LE before surgery & treatment?

Stunned_at_33
Stunned_at_33 Member Posts: 27
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Is it possible to have LE before treatment or surgery?  My cancer has spread to my lymph node(s) and my breast, shoulder, back, & length of my arm ache constantly and feel tight & swollen.  At times I get that tingling feeling like when a limb "falls asleep".  No visual indication of swelling.  

So, could this be LE? ...or is it something else?

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited February 2014

    So sorry that this is happening to you: only 33 years old? I would be more than stunned!

    The lymphatic system is something of an enigma. Not many specialists to consult. However, it occurs to me that, with nodes affected by cancer, the "drainage" could be impaired. Although definitions vary, visible swelling does not always take place when LE is actually present.

    A referral to a therapist might be helpful prior to surgery. Get some baseline arm measurements and learn safe exercise/massage techniques. Post-op, keep the limb below the shoulder in order to allow the disrupted vessels an opportunity to heal.

    Check the step up speak out website for more info. Know that you are not alone and we support your search for understanding. 

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