Unexplained swelling in leg?

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tammie
tammie Member Posts: 738
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I have stage4b.c. With mets to all bones,liver,and recently brain and lung. I had radiation to rt femur almost 3mo ago with no side effects Nd little relief , I'm suffering this odd swelling to upper rt leg for about a week now that we can't seem to figure out, ultrasound shows no clots X-ray negative,somebody on the other thread suggested possible lymphodema as the problem? Can u have lymphodema to your leg? Any insight will be greatly appreciated

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited April 2013

    Lymphedema can happen in the legs as well, and perhaps could be related to the radiation therapy to your leg. It would be best for you to go directly to your treatment team and get them to diagnose and manage your symptoms so you can get some comfort. We are sorry you are going through all of this!
    Also, you may want to read this section: http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/lymphedema

    Thinking of you!
    The Mods

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited April 2013

    Hi, Tammie,

    It sure is possible that you're dealing with lymphedema in your leg. The way to find out would be to request a referral to a well-trained lymphedema therapist from any member of your treatment team. Here's how to find one near you:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

    I have recently developed lymphedema in one leg, with no treatment to the leg at all. The lymph system is divided into quadrants, and generally we experience lymphedema only in the treated quadrant. But recent research is suggesting that a compromised lymph system in one quadrant reduces the transport capacity of the other quadrants as well. Also, it's always possible to develop lymphedema (especially in the leg) at any age, and from any kind of trauma if we have a genetically determined less-than-robust lymphatic system. Researchers are now theorizing that those of us who develop lymphedema after cancer treatment (surgery or rads) were at high risk genetically to begin with. So, very possibly lymphedema, especially since your doctors have gone to the trouble of ruling out other causes.

    Do keep us posted, and tell us how we can help!
    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited April 2013

    Tammie, I just went and read your original post about this on the Stage IV board and note that you mention warmth to the touch. In that case the immediate need is to determine if there is an infection called cellulitis in your leg. Both sudden unexplained swelling and warmth to the touch are symptoms. Cellulitis can "percolate" for a few days or a week, but when it takes hold it spreads rapidly and requires immediate antibiotic treatment to avoid systemic involvement. Please read my post to you on the other thread and get help right away. MUCH better safe than sorry.
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Medical_Care_lymphedema.htm

    Be well!
    Binney

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  • carol57
    carol57 Member Posts: 3,567
    edited April 2013

    Binney, can we ever thank you enough for your care and kindness to others? I read Tammie's post but do not have enough knowledge to help, and I felt so frustrated. And then you came along with the right information, and you went so far as to check her post in another forum to find out what else might be brewing.  I'm sure Tammie appreciates your help, but I want you to know that I do, too. Tammie touched my heart today, and then, so did you. 

    Tammie, Binney's knowledge of all things lymphedema is a gift to all of us.  I hope you will take her advice and get your symptoms checked out asap.  Looking forward to hearing what you learn, and as Binney often says, gentle hugs...

    Carol

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  • tammie
    tammie Member Posts: 738
    edited April 2013

    You ladies are all soo awesome I put a call into my onc. And am waiting if they don't say go in tonight they will definitely be seeing me first thing in the morning n I will be determined for them to check for lymphodema n cellulitis..

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  • purple32
    purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
    edited April 2013

    I just have to echo Carols  sentiments.  Binney, you always go the extra mile!

    Tammie

    Please let us know how you make out- you have been through so much already.

    We care.

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  • mom2twins34
    mom2twins34 Member Posts: 185
    edited April 2013

    Good luck, Tammie... I am SO glad you are getting it checked out as Binney advised. She saved my life last year when she suggested that I had cellulitis -- and I hadn't a clue as to what I was dealing with. We are so fortunate to have her here...



    Binney is right, if it is cellulitis, time is of the essence. But whatever this turns out to be, I am so glad you are pursuing it and not waiting. And I am so sorry you have this added worry.



    Warmest thoughts are with you...

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