maybe?

I too would contact your doc ASAP and don't wear the sleeve/glove until you speak with your doctor. Improperly fitting garments can make the situation worse.

The fact that one arm is different than the other is a sign of lympedema. BTW if you doc says to wait I still seek out a lymphedema specialist. My onc wasnt' worried about mine arm a few weeks ago. It wasn't too badat the time but not only did the swelling not go down it got worse and have some discomfort. I have an appointment with a specialist recommended by my PS.

Pondfrogs--the reason to seek treatment is that early treatment results in the best control--it's not just swelling--the swelling causes inflammation, and abnormal connective tissue, and can lead to fibrosis--you just don't want to go there.

I know that horrible feeling of noticing this--sends chills down your spine.

I would call you oncologist and get a referral to a qualified LE therapist:

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

Here's a link to what to do while waiting for the evaluation, I'll copy out the text, but there are links on the web page:

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.

Is your job physical? You may need to baby the swollen side for right now.

And good idea NOT to wear a poorly fitting sleeve--bad fitting compression makes everything worse.

Please let us know how we can help.

Kira

You need to get set up with an LE therapist.  Call your breast specialist or who ever you need to get the doctor to order the therapy. Please don't wait until it gets worse.  The sooner you catch it the better it will be for you.  I had to call my dr 3 times before I got the message through & I know people got a @ss chewing because of it.  NJ