Do I have it or not?

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Jeni1962
Jeni1962 Member Posts: 31
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I had a lumpectomy on my left breast and sentinal node taken out under left arm on August 7th. 

Here's what I am feeling and experiancing...maybe you all can help me.

I can not extend my left arm out fully. I have to hold it in a bent position because it is too painful to extend. From my elbow up it is swollen and very tender and painful. My arm feels heavy and carrying it around in a bent position all of the time is tiresome. I have a sling from a previous injury that I have thought of wearing from time to time if I have to be walking for any period of time. Don't want that on too long though..don't want my arm "stuck" in that position. My arm is REALLY hurting!

My general Dr. is out of town so is my surgeon so I went to an associate of my general Dr. today. He put me on Ibuprofin 800...3x a day for 5 days to see if this helps.

I am very nervous that it's Lymphedema...but I don't want to over react. I don't know who to talk to about this. I am going in on Monday the 27th to see my RO for the first time...a meet and greet. Figured I'd ask him as well.

Any comments? Do my symptoms sound like it to you? I have read things....researched...til I'm blue in the face...and it seems to me that it's the beginings for sure.

Thanks for any help you can give to me.

Don't want to be paranoid but hard not to be sometimes! Cool

Jeni 

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Comments

  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited August 2012

    Jeni, how frustrating!Frown What you're describing sounds a lot like Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS), which is also known as cording. Here's information about it:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Cording_and_Axillary_Web_Syndrome.htm

    It's not lymphedema, but experienced lymphedema therapists can help ease it. Best bet is to ask any member of your team for a referral to one. Here's how to find one near you:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

    So, not necessarily the beginnings of lymphedema. And if you see a lymphedema therapist for help with it, she/he can also give you personalized tips for lowering your risk. All good!

    Keep us posted!
    Binney

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  • cinnamonsmiles
    cinnamonsmiles Member Posts: 779
    edited August 2012

    Personally, I would make a follow appt. with your surgeon, Something sounds very wrong. Don't let them poo poo your systems away. Sometimes we have to fight to get the care we deserve. I am no doctor or physical/occupational therapist, but sounds to me like you could use some. I agree with Binney that you should be evaluated by a pt or ot TRAINED to deal with breast cancer treatment issues. I found out the hard way it does no use to go with someone who doesn't know what they are doing.

    Let us know how you are doing! 

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  • Lins1975
    Lins1975 Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2012

    Hi Jeni

    My guess, is that you don't.

    I had the same thing while I was in hospital and even though I was seeing the physiotherapist every other day to learn how to do Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), there were two incidents where the swelling was very bad and the surgeon had to carry out a needle aspiration.

    The procedure was very simple, she inserted a needle through the incision and took the fluid out. The area was already numb from surgery, so it wasn't painful. Only took a few minutes.

    I noticed that the swelling increased temporarily every time I exercised my arms.

    I would see the surgeon about the swelling. But also ask for instruction on how to perform manual lymphatic drainage and start doing that every day. I was also taught shoulder range excercises, but not sure if that applies in your case as I had a mastectomy.

    Good luck and speedy recovery

    L

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