Which doctor should I see?

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soonerfan
soonerfan Member Posts: 36
edited June 2014 in Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer

I had a bilateral mastectomy in Dec. '07 with tissue expander reconstruction, chemo Feb. - April '08, and expander exchange surgery in Aug. '08.   My Onc is the only doctor I see now.  I am experiencing some irritation and feel a slightly swollen area underneath my right breast implant on the breast bone.  When I wear a bra that I've worn since the final surgery it no longer fits the same and I find myself constantly pulling it down on that side because it is irritating and uncomfortable.  I discussed it with my husband and he could feel that it is swollen and told me to see the doctor about it. 

 So my question is, which doctor should I see?  The breast surgeon, plastic surgeon, or onc?  I don't like playing the game of going to a doctor and they tell me to go ask another.  Know what I mean?   Has anyone had something similar happen and if so, which doctor did you see?  

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited August 2010

    Hi soonerfan...your best bet is to call BS or PS Office and ask who are you suppose to see if there is a problem. I don't think Oncologist is the answer ( I had a similar experience and was sent to BS.) 

    I only had a lumpectomy but i still see my BS once a year.

    good Luck to you.

    Sheila

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited August 2010

    I would start with your breast surgeon.  Unfortunately, he/she may send you to the PS if they determine the problem is related to your implant.  But I would think the BS would be the better one to do a thorough evaluation and rule out any other possible causes that should be ruled out just to be sure.  Is there any chance you're developing some truncal lymphedema?  Just a thought ~  Deanna

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  • soonerfan
    soonerfan Member Posts: 36
    edited August 2010

    Thank you.  My husband also thought I should start with my BS.  Although she released me from her care she told me I can call her any time with questions, so I will.  Deanna, it might possibly be truncal lymphedema.  I hadn't thought of that. 

    I appreciate your comments, thank you.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited August 2010

    Soonerfan,

    Just wanted to mention that our doctors (and in particular our surgeons) are not taught much about lymphedema in our medical schools. That's because it's not treated with drugs or surgery, or even by doctors -- it's treated by specially-trained lymphedema therapists. The experience of way too many women here who have developed truncal lymphedema is that their surgeons were not even aware that truncal lymphedema existed, so unless what you're dealing with is something else that is readily recognizable by a breast surgeon, a diagnosis may be hard to get. If you come to the end of their ideas and still don't have any answers, you can get a referral to a well-trained lymphedema therapist from any doctor on your team who's willing -- even your PCP. Here's how to find a qualified lymphedema therapist near you:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

    Please don't accept a "wait-and-watch" policy with this, because if it's truncal lymphedema, treating it promptly will go a long way toward making the treatment easier, giving you better long-term control, and lowering your risk of serious systemic infection (bacteria thrive on stagnant, protein-rich lymph fluidFrown).

    Be well!
    Binney

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  • soonerfan
    soonerfan Member Posts: 36
    edited August 2010

    Thank you, Binney.  My mother suffered with lymphedema for years after her mastectomy in 1984 before finally finding a lymphedema therapist.  She had all her lymphnode glands removed in her right arm, and she is right-handed.  Her arm was always swollen twice and sometimes three times larger than her left arm.  The therapist taught her to move the fluids from the bad arm over to her other side by stroking in one continuous motion starting with her right wrist and all the way up the arm, across her back to the other arm.  I did that for her as often as I could.   I only had five nodes on right side and three on left removed but I was extremely cautious about not lifting more than 10 lbs for a long time because I didn't want to suffer like my mom.  Most people didn't understand that, especially my coworkers.  When I would explain that I'm not going to lift something for fear of getting lymphedema they would look puzzled and ask "what's lymphedema"? 

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