Can I get lymphedema 2 1/2 years after treatment

lymphedema has nothing to do with cancer being back - it happens when the lymph fluid in your arm/shoulder makes a new "path" since nodes have been removed and disrupted, and the new path goes into the arm.

When you injure your arm or hand,  the body sends lymph fluid to it --white blood cells and such.  That's why an arm injury can trigger lymphedema.  I have a friend who just got lymphedema from an infected spider bite on her mastectomy arm four years later. 

It does NOT mean your cancer is back - it has nothing to do with it -- relax and just try to hang in there!  I know it's hard not to panic at every new thing, for sure ......but Lymphedema is treatable!  

So sorry to hear you're having some swelling, but hopefully it will resolve itself...and if it is lymphedema, it's not the end of the world.  I have it and I still manage to have a good time most days. 

And the other ladies are spot on - lymphedema doesn't mean your cancer is back - it just means your lymphatic system isn't operating efficiently.

Hang in there and let us know how you are!
Suzy

Well, if the swelling doesn't go down, I would recommend asking your doctor to get you in with a qualified lymphedema therapist.  She can show you techniques for you to self-manage lymphedema, and you can successfully keep it from progressing.  And many times, most of the swelling is reversible, but you have to work at it daily.  This is the yukky part of LE - if I don't treat it daily, I swell up. 

Good luck to you!

S.

kdholt,

  Let me second Suzy--the best thing to do is to get evaluated by a qualified lymphedema therapist who decide if this is lymphedema--but the swelling definitely sounds like it could be--and they will teach you the things you need to know to control it: special massage, risk reductions, garments if needed, and special exercises.

Yes, some people swell up due to an issue, and it resolves with treatment, but they're always considered to have Stage 0 lymphedema--latent lymphedema.

Early treatment is the best way to get it to resolve.

Have a great holiday, and here's a guide to what to do while waiting for a lymphedema therapist evaluation: on the web page, there are links:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/How_You_Can_Cope_with_Lymphedema.htm#while%20waiting

What to do While Waiting for Your First Appointment with a Qualified Lymphedema Therapist

DO NOT try and treat this yourself!!! Proper professional treatment is essential to getting control of lymphedema and preventing its progression. Treatment can be expensive and inconvenient, but this condition is life long, potentially disfiguring, disabling and possibly life-threatening (if you get an infection known as cellulitis) so professional evaluation and treatment as soon as possible is essential.

1) Get evaluated promptly by your doctor to rule out other causes for the swelling in your hand/arm, and get a referral to see a well-trained lymphedema therapist;
2) Drink plenty of fluids -- staying well hydrated helps dilute lymph fluid and keep it moving freely;

3) Elevate the swollen arm or hand as much as possible during the day and on pillows at night; support the arm well so that it doesn't tire;
4) Several times a day pause and do some deep breathing -- this helps stimulate the largest lymph vessels in your body;

5) Raise hands over head as high as is comfortable for you, three times a day, and pump fists 20 times;
6) Call for medical help immediately if you have severe pain, redness, fever or feel ill;

7) You can try mild compression gloves by either Sammons Preston or Isotoner® Fingerless Therapeutic Gloves if your hands and/or fingers are swollen until your appointment with your lymphedema therapist. Be sure to bring them along to your appointment;
8) Do NOT use ACE wraps or any other wraps without the advice of your lymphedema therapist after your evaluation and your treatment plan is scheduled.

Kira

I developed LE 4 1/2 years after surgery.  You should go see a certified LE therapist so you can get a handle on this.

KD, another cause of sudden swelling that a doctor would check out with a doppler if he was worried about it is a blood clot. That's an emergency, though, and you'd be in trouble by now if that were the cause. Part of diagnosing LE is our medical history, and unfortunately by that criteria you "qualify" for LE. The problem is that our doctors don't always know enough about LE to realize prompt treatment can save us a whole lot of trouble (shorter therapy time, easier managing long-term), and they take a wait-and-see attitude when they should at least get an evaluation from a well-trained LE therapist.

So, have a very happy Thanksgiving weekend -- and, come Monday, talk to your doctors (any one on your team will do) about a referral for LE evaluation.

And, KD, we ALL panic easily after bc. I slammed my finger in the back door one day, and the next morning woke up with the fingertip feeling very tender. For several panicked seconds, until I remembered the door incident, I actually wondered if you could get cancer of the fingernail. A sense of humor is our only defense!

Keep us posted!
Binney

Debbie--everyone is different.

When I read your original post, I noticed that the swelling has been hanging around for a month, so I definitely would get it checked out, and let us know how you're treated, as a PT with some knowledge of LE is not the same as a qualified LE therapist (they get 135 hours of training and supervision).

Hope you see swift results.

Kira

So what is the percentage of mastectomy and lumpectomy victims get LE?   Are there any stats on this?  Does more nodes removed equal greater chance of LE?  Will I ever be comfortable with myself again?  This sucks!

If they removed several lymph nodes, yes you have to be very protective of that side arm, not for lymphedema, but infections, I always carry antibiotic cream , if I cut,or burn, use mosquito repellent not to have a bite.

Also it is a good idea to keep the exercises for the arm , if you had a mastectomy, to prevent freezing of the arm[s].