Does this sound like LE? Can it wait 5 more days?

Options
Cheferic17
Cheferic17 Member Posts: 5
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Hi. I am a 44 year old man who was diagnosed with IDC in 12/10. Treated with left partial mast, sentinel node biopsy and rads. I have been on arimidex since. 10 days ago I noticed pain in left armpit while showering. 5 days ago I noticed that my armpit was no longer a pit but a mound. Quite painful. The pain and swelling has traveled up and down the arm as far as my hand. Arm swelling and pain comes and goes, but armpit pain and lump is constant and worsening. I have an appt. with medical oncologist in 5 days. From the start I assumed lymphedema, but I am now wondering about a tumor. No matter what, the discomfort is beyond distracting and is now affecting all aspects of my daily life. My anxiety is also building steadily. I would appreciate hearing about similar experiences of thoughts on this subject in general. Kind of wondering if going to the emergency room today would be an overreaction...

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • T-mac
    T-mac Member Posts: 47
    edited June 2013

    Cheferic, 

    I dont think going to the emergency room would be an overreaction, but maybe you could get in to see your pcp?

    And at least do something about the anxiety and pain?  But definetly you need to see someone ASAP!  :/

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited June 2013

    Cheferic, thankfully, you found us although I'm sorry you have the need to be here.  Welcome.  While you wait for your appt. there are several things you can do if in fact you have lymphedema and it sounds like it could very well be.  First of all, here is a web site for information about lymphedema.  http://www.stepup-speakout.org/  While you wait for your appt. drink lots of water, do a few (I do 10) deep belly breaths several times/day and keep your affected arm elevated as much (often) as you can.  You are smart to book an appt. first of all with your onc.  That way 'other' issues will hopefully be ruled out.  As for going to emergency, in my humble opinion, unless you see redness, which could indicate cellulitis, I think you could be ok to wait for your onc. appt.  If the pain becomes more than distracting........then yes, maybe you should go to emergency.  I wish you well.     

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited June 2013

    Eric, hello and welcome,

    It's no over-reaction to want some answers and some relief before the weekend, so by all means get in to see someone--PCP, onc nurse, critical care.

    In answer to your question about the possibility of lymphedema, early stage lymphedema swelling does tend to come and go, and getting treatment promptly (within a couple of weeks) is very desirable, because it makes the condition easier to manage on-going. Lymphedema can also be painful, and anxiety ups the pain--another good reason to get some answers now. Be aware that lymphedema can occur in the underarm area, the chest, side and back as well as the arm. Most arm lymphedema is not painful, but in those other areas it can be debilitatingly painful and doesn't respond well to pain meds. Good therapy reduces both swelling and pain (and the risk of infection).
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunckal_lymphedema.htm

    And finally, the other thing you need to consider is that the symptoms of cellulitis (infection) include sudden onset of pain and swelling. That's a real emergency, so if you suspect that may be the case get help NOW.
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Medical_Care_lymphedema.htm

    Please do let us know what you discover and keep us posted on your progress. Be well!
    Binney

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited June 2013

    Chef. To tell you the truth emerg probably doesn't know what Le(lyphedema) is and most docs don't know either. A oncologist or RO may ignore the sypmtoms too.  You are a smart cookie coming to these threads because we are here to help you (if indeed you do have LE)It is hard to find good help with this condition that is not taught much in medical sch.

    You do need to see your onc to rule out other problems for sure as Marple suggested. Either way you should she a LE therapist to be measured as a base line even if you don't have LE as you have had nodes out. Good for the future if yoiu don't have le and it rears its ugly head.

    Also who ever you see please do not let them take a BP or a needle in that arm no matter what. Stick to your guns on this. Tell them you want it in your foot/ankle anywhere but arm and don't let them make you feel foolish because they may.

    Do what marple says and include sticking arm straight into the air and fist pumping slowly 25-30 times througout the day. But don't tire it out pumping. Do visit the best LE site Marple suggested. Some girls here developed the site and have so many years experience with LE.  No question is dumb when you are trying to figure out LE so fire them to us!

