Breast lymphedema

I have lymphedema in both breasts and in my trunk. It comes and goes. I've been to a massage therapist who specializes in lymphedema. It helps tremendously.

That being said, I consulted with one of the top lymphedema doctors in the US, Dr. Ketan Patel at USC. He told me they really don't worry too much about breast or truncal lymphedema, since there are so many outlets for drainage. They are more concerned with lymphedema in the limbs, as there are not enough ways for the lymph to drain.

One of the things I've found most helpful is dry brushing. Once you learn the lymph drainage patterns you can use it instead of self massage.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Trish

I do occasionally wear a compression garment for my truncal lymphedema, but only if I can't get the swelling down by other means. It's hot, uncomfortable and extremely unattractive.

As I mentioned, I do go to a lymphedema specialist when things are bad. She has taught me a number of exercises and self massage techniques that I can do at home. Dry brushing is just doing that "massage " with a natural bristle shower brush. It's a very common technique used in Japan and South Korea to stimulate circulation and get get of dry, dead skin cells. I got my brushes off Amazon.

Google "Dry brushing " and some good info should come up.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Trish

Good advice, MinusTwo. Unfortunately, since I had cancer in both breasts. I had to have a BMX with nodes taken on both sides. Makes it tougher to avoid BP and needle sticks.

Lifegoeson - I think it would work. There are stretchy pockets and it comes with lightweight fabric inserts. They are really great about helping on the phone. Give them a call and ask. Call Us! We're Open From 8am - 4:30pm MST - 866-251-0076

Trishyla - Yup - I too had a BMX with SNB taken from both sides. Then a recurrence with ALND on the right, so that side is definitely a problem. I do allow BP on the side that is less effected, but I ask them to use a manual BP cuff. It's not as restrictive. I get all shots in my hip or butt. It was a pain to find somewhere that would do that - even for yearly flu shots - but finally found a specific Kroger pharmacy (of all things). I hung on to my port as long as possible, but finally had to let it go. Now I don't allow blood draws except from my ankle. So I only get blood work done twice a year.

I think the only time I had an arm stick was last year for contrast for a breast MRI. They didn't/couldn't/wouldn't do my foot and I really wanted to get the test done. I made sure they used a pediatric butterfly needle. Luckily I haven't seen any resulting problems. For my cataract surgery, they put the IV line in my ankle and the BP cuff on the other calf.

Woo Hoo - hope it works for you. Those of us in Texas have to consider the extreme heat (although not this month) and I've found this bra to be comfortable in our temperatures.

FYI - the "nude" seems to be less tight than the fushia or black or white. Someone tried to explain to me it's the quantity (number of layers) of material on the cutting table when the blade comes down. Material on the top is a little different size than material on the bottom. Do let us know if it works for you.

I have it in my breast and around the back (truncal). It’s been 5 years and it’s managed well with manual drainage massage every other day unless I have a flair up and then daily, compression tanks (I cant wear bras or I swell under the band), and I see a CLT once a month for maintenance. I only wish there were more options for tank/bras. Ive tried every one out there and wasted a ton of money. I use the WearEase Slimmer tank daily and like it, but would love other options.