Truncal Lymphedema

Hi happyhere,

The main Breastcancer.org site has a page on Compression Sleeves and Garments, which suggests a special bra or vest for truncal lymphedema. Also, at the bottom of the page, there are links to resources where you can shop online to see if any of those garments might work for you!

Hope this helps!

--The Mods

Happy -

I have same problem area (in & all around arm pit:  pec muscle area front, down side, around back of shoulder across to center back & down to waist.)  The few articles & websites that address truncal LE -including this one (moderators above) & SUSO - refer to garments that obviously won't work for this area.  Anything sleevesless is problematic bcse arm opening doesn't provide adequate coverage (at best) or cuts into edematous tissue. Garments w sleeves are problematic for arm LE. I have not found any that work for me.



Many people on this site recommend surfer rash guard tops or UnderArmor sports shirts. You might them. They don't work for me (I don't like the fit or the fabric & "compression" is too light for me.)  



I rely on a homemade shirt that is better than anything else - but it's not good enough.



I also have a custom Tribute vest.  It helps somewhat w pain (not w swelling) when trunk feels especially bad -  though it is hot & uncomfortable in its own way.  I have some ideas for a better fit & am looking for a creative fitter or therapist willing to help w design & order.  



I am now considering Flexitouch machine as last resort.  Out of pocket per my insurance.  Don't know if it will work but feel like I'm at the end of the line w other options. ?!



Would love to hear from anyone w a solution.

I have truncal LE as well. However, due to my severe post mastectomy pain syndrome, wearing anything like that around  my chest sounds like it might not be an option for me.

Ericamary, "hot and painful" is a heads-up for possible cellulitis. So is the fact that the swelling came on suddenly. Sent you a PM. Please don't wait until Monday to check this out. Right away is best!
Be well!
Binney

I also have edema in a hard to reach spot: in front of my pec and in my underarm area. Vests and camis made for compression hardly cover the area. The best solution I have found is the Reebok Easytone shirt. The cap sleeve is just long enough to reach my compression sleeve for continuous coverage. It is extremely tight (I remember thinking "sausage casing" when I struggled to put it on the first time). But after a few tries it is easy and it feels so good. I mostly wear it when hiking and always when flying. I should mention that I had BMX without reconstruction and I do not wear prostheses, so there are no breasts, real or not, to accommodate. This shirt would definitely flatten them! But it is sold as a workout shirt, so I guess some people with breasts like it too.



It is harder and harder to find so I wonder if they are no longer making them. If you like this shirt or would like one and can't find it, contact Reebok! I am because I would be lost without mine and I know they won't last forever!



I do see Dick's has a new exclusive "high compression" Reebok shirt that I am going to try. I will size down for good measure. They have free "back to school" shipping right now.



Good luck! I am delighted to learn from others' experiences with truncal edema and look forward to reading about more solutions.

The only places I can find the Reebok Easytone shirt now is Amazon and EBay. I am terrified they are discontinued so I have amassed quite a collection. They are far more compressive than the Under Armor garments I have tried. FYI, if you find one and are wondering about sizing, for reference I am relatively small (5'3", 115 lbs) and without breasts and the small is very tight on me.

I would guess a medium. It will be hard to put on and take off the first few times. If I were not sure I would by both medium and large and return one. They do loosen up slightly over time. You might read some of the customer reviews to get an idea of how they fit over breasts. Keep in mind these people are looking for compression to increase fitness, not to treat a medical condition.



I wash mine in a net bag in Ivory Snow and hang to dry, which extends the life of the compression a bit. Btw, when I exercise heavily (such as go on a difficult hike) I sometimes feel winded and wish my lungs had more room, but the Belisse vest I have is much worse and doesn't protect the area that swells.



I just ordered two other styles from Dick's that are also Reebok that they say are exclusive to them. I'll let you know how they compare.

Hi, i am having a similar problem as you. IF you find something that works please message me and let me know. I wish you the best and hope you find something that works. I am going to try the underarmour shirts but i can't wear those in 90 degree weather, will try in the winter.

I too have truncal along with it under my breast and on my side. I was having the hardest time doing my manual massage becasue of where the swelling is. I would have DH do it when he was here, or use a bath towel across my back to try and get the same effect. Finally my LE therapist reccommended a pump.. I had a free home consult (1 hr using the pump unit) All I can say is wow!! Insurance approved it, the company waived my copay (700 bucks) and it's on its way here! I would highly reccommend ya'll look into something like this to help. After trying various garments, the heat, I was fed up with the pain and swelling. I will say, I found a compression bra (long line) that is made from the same type of fabric as my sleeves on amazon. I am waiting for it to arrive. I want comfort that does not make me look like I have a flak jacket on.

Jolly, come over to the LE exercise thread! We could use some of those ideas and all that enthusiasm for added inspiration!

proudtospin---thank you soo much for the offer....Its so wonderful havin a sista in the next town with a heart as big as that town.I appreciate it.Im goin away this weekend and I dont really want to buy anything till I see the PT for the first time on the 22 of this month.

Im doin the exercises every day sometimes 2 and 3x a day and I cannot go swimming unless its a warm pool.The cold water kills my sciatica.

And I do have it under my arm too.

LE suks.big time

KS1, you might get more compression that way!  I haven't tried it, though.  Sounds like you think it might work.  Let me know what you experience.  I have never seen the Reebok Easytone compression shirt in a store, just online.  In my opinion, they are in a class by themselves!  If you go to Amazon maybe you can get one in time.  Another option I have tried:  compression shirts made for boys.  I got one at Target a while ago and it was OK.  I don't know how they would accommodate breasts, however.    Best of luck to you!  BTW, I travel a lot and try to move regularly on the plane -- I get up and walk, do stretches, lunges and squats, gently pump my arms occasionally over my head, etc.  

Carol57, can you send me a link to the LE exercise thread? I went to the LE section and notice there are hundreds of threads!  I'm relatively new to this and still haven't found my way around very well.  Thanks.   

KS, if you're wearing the sweater under the compression shirts, then you have to worry about where the sweater seams are and how they're made. Two compression shirts pressing seams into your skin in the wrong place could be a problem. How about a breast binder over the two shirts instead?
http://www.breastbinders.com/Store/catalog/Traditional_Breast_Binders-1-1.html

Truncal LE--phooey!
Binney