Armpit LE?!

HollyDollyD

While my arm was swollen and I'm working on getting myself stat to MLD etc. referrals, all the literature seems to be geared towards arm LE. I do have that, and I also have armpit LE. It's like a mini-breast. Anyone else? What did you find was helpful in the self-help category?

Thanks,

Holly

MinusTwo

Holly: Below is a link to a very good LE site, developed with input from several BCO members. Hope it's useful.

https://stepup-speakout.org/

Cydney

I have armpit/trunkal lymphoma too. I worked with a physical therapist who specialized in lymphoma in general. She taught me self-massage - I know there is a fancy name for it - Manual something - but it basically is a light self-massage that opens up the lymph nodes and then works to move the fluid towards those portals. It reminds me of effleurage massage I used a long time ago when pregnant. It really works.

Also, she emphasized that I shouldn't carry heavy things (like purses or grocery bags) with my subject side. She is of course right, because when I go against advice, I swell up.

It was really great to work with her and learn about self-care. Also, I know I can go back if I need more help. My breast cancer specialists (docs) didn't suggest working with a Lymphoma PT specialist - I had to do some research on my own and then ask for a referral. They were happy to make the referral, but didn't really seem to understand the urgency to me. It is one of those things where you have to be your own best advocate.

Trishyla

I have truncal lymphedema as well. Unfortunately I have it in both sides, though the right is worse. Manual Lymph drainage (MLD) is very helpful, as is a compression garment. Your doctor should be able to write you a prescription for the garment, so your insurance will cover it.

Good luck.

Trish

Oceanlove25

Hi Holly,

I saw my surgeon 2 weeks post-op after a lumpectomy. I mentioned the fluid in my armpit (sentinel node removed). He just said it was fine. After I talked to a nurse navigator at the breast cancer clinic she recommended I come in and see a lymphedema specialist to be evaluated. It was a godsend! I was diagnosed with Stage 1 so it was caught early. She would do lymph drainage and then my husband came in for a session and she taught him how to do it. We do it everyday or almost. I believe you have to be proactive. Also she would take measurements on my arm so we could see the improvement. I wear my sleeve pretty much everyday partially because of two recent surgeries. The compression really helps keep it in check. I hope this helps.

Good luck,

Patty

HollyDollyD

All:

Thank you for your responses. Luckily I have a massage therapist who is LMD (lymphatic manual drainage) certified, and a PT who is working with me. I've upgraded to 30-40 mmHg (as opposed to 20-30 mmHg) sleeves and that has really helped, too. Upping my water intake is essential. Both are working on teaching me the "tricks of the trade for home" so to speak. I will update as I have more information.

Holly

margo53

Hi,

Can a bad seroma after sentinel node biopsy cause all the above lymphedema