Can lymphedema cause swelling on side of tissue expander?

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lmcclure4477
lmcclure4477 Member Posts: 180
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I had a bilateral masectomy in January and I have a fullness/swelling on the side of my body next to tissue expanders. This is the side where my lymph nodes were removed. Is this lymphedema? I do get pain in the spot and into my back. Is this common with lymphedema? I am not sure if what I am feeling is lymphedema or myalgias from my taxol. Any help would be appreciated!

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited May 2013

    Sounds like truncal LE is a possibility. I'm two years out from surgery with DIEP reconstruction (followed by unanticipated full node dissection) but well remember the "tennis ball in the armpit" sensation. Is your pain dull, aching or what?

    You should be evaluated by a therapist who may suggest manual lymphatic drainage massage techniques and/or compression garments. Listen to your body so you can describe the problem(s) and get treatment! 

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  • lmcclure4477
    lmcclure4477 Member Posts: 180
    edited May 2013

    Yes I feel like there is a tennis ball under my armpit. My arm (where my tricep is) is still pins and needles feeling. The pain in my back can ache or feel like a pulled muscle. It hurts when I move a certain way or bend over to touch my toes. It hurts when I touch the spot next to my tissue expander and into my back. I am not sure if the pain is lymphedema or from taxol.

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited May 2013

    Be sure to look at http://www.stepup-speakout.org for lots of good LE info.

    I had physical therapy to regain range of motion and then needed follow-up specifically for lymphedema. There is still a bit of numbness present but it was never really painful, more like a "fullness" feeling. Perhaps you have fluid built up that is pressing on nerves. Call your clinic on Monday so you can get an appointment. No need to suffer any longer if help is available!

    My chemo included Taxotere which can also cause neuropathies but those usually occur more commonly in extremities than the torso from what I understand. I took a glutamine supplement and also iced my fingers in an effort to ward off that possibility.

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  • AmyQ
    AmyQ Member Posts: 2,182
    edited May 2013

    I have almost the exact same thing and have made an appointment with a lymphedema therapist to have it evaluated and hopefully treated. Besides the area next to my TE there is clearly a swollen, spongy area on my back, just beyond my underarm which is painful to the touch. I will let you know what she says and recommends for exercise and treatment.

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