Possible Lymphedema after breast cancer

Terin_fuelthecure
Terin_fuelthecure Member Posts: 15
in Breast Cancer #1
Has anyone in here from having breast Cancer developed Lymphedema after having a Mastectomy ?
The reason i was wondering My lymphnodes were removed on my left side and im having heavyness and sharp pain in my left arm and my hand and fingers swell up and i feel tightness all over my left arm when it happens , Hope to hear from you and what you have done I'm going back to my doctor in a couple of days and my other specialist that fitted me for porstesis wants me to see if my doctor will write me a perscription for a arm sleeve to help with the swelling to see if it helps for my arm . I was wondring what your opinion is Let me know id love to hear from you Thanks God Bless!

Comments

  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #2
    Lymphedema
    Well I have had it in my left arm, hand and chest area for prob. 8 years now. I had a lumpectomy on that side but had lots of nodes removed. What you describe sounds similar to how mine feels. There are things you can do to help and the sleeve is one of them. If you are dx with it it is a good idea to have physical therapy occassionally as they can help to ease the swelling.

    Here is a great site with very good information. I would write more but my hand is cramping up tonight. Take care and let us know how it goes when you go to your doctor.

    http://www.lymphnet.org/

    RE
  • smalldoggroomer
    smalldoggroomer Member Posts: 1,184
    #3
    I had a right side
    I had a right side mastectomy and I too have lymph edema, I have the heaviness and fullness. I went to therapy and learned the exercises and massage and that is enough to keep mine at bay. I do them every day without fail. I know it is there but you can't see that I have it. I don't have to wear a sleeve. So look into the therapy it helps tremendously. Good luck to ya Kay
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #4
    RE said:

    Lymphedema
    Well I have had it in my left arm, hand and chest area for prob. 8 years now. I had a lumpectomy on that side but had lots of nodes removed. What you describe sounds similar to how mine feels. There are things you can do to help and the sleeve is one of them. If you are dx with it it is a good idea to have physical therapy occassionally as they can help to ease the swelling.

    Here is a great site with very good information. I would write more but my hand is cramping up tonight. Take care and let us know how it goes when you go to your doctor.

    http://www.lymphnet.org/

    RE

    I don't have lymphedema, but
    I don't have lymphedema, but from my understanding, you can develop it at any time. When you talk to your doctor, post to let us know what he says. There is help for it.


    Sue :)
  • mamolady
    mamolady Member Posts: 796 Member
    #5
    See a specialist
    There are physical therapists that specialize in lymph edema. They can teach you exercises and massage to do at home and do manual drainage in the office. You should find one as soon as possible to keep this under control.
    "Gabe and Abby mom", Linda told me that early on and I am glad I took her advise.

    Cindy
  • cavediver
    cavediver Member Posts: 607
    #6
    Agree with all...you should
    Agree with all...you should see a specialist and get help to manage it. There are several things that can be done.... wrapping therapy, or manual massage drainage, compression garments if necessary, and even pumps if necessary. It sucks....but it is manageable...I promise. I have had lymphedema for the last year.....came on several months after my mastectomy. Thereapy is important and then you will be able to manage it. It does not go away....so it is important to manage it early on the onset. Good luck, keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Hugs
  • Terin_fuelthecure
    Terin_fuelthecure Member Posts: 15
    #7
    cavediver said:

    Agree with all...you should
    Agree with all...you should see a specialist and get help to manage it. There are several things that can be done.... wrapping therapy, or manual massage drainage, compression garments if necessary, and even pumps if necessary. It sucks....but it is manageable...I promise. I have had lymphedema for the last year.....came on several months after my mastectomy. Thereapy is important and then you will be able to manage it. It does not go away....so it is important to manage it early on the onset. Good luck, keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Hugs

    Thanks everyone for your
    Thanks everyone for your comments I did find out that it is lymphedema they are going to run some more tests but for the moment they got me fitted for a sleeve to wear to help and they are also going to get me setup with therphy as well as for more tests that they will do im not sure yet what all they got planned they did do blood work and all my levels are good same goes for tumor markers as well i will keep all of you posted thanks sooo much this is a big help god bless Sincerely Terin
  • Terin_fuelthecure
    Terin_fuelthecure Member Posts: 15
    #8
    cavediver said:

    Agree with all...you should
    Agree with all...you should see a specialist and get help to manage it. There are several things that can be done.... wrapping therapy, or manual massage drainage, compression garments if necessary, and even pumps if necessary. It sucks....but it is manageable...I promise. I have had lymphedema for the last year.....came on several months after my mastectomy. Thereapy is important and then you will be able to manage it. It does not go away....so it is important to manage it early on the onset. Good luck, keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Hugs

    Thanks everyone for your
    Thanks everyone for your comments I did find out that it is lymphedema they are going to run some more tests but for the moment they got me fitted for a sleeve to wear to help and they are also going to get me setup with therphy as well as for more tests that they will do im not sure yet what all they got planned they did do blood work and all my levels are good same goes for tumor markers as well i will keep all of you posted thanks sooo much this is a big help god bless Sincerely Terin
  • Terin_fuelthecure
    Terin_fuelthecure Member Posts: 15
    #9
    cavediver said:

    Agree with all...you should
    Agree with all...you should see a specialist and get help to manage it. There are several things that can be done.... wrapping therapy, or manual massage drainage, compression garments if necessary, and even pumps if necessary. It sucks....but it is manageable...I promise. I have had lymphedema for the last year.....came on several months after my mastectomy. Thereapy is important and then you will be able to manage it. It does not go away....so it is important to manage it early on the onset. Good luck, keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Hugs

    Thanks everyone for your
    Thanks everyone for your comments I did find out that it is lymphedema they are going to run some more tests but for the moment they got me fitted for a sleeve to wear to help and they are also going to get me setup with therphy as well as for more tests that they will do im not sure yet what all they got planned they did do blood work and all my levels are good same goes for tumor markers as well i will keep all of you posted thanks sooo much this is a big help god bless Sincerely Terin

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