Breast Lymphedema after Mastectomy

fifi67

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Hello all! I am hoping someone can relate to what I am going through and give me some advice? I had a mastectomy with implant reconstruction in July '19. Subsequently developed breast cellulitis a month after surgery which resolved with IV antibiotics. All was well up until mid December last when I noticed increased tightness and pressure in my reconstructed breast and a reddening in the lower half. I started immediately on antibiotics as I assumed it was cellulitis again. 3 weeks later no change and the reddened skin was starting to look puffy and raised, almost blister like. I've spent the last 3 weeks going in and out to the hospital and have seen my breast surgeon, the breast centre physio and lymphodema therapist plus a dermatologist. All 3 are unsure as to the cause and so after a lot of research I found a wonderful physio and lymphodema therapist who I saw on Saturday last. She very quickly diagnosed that the red puffy area of skin was caused by a 'pooling' of lymph fluid under the skin which was unable to drain due to damage to my lymph system after my mastectomy. She has used kinesiology tape to try and initially drain the fluid and allow the skin to heal and will only do manual lymph drainage once that happens. I am also wearing a compression bra, still taking antibiotics and and am being very careful with my skin care. Has anyone else experienced something similar or used kinesiology tape successfully? Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance for any help or advice!

MinusTwo

fifi - yes, I had success with kinesio tape. But it doesn't last as long as I would like. Glad you finally got a certified, trained LE PT. There are several ongoing LE threads on BCO and a wealth of information on the main pages. Also you may find this site that was created with input from BCO members valuable.

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

fifi67

Thanks MinusTwo! Glad to hear it worked for you at least for a time. I just want the skin to heal up as it’s very raw looking at am terrified of getting cellulitis again. I just wish the medical profession were better educated about lymphodema and would then be able to catch it & treat it earlier. Thanks agsin

Popcornpickles

Hey there, what is the kinesio tape you mentioned?? just realised while ready this thread the redness i have on my arm may be "pooling" from lymphatic system getting backed up under arm ..thanks

Moderators

Popcornpickles, welcome to Breastcancer.org and thank you for posting! Until you get responses from the other members here, there is an article about Kinesio Tape for Lymphedema in our main site that you may find helpful.

We're super glad that you've found us. Please come back to let us know how you're doing!

Kind wishes to you,

The Mods

MinusTwo

Popcorn - I'm attaching the link again for a comprehensive site about LE. The tape is one thing that a trained LEPT can use in treatment. See if you can get a referral to a trained professional - names & ideas in this link.

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

Popcornpickles

Hi thank you Minustwo, I'm going to get the referral, Thank you for the link checking that out.

MsPrecious

Please can kinesio tape be used on the breast? My LEPT used it on my upper chest above the breast and my back. I can do it for those areas but not the breast. My swelling is on the lower breast, please if it's possible to use it on the breast, how do I apply it?

MinusTwo

MsPrecious - I think you need to see an LEPT to apply the kinesio tape for the first time. The placement will depend on exact swelling,. After that they can probably teach you to do it yourself.

MsPrecious

MinusTwo, thank you. I'll make an appointment once the lockdown is over

RMC19

I'm just going through this now. I see it is an old thread - I'm hoping this pops up for someone who responded and someone can tell me it was a good outcome! I am doing PT, pumping (Tactile), compression, swell spots, ABs, etc. Any info is sooooo appreciated - I'm really down about this!