann-2012.php

Micganser

I had a single mastectomy on 9/12 and I still have swelling under the arm and above and below the surgical site - it is very uncomfortable - I go to physical therapy once a week and have exercises but it is still there no reduction - it gets evaluated and I am very concerned - it is not in my arm but under and they want me to wear a bra but that is so uncomfortable. have a lot of concern - not sure if this is normal after lymph removal or if it is something that takes time - and I have what they call a "dog ear" point at the end of the incision that is puffy and tender - does anyone else have this?

Thanks so much

Binney4

Hi, Micganser,

I'm sorry to hear about your issue with swelling a month out from surgery. Have you seen a well-qualified lymphedema therapist for an evaluation? Here's information about how to find one near you:

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

It's sure possible that you're dealing with breast/chest lymphedema (it's called "truncal lymphedema"). Compression can help with that, but it shouldn't be uncomfortable, as there are plenty of great options to choose from. Here's more information about it:

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

At the bottom of that page are links to several kinds of compression that you might prefer.

Also, please feel free to join us on the Lymphedema forum here at breastcancer.org--lots of great gals there to share their stories and encouragement with you.

Gentle hugs,
Binney