Being overweight increases chances of lymphedema?

I was told by several MDs that because I was slender my risk for LE was low. My RO told me that she would be more concerned about cording in my case, rather than LE.

I remember being told that weigbt could play into rather or not LE developed. That being 'overweight' already puts a 'strain' on the lymphatic system without it being compromised by surgery (or injury). Activility level is supposed to also come into play as being active is better than just sitting around (that holds with being 'healthy').

I was told that LE was not very likely as I had no medical issues, was well within 'normal' weight, was 'fit' and very 'active' (still am). It did happen anyway.

LE is not limited to only women with BC - it can happen to anyone after any surgery on any part of the body or after a traumatic injury. I have a friend who deals with worse LE in her lower leg from noninvasive knee surgery than I do in my arm with 19 pos. nodes removed. I had a quite serious riding (horse) accident 40+ years ago to my lower leg, Drs 'were sure' LE would probably developed - it never has.

Honestly, though it can never be proved, I think that having developed phlebotist from a badly placed IV after 2nd son was born - kept me in hospital 4 extra days. Long story but it presented primarily in elbow and area above/below - my LE issues (other than compression levels) are in the same area.

There are so many.variables with each of us.

But just for perspective, I'm not overweight. And have stubborn, stinkin' LE in one arm and hand.

Rainy, exactly. I too was told I wouldn't get LE because I was skinny (put on a bit of weight with Arimidex, but still within bounds). The studies have nothing to say about NOT getting LE if you're thin, just about your risk being considerably higher if you aren't. It's amazing to me how many doctors have then assumed it meant "if you're not overweight you won't get LE." Nuts to that!

Other factors generally accepted as increasing risk are treatment on your dominant side, post-surgical infection and seromas. None of those--or even all of those at once--"guarantee" you'll get LE. Just that the risk is higher when those conditions are present.

AND…we have to factor in that there's a lot that scientists still don't know. Some contend there are genetic factors involved as well. Seems likely to me too, but there's no way currently to identify those at risk because of genetics. Me, apparently, if we go by how unlikely I was otherwise to end up with this!

There's some really good research in progress right now to try to understand the actual physiology of the lymph system--information that's still sadly lacking. I'm holding out great hopes that solid research like that will eventually help us understand--and maybe even prevent and cure--lymphedema.

Onward!
Binney