New Symptom

Jujuberry

Following breast cancer treatment 4 years ago I developed lymphodema in my upper right arm and wear a compression sleeve.

I haven't been able to get to see mr specialist for my laser treatment as also have it in my breast , so am just after advice on a new development please. For the past week my right hand has become really painful and swollen and now my lower arm too. It feels very tight and bruised and very swollen too. My GP has prescribed antibiotics in case it might be cellulitis. I'm worried the lymphodema has spread down my arm. Has anybody else experienced this? I don't wear my sleeve every day so now I'm thinking I may of caused it. Any help greatly appreciated?

MsPrecious

So sorry to hear about your symptoms. Since you are not sure if it's cellulitis or lymphedema, you may have to be elevating the arms and take your antibiotics as prescribed. You may return to wearing compression sleeves and bra after completing your antibiotics and try to see a lymphedema therapist also. Hope you feel better very soon.

Moderators

Hi jujuberry and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

We're so sorry to hear of your lymphedema issues, but we're really glad you've found us. As you can already see, our Community is full of wonderful members, always willing to lend advice and support -- we're all here for you!

In addition to MsPrecious's post, you may find it helpful to check out the main Breastcancer.org site's section on Lymphedema, which discusses signs and symptoms, along with things you can do to lessen risk of of a flare-up, and what to do if you have one.

We hope this helps and that you find relief soon! Welcome again, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

--The Mods

MinusTwo

juju - Below is a link to a great site if you haven't seen it before. Hopefully you are seeing or can get a referral to a trained, certified LT physical therapist.

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

Darlene63

I was diagnosed in Feb 2020 had my lumpectomy with lymph node dissection why did they have to take out 9.

Nine nodes and do you think the freaking surgeon even mentioned lymphedema. Has anyone’s surgeon even spoken about this? And what about the stupid radiation oncologist? He said there was nothing to do about the swelling! I am angry because this is 2020 there should be more to do about reducing the lymphedema or even preventing it. I am angry because I don’t feel like I am getting the treatment I deserve. No one prepared me for this. So much for retirement.

MinusTwo

Darlene - so sorry you have to join us. No only do most docs not mention LE, if you ask, many actively say it's not really a problem. Check out the "step up speak out" link in my email above from 5/9.

Bootscootin

I am surprised that surgeons are still doing lymph node dissection. When I had my lumpectomy in 2015, my surgeon said if the sentinel node was positive, the nodes would be treated with radiation rather than dissection to help reduce the chances of developing lymphedema. I still went on to develop very mild lymphedema on inside of upper arm and mild breast lymphedema.

vlnrph

For our original poster, yes LE can ‘travel’ to other sites, especially if compression is lacking or difficult to apply such as the chest/trunk. An all too common scenario is development of hand swelling when a garment like a glove or gauntlet is not used with an arm sleeve. I had gotten away from wearing these following a trip to a warm humid environment although I did put them on once through airport security.

Certainly, don’t blame yourself because, as others have implied, the condition is still not well understood even after all these years. Wrapping may help. Hopefully your therapist can teach you that option which employs layers of short stretch bandages. Recently, I was given a wide strip of foam-like material to use in addition.

My attempt to bring things under control earlier this year was interrupted by the coronavirus situation when routine appointments were canceled. Also, I can’t do water exercise due to our fitness center closing. At least, being home for the duration, I am back to using my FlexiTouch machine daily.