    The best defense with LE is education and you have started that path. Good thing too because LE can get nasty if not looked after.

    I am really glad you came to us. It is a breath of fresh air to have a gentlemen join us. You can ask us anything. We are a fun, easygoing bunch. OK....I never do get to give a kiss to men as they rarely join here but you sure could use one of mine right now with all that discomfort,  I rarely give out these and only when necessary. HERE GOESKiss There you are already on your road to recovery!

    Also consider joining a hormone,( arimdex) thread here at BCO. I bet they have lots of coping suggestions. Mine is if you get hot flashes wear a wickaway tee to bed to absorb the sweat instead of having wet sheets and the wickaway drys quicker than cotton.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited June 2013

    Cheferic, I know it's after five on a Friday, but can you reach your oncologist? Any change like this needs to be completely evaluated before you conclude it's lymphedema.

    You need to be checked for infection, blood clot, and rule out your concern of lymph node swelling.

    Once you're medically cleared, then you can get a referral to a lymphedema therapist.

    Please don't wait: that's why people are on call, for emergencies and this is concerning you and impacting your life, and the best people to deal with it aren't ER doctors but your oncologists.

    Let us know how you make out.

    Kira

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cheferic17
    Cheferic17 Member Posts: 5
    edited June 2013

    Thanks for your input, everyone! Called my MO. She seemed to think I will be OK until Wednesday. I am thinking so too. Hugz4u, thanks for the kiss! I think it helped!:-) I will report back after MO appointment. I am concerned about the cost of LE treatment. I am out of work and my current monthly medical costs are more than half my income. I simply cannot afford anything additional. Well, I suppose I'm getting ahead of myself. It will all get figured out. Thanks again, everyone!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2013

    Chef, all the best for your appointment for Wednesday, and I hope this all gets sorted and that its not anything bad. Of course, not for the reason youre here, but its really nice to have a man come on in to the LE forum. Youre welcome to ask, or vent or whatever, and there will be sure to be someone who knows.

    How are you going on the Arimidex? Im about 1.5yrs in after doing 2 on Tamoxifen. I got some pretty mean side effects last year (aching joints) and then it settled down some but it seems they have come back again just recently. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cheferic17
    Cheferic17 Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2013

    I had some tests, ct scan etc. Saw MO today and she says LE. I have really been uncomfortable with the swelling. MO scripted for LE therapy at Jefferson U. Hospital here in Philly. Guess what? My insurance has no provision for LE therapy. I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself heading into this 4th of July long weekend. The social worker at the hospital is working on getting me care, so all should work out. I was hoping to be interviewing and trying to get back to work, but the way I feel now... Not happening. Thanks for allowing me to whine! Happy 4th...



    Musical, I have the achy joints pretty steadily from Arimidex. Doc says deal with it since my bone scans are OK. Eric

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2013

    Im sorry Chef with your swelling and your insurance is not coming to he party. Gosh thats rough. You whine away! and thats even before we come to Arimidex  Yell . One good thing out of this is from what you say its not a tumor! Thats great! Now back to the Arimidex or more to the point your Doc. Huh "deal with it" ? What a lovely bedside manner. Undecided Gee but Id like to deal with him.... Sealed ... On the good side, your bones are OK. All the best for your work interviews and I hope you find something suitable soon.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited July 2013

    Hey, Chef, really glad the tests are all behind you and you at least have a diagnosis you can work on. Make room in your life for the LE now, and you'll be back on track before long--honest!Smile Steep learning curve, but it really is satisfying to get on the other side of this and know how to handle all the self care. 

    Too bad there's no degree in "LE Self-Management"--we all deserve the recognition!Laughing

    Tell us how we can help,Binney

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2013

    LOL you can help Binney by handing out some of that famous chocolate of yours Laughing

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories