Very scared, need your thoughts...

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sweeney
sweeney Member Posts: 353
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Hi everyone,

I'm here to ask for some help. I haven't had lymphedema up to this point. I returned to work 4 weeks ago after my diagnosis/lumpectomy/chemo/radiation. Throughout all the treatment I had no apparent signs of lymphedema. I had three lymph nodes removed and both were clear. I was called a Stage 1 cancer.

Now, 4 weeks of working later my armpit and the bottom of my breast are sore. My tumour was located at the top of my breast, no where near the new soreness. I am terrified of recurrrence. And I am also wondering if working at the computer for long hours at work has brought on some signs of lymphedema.

Can anyone tell me if lymphedema can show up 7 months after surgery? Thank you to anyone who has any info on this. Of course, I have called my onco and I'm waiting to hear from her too.

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  • CherylG711
    CherylG711 Member Posts: 102
    edited February 2011

    Yes, lymphedema can show up seven months after surgery....you are always at risk.  Sounds like you need to get a referral from your doctor to get evaluated for lymphedema.

    Here are some changes I made that helped in the computer department:  I am right handed and had to move my mouse to the left side (reconfigured buttons) because of swelling from resting my wrist on the mouse pad.  Replaced the standard keyboard with an ergonomic variety, keeps me from bending my wrists and helps them stay in the correct position for typing.

    Cheryl 

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited February 2011

    Sweeney, I'm so sorry for this new worry! YES, lymphedema can show up at any time following breast cancer treatment, even years later. And good for you for jumping on this and looking for answers quickly! It's hard for our doctors to recognize or diagnose lymphedema when it's in the armpit or breast, so your best bet is to find a well-qualified lymphedema therapist and get a referral from any doctor on your team. Here's a page about finding one who is well-trained:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

    And here's information about breast lymphedema (which is actually called truncal lymphedema):
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunckal_lymphedema.htm

    Please keep us posted and let us know how you're doing. And do tell us how we can help!

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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