Possible Lymphedema...what do I do???

Lohogan

Hi Friends....I am six years out from when I finished the whole chemo, surgery, and radiation triad. I had three nodes removed on my left side. For six years I have been so good with my left side and have never let a nurse or anyone else do anything to my left arm. I have been fortunate and never had any lymphedema issues. This past Friday I went in with my kids for flu shots . My boys were so panicked and throwing fits about the shots that I was frustrated and distracted. They are 7 and 9 so my patience for crying with shots is not there anymore! I was driving home when I realized I had been given my shot in my bad arm. I was so upset!!!! Sure enough five days later my arm and hand are slightly swollen. My hand is tingly all of the time and slightly sore. Arm is heavy and not as flexible. I am freaking out and not sure what to do. I have an appointment with my primary care Dr so I can get a referral. I am about to start buying all of the things lymphedema related online. Am I overreacting?

Binney4

Hello, Lohogan, and welcome. Really sorry about the reason that brings you here, but so glad you found us.

Of course you're not overreacting! Lymphedema is scary, and a lot of the fear comes from not knowing much about it and wondering how to proceed. The really good news is that you've caught this early, which gives you every possibility of being able to get it back into control easily and to keep it that way. Brava for you for recognizing it quickly and acting right away!

Great idea to make the Dr appointment and get a referral. It helps if you know who the well-trained lymphedema therapists are in your area. Here's how to find out:

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

Don't buy anything just yet! Let your lymphedema therapist guide you on this one. What exactly you'll need will be specific to your own situation, so hold on and try to relax--it'll be good!

Here are some ideas of things you can do while you wait to see a lymphedema therapist:

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

Please keep us posted, and tell us how we can help!

Gentle hugs,
Binney

Lohogan

Thank you Binny4 for your help!!

Diagnosisbreastcancer

My doctor recognized that I had lymphedema and referred me to a physical therapist who specializes in lymphedema massage. She gave me lots of exercises to do that have helped reduce the swelling and increase circulation (I had 9 lymph nodes removed). I wear a compression sleeve and gauntlet on my left hand and arm and don't life anything over 10-15 pounds. I noticed the swelling in my hand and arm after I used the garden rake for about 15 minutes, so apparently that was too much. Oddly, after they removed my port for chemo drugs a few weeks ago, the lymphedema greatly improved and I hardly have any swelling now!