Lymphedema Newbie!

Mimi, especially in the early stages it can come and go. You want to get an evaluation as soon as possible with a fully-trained lymphedema therapist so that this will STAY in the early stages. Much easier to manage if you get a prompt start on diagnosing and treating it.

Let us know how you're doing, please!

Love your avatar! Is that you?

Hugs,
Binney

jojo, really glad to hear how well it's going--yes!!

Have you learned self-MLD to use daily? If not, insist your PT teach you a pattern you can use, and make sure your technique is correct (amount of pressure, pace, direction, hand movements). Has s/he suggested any compression garments you can use to keep the truncal areas in control? Exercises? Other tips for managing LE, like hydration skin care, risk reduction strategies and possible triggers to avoid? Good self-care can help prevent flares, but unfortunately LE is a continuing concern--treatment removes excess fluid from the tissues, but it doesn't "fix" the compromised lymphatics. 

Keep us posted, please!

Gentle hugs,
Binney

Hello everyone. I'm also a newbie. I guess I'm not having lymphedema because every time in the routine check-up my oncologist checked every operated side and said all is normal. So doctor did not say I'm having LE. Only now.. I'm concerned about a thing which I feel this is the right place to ask as the question is:

The skin of my right side arm (mastectomy and lymph node removal done; mentioned in my signature) turns pinkish-red in colour. Not the whole arm. Say.. the redness is in between the area which is between the armpit to elbow. So basically very small area gets reddish. but it's a very noticing bright pinky red. It happens when my arm is in down to ground position or when I use my arm. But when I lay on bed and keep my arm resting the colour fades and doesn't come back when resting. Veins pain also but not much.

I'm concerned on what is this happening? Is this any rare/common sign of LE ? Or anything else of which you sisters might have idea of? 

Annika - i would recommend wearing the sleeve. I don't think you can make anything worse with some preventive compression. If you have any form fitting tank tops that don't cut in at all in the underarm area - you might want to wear that. And if your cancer center has an LE therapist - i'd ask for a referral. Truncal/breast swelling and discomfort in the arm/shoulder area can be precursors and stage 0 LE. Can't hurt to be checked out. Good luck!