Truncal + breast lymphedema. Is it too soon?

Emily12

Hi Everyone,

I had DMX with 2 SLN removed 5 days ago for DCIS in the right breast. I had a bleeding after the surgery in the right breast casing quite a swelling which required a second emergency surgery several hours later. My PS drained the blood and I was able to go home the next day

Since then I have had an easy recovery. Drains are almost dry, not much pain, good mobility in both arms, until today when I noticed a suspicious swelling on my right side of my body.

I can’t say when it started as I was afraid to look at myself post surgery until today.

The chest above the right expander is swollen more than the left side. My armpit right where the SLN scar is feels swollen and I can’t put my right arm down by my side. The right side of my waste looks swollen as well.

I am very concerned and wondering if that might be truncal LE or is it a swelling from the surgery? My arm looks ok. I can’t do much of a massage to drain the fluids as I am still sore and when I tried it caused more pain than relief.

I can’t wear yet anything that is too tight because of the drains and also mobility issues

Any advice? Can someone develop LE that early and what are my options for treatment?

gb2115

Sorry you are having discomfort! Honestly, from what you wrote it sounds like you have some impressive swelling if you can't put your arm down. I would call your surgeon today and let them know what is going on. Especially before attempting self massage or self treatment (because you don't know for sure what's going on)

I hope you feel better soon!

flashlight

Emily12, It sounds like the swelling is from your surgeries, one after another. I agree I would call your BS and ask if this is a normal complication. I just went to the lymphedema clinic today for breast LE congestion and cording and I'm over year out.

Emily12

I saw my PS yesterday and he thinks I am “doing great”. With all the stuff I read on the LE I am not sure how much doctors pay attention to LE. Anyway I got a referral to PT who specializes in LE but she said she won’t see me until 3 weeks post surgery. She said that the first several months it is difficult to determine if a patient has truncal LE or just swelling from the surgeries. We will monitor and make a decision in a few months if special treatment is needed. It is so confusing for me. My BS and PS have both dismissed my fears of developing LE as I only had 2 SLN removed, but reading here I see women who have LE even without lymph nodes biopsy. Thank you for the information I will keep reading and educating myself.