Breast lymphodema

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NickyJ
NickyJ Member Posts: 722
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Hello all,

I would like your advice. Today I saw my onc, and I mentioned done concerns I have regarding pain in my left (affected) breast. This is new pain, so obviously a worry. He immediately sent me for a us which luckily didn't show anything, but there is definite swelling and thickness along with the pain. Because I already have lymphodema in my arm, trunk and leg on this side, I asked if it could be lymphodema in the breast? Onc said its definitely a possibility but would be rare. Being the summer ( and I live in the south of France) my lymphodema is definitely worsening with the rising temperatures so I'm wondering of this has helped it spread? I developed LE in November so this is my first summer with it. My arm has gone from an average 3 cms larger to being at least 5 cms larger on a normal day. This can increase as the day progresses. I wrap, do mld and have LE massage twice a week. Because this was my week for perfusions, my next appointment is Friday so I was wondering if any of you had any advice to give me before then - or any advice I can pass on to my specialist! My leg and foot aren't too bad except for the swelling ( last week I played find the foot!) but my arm and hand are constantly painful, and now my breast too. My torso doesn't cause too much pain either, just a slight swelling and discomfort.

As some of you know, I will be going to a spa for 3 weeks for lymphatic drainage therapy. The dates have been fixed for end of August, had to try and work it round 3 teenage kids! However, right at this moment this seems very far away......any advice or counsel you can offer would be appreciated.

Nicky

Comments

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

    Nicky, bummer!

    Not sure why your specialist thinks breast LE would be rare--it certainly isn't (though it doesn't always get diagnosed properly). Are you using any kind of breast compression (a compression bra, cami, a tight sports shirt, breast band, etc.)? There are lots of suggestions for breast/chest compression at the bottom of this page:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunckal_lymphedema.htm

    Summer's rugged. Since you're feeling some hardening in the breast I'd suspect the summer might just have made you aware of LE that was already present in your breast, not really made it "spread" there. At any rate, good MLD, staying really well hydrated, and using breast compression may give you relief until you can escape to that spa (ahhhhhh!) Let us know what you find out when you see your therapist.

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

  • NickyJ
    NickyJ Member Posts: 722
    edited July 2013

    Thanks Binney!

    Duh! Never occurred to be that it might have been there already and just rearing its ugly head with the summer! It makes perfect sense seeing as I have it everywhere else on the side....do use good sports bras and vests already, normal bras haven't been comfortable for a good while - probably another sign it was already there! Definitely work on staying hydrated, always have water with me. Just wish it wasn't so painful.

    Nicky

  • cookiegal
    cookiegal Member Posts: 3,296
    edited July 2013

    It just sucks. Have no idea why your doc thinks it is rare. Love that they have lymphedema spas in Europe.

  • NickyJ
    NickyJ Member Posts: 722
    edited July 2013

    Cookiegal, no idea why he thought I it's rare either, the only thing I can think of that he was referring to my situation. I had no operations, and rads were only for neck and spine. The rads were also 3 months after the LE started. Regardless, my whole left side is now affected, and seeing as is my dominant side, yes, it sucks!

    I am lucky that there's the lymphodema spas, can't wait to go and I'll be straight back here with any information or technique gleaned!

    Nicky

  • Ahicks62
    Ahicks62 Member Posts: 19
    edited July 2013

    I have lymphedema in my treated breast. Its more unusual than in the arms, but not rare. I went through lymphedema therapy and wear a compression bra. The breast is a little sore, and the fluid keeps coming back. I'm not sure what more they can do besides drain the fluid. Hopefully your treaments will help!

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