Your story for early signs of Lymphedema

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Aliceinchains
Aliceinchains Member Posts: 64
edited June 2018 in Lymphedema

I had 6 nodes removed during my sentinel node biopsy (it was about 9 days ago). I am experiencing sore, numb, achy and nerve pain in my left arm/armpit/shoulder. I am curious if others experienced this as early warning signs of lymphedema. I see my oncologist tomorrow but was curious about others and appreciate the insight anybody may be able to give.💖

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  • Billb464
    Billb464 Member Posts: 62
    edited May 2018

    I also had 6 nodes taken out along with my lumpectomy and reconstruction in January. I had all of the things you have mentioned. I was told by BS, and PS and PT that this is normal ( the nerves are trying to regrow). I started PT after radiation in April and I did have some banding in the arm pit area. I have exercises to help with that. We also took a measurement of my arm the 1st week in April and then last week, my arm had actually lost a little fluid from the 1 st measurement. So we don’t think it will be a problem. But, as I am sure you know everyone is different. When you see your surgeon or MO I would ask for a referral to a PT that specializes with BC patients. Good Luck and I hope this h

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  • Aliceinchains
    Aliceinchains Member Posts: 64
    edited May 2018

    Thank you Billb464! I will ask today for some help in that direction. I’m so glad yours is doing well!! I hope to have the same outcome

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  • cookiegal
    cookiegal Member Posts: 3,296
    edited May 2018

    OK, so my journey to LE

    Started with breast swelling after rads (Jan)

    Injured arm in exercise for breast cancer class (April)

    had months of painful spasms in arm and frozen shoulder (May June)

    Developed small circle of swelling (July)

    Eventually turned into arm LE (August, September, Oct)


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  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited May 2018

    Welcome all. Please see stepup-speakout.org. A fabulous educational website our savvy girls here wrote. It’s a catch all lymphedema website.

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  • Micmel
    Micmel Member Posts: 9,450
    edited May 2018

    Definitely ask about it early. Mine felt heavy like a balloon with no more room, some Tingles, certainly discomfort and odd pain with touching. Even with a shirt. I had every node out of my arm, I saw a specialist immediately and it helped me tremendously, just don't wait. Get a hold on it now. So it can be managed, if that is what you're developing. Unfortunately, they don't really explain that risk very well with mastectomies or anything node related. It can get pretty painful, so stay ahead of it, and be persistent.They may recommend a compression sleeve which I find relieves the pain immediately. I wish you luck. ~M~

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  • Shigh
    Shigh Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2018

    What are the first signs besides swelling will I see for Lymphedema?

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  • Shigh
    Shigh Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2018

    What are the first signs besides swelling will I see for Lymphedema?

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  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited June 2018

    Not always swelling. Mine is very little. Tingly,full like a water ballon feeling. Tight. Achey or just plain weird are all signals.might get tired arm fast after activity. One or all together. Today's change of weather is making it weird.

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