Have pain and swelling that is uncommon and feel alone.

Gobucks, taxane based chemo is a risk for LE, and it can also cause neuropathy.

Yeah, I got the carpal tunnel diagnosis also when I got LE in my hand--nice fallback, when you're stumped.

Make sure, there's no sudden swelling where you need to rule out a blood clot, and otherwise I would definitely attribute it to the chemo.

Are you done with chemo?

If the sleeve hurts, it's not going to help you. Pain brings more swelling. 

It's a bit concerning that your LE PT is stumped, and but if you trust her, it makes sense to go back and see her. 

My vote is for taxane based swelling and neuropathy. On top of some LE.

I hope you're feeling better, and are you done with the T/C?

Kira

Actually Taxanes are listed in the Best Practices Guidelines for LE as causing LE, so it could be multifactoral.

The fact that it peaks near chemo and then ebbs, sure sounds like the taxol is involved.

There is no real treatment for peripheral neuropathy, but some of the oncs will try vitamin B and for pain will use gabapentin.

Definitely worth bringing to a doctor's attention, but it sounds like your onc was not all that helpful, unfortunately.

Also, you can educate the LE therapist.

And I read your post more carefully, so you're done with chemo--and hopefully this will settle down.

A researcher is working on nonsteroidals to treat LE, and he found Advil increased swelling--just a thought, it's not a common drug, but if it's not contraiindicated, maybe one of your doctors could prescribe ketoprofen. 

Kira

Peripheral neuropathy is damage/injury to the nerves--and peripheral means in the hands/feet--out iin the extremities, not in the central nervous system. Very common with taxol and often goes away on it's own with time, but can linger.

Here's a mayo clinic link about it

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/peripheral-neuropathy/DS00131

Kira

I'm all  finished, but my pain doesn't know that. my LE has pain to it, not all the time but it's there. I told my GP that I thought I had peri. neur. (which at thistime i don't remember what it is) all he said is it is possible-- I'm remiss in gettin my scan this time-I'm moving and other stuff happened..But that's when I was hoping to get some answers myself. So I really can't help--But I think LE is painful 

Gobucks,

If your LE therapist is a good therapist, she'll appreciate the information and want to help and learn from this situation. And it sounds like she really cares.

I'd vote to let her know how you're feeling and see what she suggests.

KS1--you're so smart! Arterial insufficiency is also a thought, along with the reaction to taxol.

Gobucks--Please let us know how you're doing.

Here's the info on neuropathy on bc.org, 

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/side_effects/neuropathy.jsp

Kira

Gobucks, do you think a second opinion is in order from a LE therapist?  Why I ask is that I have one I use most of the time - i love her, she's gentle and warm, she is calming and reassuring.  But she has a few gaps in her training, that's the best way to put it.  So, there is another LE therapist i see for the technical stuff or for stronger guidance - learning to wrap, having her give me a second opinion.  She's a bit more business-like so is a bit less relaxed.  I think both are pretty good, but in different ways.