Lymphedema in Breast Only?

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EmilyInOntario
EmilyInOntario Member Posts: 626
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema
Lymphedema in Breast Only?
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  • EmilyInOntario
    EmilyInOntario Member Posts: 626
    edited December 2010

    Two weeks after my lumpectomy and SNB I began to notice redness well below the incision (which is across the top of the breast) and on the underside of the breast the skin was thickened. I had a lot of fluid sloshing around in the breast for several weeks after that surgery which eventually resolved. No drain for that.10 weeks later the breast is still reddened with the same thickened skin area. I assumed it was just normal healing. I had an axillary dissection 5 weeks ago as well but with one drain. Has anyone had lymphedema in the breast only? Is this what this is? I had read IBC can also look like this? Any ideas?

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2012

    I think you are describing a seroma.  Have your doctor check it to make sure it isn't any kind of an infection.  That is usually done by using a needle to aspirate a small amount of the liquid and testing it for any bacteria that might be causiing infection.

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited December 2010

    Emily, there is breast lymphedema, and although the sloshing sounded like a seroma, it could also be breast lymphedema.

    It's worth having your surgeon check it out, and consider seeing a lymphedema therapist.

    Did you have radiation? 

    Here are some links
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunckal_lymphedema.htm

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

    Let us know how you're doing, and if you need more information.

    KIra

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  • EmilyInOntario
    EmilyInOntario Member Posts: 626
    edited December 2010

    Thanks Kira and Caerus, I will ask the doctor to check it out again when I see her. I have not had radiation and have no pain or fever and it's not really swollen..just reddened and thicker skin.

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited December 2010

    Emily, sure sounds like breast lymphedema--lymphedema massage works for it, as well as compression bras.

    But, have your surgeon give you the all clear first.

    Kira

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  • proudtospin
    proudtospin Member Posts: 5,972
    edited December 2010

    I have breast lympodemia but not in the arm or elsewhere

    or as of now which is 2 years post rad treatment

    I did massage therapy, have not kept up on my own, my most recent mamo shows a reduction of the swelling.  I am not wearing a compression bra although it was suggested,

    not sure if I am risking stuff but I have also not flown since treatment

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  • EmilyInOntario
    EmilyInOntario Member Posts: 626
    edited January 2011

     Update: I saw a Lymphedema therapist today as the lymphedema started in my hand and wrist 10 days after I posted this topic. She also confirmed my breast lymphedema. After approval from my oncologist she will do Manual Lymph Therapy.There are some reports that this can spread cancer cells so it's something you really must discuss with your doctor first. In the meantime she applied some special cream which can help break up the fibrocytic tissue developing..the thicker breast tissue.. and supplied me with a swell spots compression insert for the bra. In addition she applied  a special tape in one strip from shoulder to wrist that is supposed to improve  lymph flow in the arm until I am fitted for a compression sleeve. She explained that because the lymph has a higher protein content, allowing it to build up will encourage bacteria which leads to infection and a fairly serious potential complication of cellulitis.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited January 2011
    Emily, answered you on your other thread instead of this one - duhUndecided! Ah, well, wishing you a restful night and real relief!
    Binney
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