Neck Lymphedema

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KentuckyMom
KentuckyMom Member Posts: 148
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Quick question.

Is it possible to have Lymphedema in the neck?  I just noticed yesterday(Sat.) some swelling above the coller bone on the same side as my mastectomy.  It is NOT hard just a little puffy.  But it does scare me.

Thanks and Blessings

Jean

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  • SpunkyGirl
    SpunkyGirl Member Posts: 1,568
    edited June 2011

    Jean,

    I think that Apple had that issue.  You might want to connect with her.  You should also let your Oncologist know about it.

    I hope that you get some help, and that it's something they can take care of pretty quickly for you.

    Hugs

    Bobbie

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

    Definitely possible, but I agree with Bobbie that you should run it my your onc. If s/he suggests some scans to rule out other possibilities and nothing shows up it's likely LE (lymphedema). Then you need a referral for evaluation and therapy by a well-trained LE therapist. Here's how to find one near you:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

    The treatment for neck or facial LE is a gentle lymph massage called Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) that you can learn to do yourself. It's actually amazingly relaxing.

    Early-stage lymphedema does feel puffy, but later it can become hard and fibrotic, which makes it a bit harder to treat. So getting it diagnosed early would be a big help.

    Please let us know what you discover.

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • kane744
    kane744 Member Posts: 461
    edited June 2011

    Kentucky Mom, I had a port put in for my chemo treatment (opposite side from my surgery).  Two weeks later swelling appeared in my neck.  They pushed at it, took blood tests, and in the end said it was nothing.  After my LE appeared (hand, arm, breast) my LE therapist worked on it and it went away.  I've always wondered.  BTW, I'm from Lexington.

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  • KentuckyMom
    KentuckyMom Member Posts: 148
    edited June 2011

    My port is on the right.  My mastectomy is on the left as is the swelling above the collar bone.       Lexington huh!  :D    Ever been to Morehead?  Daniel Boone National Forest is all around us...forest covered hills in every direction!      

    Blessings

    Jean

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