Lymphadema

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pgpapergirl
pgpapergirl Member Posts: 16
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

     I am 52 years old and had lumpectomy with radiation afterwards back in 2005.  Not

     long after my surgery, I developed a abcess on the surgical line of the breast.  It was

     reopened and left open to heal from the inside out.  I have always had some pain

     and discomfort since that surgery, however, recently I have notice a little swelling

     on one side of that breast and a naggy pain that comes and goes per day.  Pain

     seem to radiate to the armpit, but I do not feel any swelling there.  Am I to suppose

     that this is lymphadema of the breast and arm so long after surgery or should I be

     concerned this might be another type of cancer?  Would appreciate your input.

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  • Kinclan
    Kinclan Member Posts: 24
    edited September 2008

    I would call your Doctor and ask.  I have dealt with the lymphodema, but I went through therapy and it is gone now.  I wouldn't take any chances, although you can develop lymphodema after a long period, mine was 11 months after the surgery. 

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  • SpunkyGirl
    SpunkyGirl Member Posts: 1,568
    edited September 2008

    Kinclan,

    I would call your Oncologist.  If he determines it's lymphedema, he'll give you a referral to a physical therapist.  Make sure whoever you go to is certified to do Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD).  If this is lymphedema, there is a thread farther down below that addresses it, and a lot of knowledgeable ladies (like Binney), who can help you through this.

    Bobbie

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  • Kinclan
    Kinclan Member Posts: 24
    edited September 2008

    I did that when it started back in January and doing fine now.  I think I over did it with my grandson and our annual cookie baking for Christmas Laughing

    Cathy

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  • pgpapergirl
    pgpapergirl Member Posts: 16
    edited September 2008

    Thanks girls!  Called my surgeon and nurse practitioner wants me to come into the office and see the doctor who specializes in lymphadema.  She told me he could determine for sure whether it is lymphadema or something else.  I'm just praying for the best.  But, thanks again for your input.

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  • Kinclan
    Kinclan Member Posts: 24
    edited September 2008

    Keep us informed and good luck! 

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  • pgpapergirl
    pgpapergirl Member Posts: 16
    edited September 2008

    Went to the doctors yesterday and saw a lymphadema specialst.  He told me all is well and that

    I have an edema problem and will need to have physical therapy to learn how to alleviate the

    gathering of fluid in the breast.  What a relief.  Thanks for all your concern.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited September 2008

    Hi, pgpapergirl,

    SO GLAD your fears about IBC have been laid to rest -- whew!

    "An edema problem" in a breast is called "truncal lymphedema," and there are a lot of us here who are dealing with it. If you'd like to connect, do feel free to join us on the "Lymphedema After Surgery" board just a few boards below this one. Good treatment by a well-qualified lymphedema therapist (PT or OT with extra training in lymphedema) will soon have you comfortable in your own skin again.Smile

    Be well!
    Binney

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  • pgpapergirl
    pgpapergirl Member Posts: 16
    edited September 2008

    Hi Binney

    Thank you for the info.  I will go to that board.  Thanks for caring.

    pgpapergirl

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  • Kinclan
    Kinclan Member Posts: 24
    edited September 2008

    So glad everything worked out for you!

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