Swelling just above inside of elbow; freaking out

PalBuddy

My left arm (had left partial mastectomy) just above the inside of the elbow is swollen.

I’ve never had Lymphadema, so don’t know if this could be that

Naturally, I noticed it on a Saturday. Am freaking out. My left arm has been feeling funny for a couple of weeks, but I have lots of neck & spine issues from old car accident. I have some sort of osteopathic treatments most every week..

Anyone had similar?

I am about 2.5 years past surgery & treatment. Never had this before.

Thanks.

Jenny

AliceBastable

I've never noticed swelling (I have chubby upper arms), but I get achy there sometimes. Two exercises I saw on this site back in 2018 help me - one is to extend your arm out in front of you, gently rather than shoving, and slowly make a fist and then release it, repeat about 20 times. The other is to slowly raise your arm up above your head, extended straight but not forced feeling, then lower it, and repeat about 20 times. Now, I don't know if those are to be done when there's actual swelling; I just do it if my arm feels achy.

amanda6

i would say yes, it could be. My lymphedema appeared last spring, 10 years after a lumpectomy. I didn't really recognize it as such for awhile. I wouldn't freak out over it ( easy to say ), just get it checked out & if it is lymphadema, get in to see a clt. In an early stage like that, if it is indeed lymphadema, the outcome should be good. Best wishes

LivinLife

My BMX with sentinel node biopsy was in August 2020. I went through P.T. for a tennis elbow several weeks later, then Lymphedema therapy on several occasions after that for cording. I do not have lymphedema though me and the L.T. noticed occasional swelling in the lymph nodes of my elbow (inner) on the node side at times. I've since had this on my non DCIS side at times too. In my case it is irritated swollen nodes and still not lymphedema. Sometimes it comes on (either elbow) from what might be just overuse and other times there appears no reason though it always goes away again after 3+ days (maybe - I don't track it). I noticed Aspercreme and/or Voltaren gel does help - the discomfort and the actual swelling. I still have the cording unfortunately and that likely doesn't help...

PalBuddy

So, if it is something, it is most likely to be lymphadema and not a spread of the cancer?

LivinLife

Well, I certainly can't say what your situation is or isn't- I'm not a medical person. I just want to help ease your anxiety that it may not be lymphedema or cancer. It is neither in my case.... it is irritated lymph nodes that come and go... I think it is related to my recent surgery and the cording to be honest though no-one but me seems concerned about it so I'm not as concerned either at this point... I see my onc in March so will let her know too.... Obviously it's important you get your situation evaluated so you know what you are dealing with. Just wanted to let you know it may not be as bad as your worry.... An L.T. as amanda said is your best bet.... evaluation and treatment-wise. If the LT is concerned they will let you know to talk with one of your docs for further evaluation....

MinusTwo

Take a look at this excellent LE site. If you can find a certified & trained LEPT, that would be my first choice. This site will help. Many docs don't know much about LE so it's up to us to do our homework.

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

PalBuddy

thank you!

PalBuddy

update:

Had physical exam from RN at the breast center and she could find nothing untoward. Which is good.

Though, she also said that there “aren’t really any lymph nodes in the breast” which was confusing because the other RN had said there were. (The swelling in my elbow was matched by what felt like enlarged lymph nodes on the sides of my breast to me...)

Anyway; lymphadema confirmed..