Swollen just above inside of elbow; worried

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PalBuddy
PalBuddy Member Posts: 27
edited February 2021 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

My left arm (had left partial mastectomy; 3 tumors) just above the inside of the elbow is swollen.

Naturally, I noticed it on a weekend. Am freaking out a bit. ((PTSD as, since my own cancer diagnosis, both my sister and mother were diagnosed with different cancers and I lost them both.)

My left arm has been feeling funny for a couple of weeks, but I have lots of neck & spine issues from old car accident. I have some sort of osteopathic treatments most every week..

So, has anyone had similar? I've never had Lymphadema, so don't know if this could be that.

I am about 2.5 years past surgery & treatment. Never had this before.

Thank you

Jenny

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  • 2019whatayear
    2019whatayear Member Posts: 767
    edited February 2021

    Did you have lymph nodes removed in that arm? If so Lymphedema would be much more likely than a recurrence.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited February 2021

    Pal - it's better to stick to one thread so everyone can follow the various answers and the responses are coordinated. I already posted on your other thread.

    Lymph nodes removed or not, LE can present any time up to 25 years or more out.

    What you need now it to go see a doctor. Probably your MO if you had chemo before. Or your RO if you had radiation (that's who diagnosed my LE) Or at least someone who is experienced and trained in LE.

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  • PalBuddy
    PalBuddy Member Posts: 27
    edited February 2021

    Thank you!

    I'm in a bit of a pickle (other than being snowed in) because COVID took my beloved Oncologist and my radiation oncologist retired. I messaged my surgeon (before posting here) but did not hear back.

    But, will search for other doctor. Thank you.

    (Sorry to have put in two threads - I thought, after the fact, that maybe putting it in the Lymphadema might influence people's experiences.)

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  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited February 2021

    Sounds like Lymphedema. The elbow is a common area to swell, due to all of the arm bending. Also the arm feels "funny" as you are describing. You can get it anytime after surgery, even if you didn't have lymph nodes removed. I would still have it looked at though as you want to be sure that there is no scaring, etc. causing the lymphedema.

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  • Rah2464
    Rah2464 Member Posts: 1,647
    edited February 2021

    The elbow is one of the areas where I can have the most swelling. There are lymph nodes there you can clear to help. Hope you can get a session with a lymphatic massage therapist.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited February 2021

    Yup - see if you can make an appointment with a certified, trained LE/PT. Take a look at this site. It might help you find a trained professional.

    https://www.stepup-speakout.org/


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