Is lymphedema ever just in the armpit?

Chloesmom, lymphedema can do anything--show up in a single area or cover lots of territory. Which isn't to say this is LE, because I sure don't know if it is or not. But I'd suspect that since you've been doing way more lifting than usual, this is a reaction to that rather than a concern for the MO.

How long will you be there? They usually suggest reporting symptoms that last more than 2 weeks, so if you're going to be there longer than that you might want to give your own MO a call just for reassurance.

Be well! Gentle hugs,
Binney

It's easy to freak out when it comes to LE.  I scratched up my LE arm moving furniture,, didn't notice it and the next day had pink areas all around it. Thankfully it did not develop into anything, but damn,,,, I hate having to be SO vigiliant about watching out for stuff.   I hope it resolves itself, Chloesmom.

Look for posts on MLD (manual lymph drainage)--it's something you can do now, and that might be helpful for all of us to build into our daily routines. I have armpit swelling from radiation right now and manual drainage and ibuprofen reduce it a lot.

paintTHEsky: sorry to hear that you have joined us "swell sisters". I would recommend looking at StepUpSpeakOut.org for TONS of lymphedema information. It will give you links for help finding a qualified LE therapist and there are links for finding garments. It would probably be best if you could get to see a therapist first, so that you can get your arm measured properly for a sleeve and gauntlet or glove. WearEase makes compression bras and I use EAB Medical breast binders,, they also have compression bras.

I just saw this thread and my lymphedema is also in my armpit now. My therapist recommended something called a mini axilla pad to wear at night held in place either by a sports bra or other compression top. You can google it and find some info. I tried to insert a link but it wouldn't let me. If anyone has any experience using this please tell me/us your experience. I haven't got mine in yet but hopefully it will help. I've been so busy and tired lately that I've let my MLD slide. I notice I get more sore in all areas discussed above when I don't do MLD for a couple of times then start up again or when I do too much lifting. Ugh. Fun never ends!

I had my sentinel node biopsy a month ago. Have had the lump under the arm the whole time now. No one seems concerned. It was drained once. Now there is pain into the breast. I am freaking out but after reading these posts feel a little better. Just don't want something more to worry about.

Binney, I don't know what we would do without you! You're the best! Thanks for the links. If my axilla mini doesn't work well I'll check into the Kimbe Swell Spot.

Skypainter, I think that's a common pattern for LE. But other things can affect it as well--like weather or, for some, diet. I'm always achier in the late afternoon and evening. If I have something active planned for the evening I try to take it easier during the day, elevate as much as possible, not strain, drink plenty and keep up the deep breathing. LE takes planning (sigh!)
Binney

Binney: how do you keep the Kimbe in place? Compression Tee? I've never been able to find a compression Tee that worked for me as a uni-boober. I see my LE therapist tomorrow,,, she went to the conference in San Fran, so I'm hoping she has some new ideas on dealing with my truncal issues.

Will do, my appt is tomorrow AM. I'll show her this pic of the slimmer too. Does it really stay down, and not ride up? I don't really need compression all the way down to my hips. hmmmmmm

Glennie, the cami is newer. It has wider straps and for now it only comes in teal. Kind of a bright teal at that. Aside from the wider straps it's constructed like the slimmer on the top, so I'm sure it would be just as good at holding the swell spot in place. I was planning to wait to order one until they offer it in some other colors. Black would be nice.

Let us know when you get one, please! Hugs,
Binney

Thanks all for your posts. Very helpful. I will tell you what I experienced. I was at MO last week and she said just as you said it will subside in time. Then earlier this week I had the largest bump under the arm since I started with all this and terrible pain in the breast. Well, I don't currently have a BS (long story) and am getting established with one now... In any event two days later the lump under the arm was significantly smaller and the pain in the breast was subsiding. So my theory is the thing is starting to drain on its own. I do have BS appointment this week.

Thanks again all