LE and DX mammos

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purple32
purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Hi all

The jury is still out as to what this area of my skin on the bottom of my breast may be .. ....could be LE or possibly ' something' caused from my LX in May ?

None of my DRS were concerned , but .... whatever.

In any case, I am soon to go in for a DIAGNOSTIC ( not regular)  mammogram.  Does anyone have any advice on this if they do have breast or truncal LE?  It just seems to me that the compression would be bad and possibly cause an issue.

But what do I know----I dont even know if I have LE!

Thx for any help whatsoever.

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

    Purple, you're in a real spot, and I'm so sorry!Frown But it's gonna be okay.Smile Since you can't seem to get a diagnosis it's really impossible to prepare for this completely. I can tell you what you would do if you DID have a LE diagnosis, though, if that helps any. You would want to make sure any swelling was as well controlled as possible (gentle Manual Lymph Drainage massage and gentle compression). Then the day of the mammo (and the day before as well) you'd want to stay really well hydrated (NO caffeine) and do some deep abdominal breathing from time to time--especially while you're waiting for the mammo (don't take so many deep breathes that you make yourself dizzy!Tongue out)

    Try to relax and rest afterward (yeah, right!Undecided) And for goodness sake keep us posted!

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • purple32
    purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
    edited September 2012

    Thanks, Binney.  I appreciate the advice.

    Tell me, why are the deep breaths so important?

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

    Purple, the largest lymphatic vessel in our bodies (the thoracic duct) is a big, deep vessel that runs vertically, belly to just below the shoulder, through the area of the diaphragm. Deep breaths stimulate that vessel and help to pump the lymph fluid. And since the lymph system has no heart-like pump to keep it thumping, the deep breaths are one way to affect the whole system.

    Besides, it calms us down--what's not to like?!Laughing

    Be well,
    Binney

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  • purple32
    purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
    edited September 2012

    Sounds good, Binney ...can't go wrong, I guess.Smile

    Thx for taking the time to explain.

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