Swollen armpit

LaVue

I see my breast surgeon for a follow-up visit on Monday. My right armpit is swollen. I'm afraid it is lymphedema. Are there any specific questions I should ask her during my visit?

MinusTwo

LaVue - most docs don't have much training in lymphadema. They pooh-pooh the issue, particularly if it's breast or truncal. If you're concerned, insist on getting a referral to a trained, certified LEPT. The sooner they measure and diagnose, the better. I've managed for 5 years to keep my breast & truncal LE from advancing to my arm. Below is a link that should give you lots of into and questions to ask.

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

LaVue

Thanks, minus two. I developed edema in my legs due to the surgery. This I know for a fact because I went for an ultrasound last week. I am hoping it is temporary.

Is there a way for a layman to determine if the swelling is due to a natural reaction to the surgery and well disappear or if it's lymphedema or edema.

I have an appointment with the breast surgeon on Monday and the plastic surgeon on Tuesday. I will ask both of them for references.

MinusTwo

LaVue - sorry I don't know the answer to that. Hope someone else chimes in who has the answer.

BlueGirlRedState

LaVue - Lots of questions, everything from is it lymphedema to, if it is not lymphedema, what else could it be. There is no blood test etc. The surgeon may or may not know about lymphedema, diagnosis, and treatment options. But it is important to get it diagnosed. If it is lymphedema, getting treatment is important. Treatment could range from lymphatic massage, to self-massage, to compression garmets, to pumping. Newer options include surgery. One person posted about cold laser therapy. Insurance may or may not pay for treatment. If it is lymphedema, check out:

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

https://klosetraining.com/ - My lymphatic therapist suggested thiss site, mostly geared towards therapists, but under the resources guide, there is self care

self massage - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS_WzAdfcSk&feature=youtu.be

MinusTwo

I am of the opinion that everyone should see a certified, trained LEPT before trying to do self massage or self treatment. Although self massage isn't "hard", there is a specific way to touch that many people do wrong even after several sessions with a therapist. After the therapist - great for anyone who chooses to do so.

Morwenna

Hi there

You are just 10 days post-surgery? It could well be reactive post-op swelling, or a seroma, although there is a possibility it's lymphedema.

If things dont improve by 4-6 weeks post op, it'd be worth seeing a lymphedema therapist for assessment in my opinion.

The axilla is not easy to compress, but swelling there does often respond positively to range of motion exercises plus or minus manual lymph drainage techniques ......

flashlight

HI, I agree with MinusTwo and Morwenna. I just started going to the Lymphedema clinic and it is a learning experience. I'm glad it just opened up and I could go in person. Also, my RO told me the swelling under my arm might take a year to resolve and this I found to be true for me. The swelling didn't grow in size and gradually shrunk. I think you have to be 3 weeks post-op before they will see you at the clinic. If there is swelling from the surgery you don't want to take a chance and damage tissue with massage. My question would be how long do you think I will have swelling from the procedures?

LaVue, Where I went to the lymphedema clinic they also have a clinic for the lower body as well.

LaVue

Thank thank you everyone. I will let you know what happens with my appointment tomorrow.

The edema in my legs is shrinking. I can actually see a little ankle now.

My armpit feels a bit numb. Today it was easier to deal with when I took a shower.

Okay, I'll keep everyone posted.

redhead403

I think that lower extremity edema isn't related to your breast surgery unless you did a flap. Even then I would wonder how that would affect your legs

LaVue

I called the surgeon last week and she said the same thing. that the edema is unrelated. But I got it the same day as the surgery(after the surgery). It could be a coincidence.

redhead403

Sometimes after surgery your legs swell because you will receive fluids during surgery. I had swelling after my bilateral mastectomies and after my hysterectomy. takes about a week to 10 days to resolve. elevate your legs and walk as much as you can. I was panicked after the first surgery (hyster) didn't worry after the 2nd. It will go away. Do you have any heart issues that may cause swelling? if not, it will resolve..

VeeHow

I am afraid I have a lymphedema. I’ve had some pain around my armpit and sometimes a bit of pain in my left arm or a little tightness on the far side below my breast. It seemed to be getting a bit worse. Went to the dr. for a completely unrelated problem and they took my blood pressure on the left. I didn’t think anything of it. It really hurt that night and I took some Advil. The next day I went out and wore a bra for the first time in months, my underarm really hurt and burned bad especially before bed. I realized I have some swelling and and what seems like some hard spots now. I feel like I just can’t deal with anything else. Forgot to mention I am healing from a fungal infection under my breast. I see my radiation therapist Wednesday.Thoughts?

LaVue

Everyone - the surgeon said that it looks like regular swelling from surgery. She is not concerned about it. But I'm still going to speak with my plastic surgeon tomorrow and next week when I see the oncologist for the last time.

Veehow - hope someone can chime in to help you. Sorry you're going through a rough time right now.

MinusTwo

VeeHow - scroll up and find the link to the "step up speak out" lymphadema site. It will give you lot of information and suggestions for what to ask your RO.

cyathea

Just to chime in with my 2 cents, I had my BMX in the middle of March and was told that my armpit and truncal swelling could take 4 months to resolve after the surgery! I am seeing a PT that specializes in LE massage. It helps! She also does a great job with my nerve pain and scaring. Although I may not have LE yet, I am being proactive and seeing an LE MD on Friday. My surgeon made the referral even though she thought my swelling was likely still from surgery

VeeHow

MinusTwo

Thank you. The site was very informative.

LaVue

Cyathea, thanks for your thoughts I will ask for a referral when I see the oncologist next week.

LaVue

Wanted to give everyone an update. I had my exchange in October. I'm still swollen and it appears to be tissue related. So it turns out I may need an additional surgery to liposuction the tissue next year . In the meantime, I'll have the physical therapist try to massage the tissue into its rightful place. Hopefully, I can avoid another surgery.