Does lymphadema = recurrence????

Oh no, the two things have nothing to do with each other!   Perhaps your onc does routine scans as followups for everyone periodically?   Did he refer you to a lymphedema specialist for the swelling?

Ejlj

Thank you for asking this question.  I have had a very unreasonable flare up since late Fall, with no rhyme or reason.  This thought of recurrence mucking up the flow has briefly entered my mind too.  Please keep us posted as I, myself, would really like to know what the thinking is there.  That being said, the several years I have been reading the posts, I don't recall a relationship with the two so more than likely, lymphedema is just now rearing it's ugly head which it can do many years after surgery.

Take care

ejij, there is sometimes a link between LE and a cancer recurrence, because tumor growth in certain areas can block lymphatic channels. That is fairly rare, and it doesn't usually respond well to LE treatment (obviously--it's blocked, after all), though MLD and wrapping (or use of a supportive night garment) can relieve heaviness and discomfort even if it doesn't much affect the actual swelling. Another possible cause of swelling in the limb is a blood clot, and some doctors will test for that as well before sending a patient for LE therapy.

Then again, it's entirely possible the doctor just doesn't realize that LE can happen on its own schedule, at any time after bc treatment, so he's groping for an explanation.

anna, there are so many reasons why you could be experiencing a flare that is seemingly intractable. Have you seen your therapist for a trouble-shooting session? You might consider too-old garments. Or too-tight/too firm garments. Or a weight gain of even a few pounds. Or a change of activity (more computer use with that arm, a new hobby that uses that arm/hand differently, paying less attention to what/how you lift things, etc.). Or less attention to self-care (we all wear out from time to time on that score!) Or a diet change (saltier foods, alcohol). Or more time spent driving or traveling. Or…who knows? LE is a contrary bugger!

Hoping to hear good news from both of you--please do keep us posted!

Gentle hugs,
Binney

PS-Just to clarify, LE does NOT lead to a recurrence. But it can, in some circumstances, be a result of a recurrence.

Compared to a recurrence, joining our Sisterhood of Swell is almost a relief! So glad you got the all-clear on your scan--and so sorry for the stress of going through it. Please do keep us posted, ask away, and tell us how we can help.

Chocolate to celebrate those scan results!
Binney

Hi everyone!

This post was of interest to me as well...I just woke up today with a swollen/sore hand and tenderness up my arm..on the inside of my arm.  Will be seeing my family doctor this week as well as my onc...didn't realize it could possibly mean recurrance...scary stuff.

Jojo, how are you? Thinking of you and hoping you've gotten some good answers by now.

Hugs,
Binney

I just read some symptoms...I don't have any injuires/bites to my arm or body.  My arm is not hot or rashed in any way.  I do not have fever or chills....maybe I shouldn't worry?

You only have a week to wait to see a Certified LymphEdema Therapist, so be VERY careful modifing 'something' as there is a lot that does into proper/safe LE TX.  You could easily do more harm with something not designed for use on arm.  Measurements need to be correct for you (some of us have to have our garments custome made as we don't match the standard 'off the shelf' garment measurements).  There are different levels of compression and too much compression can drastically make LE worst.  For me, I have to have low compression or I rapidly increase amount of LE - literally will double within an hour or less with heavy compression.  Not having a glove/gauntlet to use with a sleeve, can increase hand swelling.  Living with LE does include some 'inconviences' but is not the end of being who 'you' are.

Cellulitis is a very real possility.  Anything that indicates there is an infection starting/going on, should immediately be medically addressed.  That does not mean that everyone dealing with LE will have issues but all do need to be diligent in caring for any skin break.  I, personally, do not use antibiotic creams for every scrape/cut/puncture (have had too many to remember as I'm into lotsof outdoor stuff) and have had no even hints of infections in the 4+ yrs.  I worry about the over use of antibiotics and the developement of the 'Super Bugs'.  What has worked for me is hydrogen peroxide, liberally used.  IF I develope cellulitis in the future, sure I'll go with antibiotics but for now, I've been able to prevent problems without using any.  We are each so unique in how our bodies treat us (and how we treat them) - There is no 'One Size Fits All"!

jojo, thanks for checking in! Glad you've had no progression that sounds like cellulitis--whew! Stay alert, though.

I have to agree with the others that a jerry-rigged compression sleeve might cause some grief, even if it's relieving some of the swelling/pain in the area you're concerned about. We tend to think of lymphedema only in terms of the swelling we can see, but it's an inflammatory condition that can do damage to the underlying tissues as well, so inappropriate constriction can actually result in further damage. On the other hand, there are OTC gloves you can use with a fair amount of confidence until you can see the therapist. Here are links to them, plus a list of other ways to cope while waiting for that first therapy appointment:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/How_You_Can_Cope_wi...

Hope that helps! Keep us posted. Hugs,
Binney

I'm wondering if the Savemart stocking that jojo is repurposing for her arm has gradient compression (more compression designated for the ankle that lessens gradually toward the knee or thigh, which would mean more for her wrist lessening gradually to the top of the arm as she wears it on her arm). I looked into leg compression to help with the full-leg swelling I have with my knee problem, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that even some inexpensive off the shelf leg stockings do provide gradient compression.  As Kicks points out, jojo should be careful to avoid too much compression without therapist input, and Binney has suggested some good off the shelf glove options to help keep fluid from migrating into the hand. But if jojo is getting some relief from the leg stocking repurposed as a temporary arm garment, it could well be there there's some appropriate compression being applied.  

This is not the best answer but sometimes we do what we can, and this approach-especially if jojo finds a glove or gauntlet--is working for her as a temporary measure. We all need to be constantly vigilant, looking for the earliest signs of infection.  I have truncal LE pockets on my back and I have to keep reminding myself to check my back for this in the mirror after showering (not my prettiest 'view' so I tend to avoid that bit of surveillance!).

My gosh, it shouldn't be this hard....but it is.  

Hi everyone!

I stopped my makeshift compression...I find my knuckles/hand and wrist are most swollen in morning upon wakening and then subsides during the day...I have my appointment with the Lymph clinic tomorrow finally.  I am also a patient of Dr. Wong's and he says he can greatly help with my lymphedema!