Genetic mutations predispose to LE

From the Andrea Chevile LE transcript:

 when an arm swells-and it may be just in the hand, it
may be very subtle-it's not uncommon for
women simply to have their fingers involved or the
area between the thumb and the index finger either
onthe back or the palmar surface ofthe hand.
Sites that are particularly problematic in
lymphedema are the back ofthe hand; the forward
side, the palmar; the side ofthe forearm that has
the softer skin [that] usually is not sun exposed,
we call it the volar forearm; and the area around
the elbow, on the inner side of the elbow. Very
commonly, those are the first sites where
lymphedema [appears].

There is a serious under-shortage ofphysicians
that are experienced [and] adequately exposed to
lymphedema, so the best thing a woman can do,
if she feels, "Uh-oh. You know, I think this is it.
I think I've got lymphedema,"is to certainly inquire
from her oncologist, her surgeon, her radiation
oncologist, whoever her ongoing breast cancer team
is, "Do you know of a certified therapist, a trained
therapist that I can get to?"
If not, there are resources on the Internet.

She also has a good explanation of the cumulative damage from inflammation, radiation and protein debris that cause the overt swelling to begin.

Kira

Crystal, those symptoms sound like a possibility of axillary/arm LE, and it's worth getting an evaluation by a LE therapist.

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

There's so much axillary LE out there, and it's denied so often. Good that you know MLD.

Please let us know how you're doing, and as Sharon said, maybe a new thread so others can see it.

Kira 

Crystal, let us know what the therapist says.

Do you have the link to truncal/axillary LE, there's an article on the page that has good photos to illustrate the swelling in the axilla:

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

Kira