Could this be Lymphedema?

Mymom5101

My mom had TN centinal node removed. breast cancer about 3 1/2 years ago. Lumpectomy. Tried one round of chemo and it almost killed her. She was 83 at the time. She refused radiation. She started developing swelling and pain about 6 months ago. The area on her breast that is swollen is where her surgery was performed. It has a hard swelling that is discolored and it’s quite painful. She doesn’t want to see about it because she doesn’t want surgery or chemo again. I am praying it’s not cancer. Could these be signs of lymphedema

BlueGirlRedState

MyMom1501 - please talk to your mother about seeing a doctor. I can understand why she does not want to. The swelling, redness, hardness might be do to the surgery and should be looked at. She can refuse treatment options. But needs to make that decision with an understanding of what is going on and treatment options. My lymphedema expressed itself as a swollen arm, somewhat hard, no redness, no discoloring,no pain. With therapy, it is still swollen, not as much, and is no longer hard.

Binney4

Hi, MyMom,

The short answer is yes, it could. Breast lymphedema does sometimes cause discoloration and even skin texture changes, and certainly it can be painful, hard, and localized. Happily, it's treatable by a well-trained and experienced lymphedema therapist.

The issue is to get it diagnosed and treated, and the sooner the better as early treatment means it's easier to get under control and keep it that way. I sure do understand your mom's reluctance to pursue this, but maybe it will help and reassure her if she knows she has the hope of potential relief. Give her a gentle hug for us, please, and a big one for you as well,
Binney

Mymom5101

Thank you so much. This is encouraging

Mymom5101

since writing my question about lymphedema, my mom asked me to look at the area again. It was awful. It had grown so large and red and I don't know how to explain how in 4 weeks this thing is 1000 times worse. I talked her into going to oncologist. She took one look at it and said it's cancer. Same breast that she had cancer in 4 years ago. I am so sad. She was in so much pain. The oncologist ordered a chemo pill. We are waiting on scan appointment and then biopsy. Any ideas on what we are looking at? I have tried to research cancer on outside of the breast and can't find anything

Binney4

Oh, Mymom, I'm so sorry to hear this. Did he give her anything for the pain in the meantime, I hope? Don't hesitate to call the oncologists office and speak to a nurse about your questions, as those answers are so important as you look toward the future and the decisions she will need to make. Information is power.

With you in prayer,
Binney

Mymom5101

Thank you. She has been prescribed pain meds. They are helping. The scans are scheduled for next Wednesday. Hopefully we will find out more at that time. I am hoping it’s not as bad as it looks. So scared

edwards750

Bless your heart I know you and your Mom are scared. I know ladies who have lymphadema but it’s in their arms. I don’t blame your mom for not wanting to subject herself to a round of anything again. Chemo is tough enough as it is much less for someone your Mom’s age. It almost did my sister in and she’s quite a bit younger than your mother.

We are all praying it’s something manageable. Keep us posted and keep the faith.

Diane

Mymom5101

Thank you so much. The oncologist put her on Xeloda chemo pill. We just started it today. I am worried about her taking it and worried if she doesn’t