Lymphedema of the breast?

zebrainparadise
zebrainparadise Member Posts: 9
in Breast Cancer #1

I think I have lymphedema but I'm not sure. My oncologist doesn't seem to know what's going on. However, everything I'm reading says that lymphedema is more common in the arm and under the arm but mine is in my breast. My right breast, where the cancer was, is now at least 2 cup sizes larger than my left. (I had a lumpectomy, not mastectomy, with one lymph node removed.) It happened pretty quickly, first noticeable within about a week, and it just keeps getting larger. I finished chemo in January and radiation in March. I was never told about the possibility of lymphedema and have just been searching the hell out of swelling and edema in the breast to find out something about it. Has anyone else had it in their breast rather than their arm? I'm wondering how it was handled. Did you go to a specialist? Wear compression garments? Have laser therapy? Would love all the details as I'm not getting any from my doctors.

Comments

  • Beepositive
    Beepositive Member Posts: 259 Member
    #2
    Hello Zebrain

    Sorry to hear you are having problems!  my DR (breast Surgeon) referred me to the lymphedema clinic soon after my 6 weeks follow up (healing of left breast removal and large amount of lymph nodes removed) IT really help even now after a year later they measure the area for swelling, show you range in motion exercises to help the fluid to flow thru the body since lymph nodes have been removed. i also wear a compression duuing day when at work,  ask your doctors to refer you to have it checked by the lymphedema clinic in you hospital area. ..It has been very very helpful in keeping swelling down and pain.

    GOOD LUCK AND HUG AND PRAYERS TO YOU!

    BEEPOSITIVE

  • zebrainparadise
    zebrainparadise Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2018 #3
    Beepositive said:

    Hello Zebrain

    Sorry to hear you are having problems!  my DR (breast Surgeon) referred me to the lymphedema clinic soon after my 6 weeks follow up (healing of left breast removal and large amount of lymph nodes removed) IT really help even now after a year later they measure the area for swelling, show you range in motion exercises to help the fluid to flow thru the body since lymph nodes have been removed. i also wear a compression duuing day when at work,  ask your doctors to refer you to have it checked by the lymphedema clinic in you hospital area. ..It has been very very helpful in keeping swelling down and pain.

    GOOD LUCK AND HUG AND PRAYERS TO YOU!

    BEEPOSITIVE

    Unacceptable!

    Unfortunately we don't have a lymphodema clinic here in Hawaii but my oncologist has referred me to occupational therapy. I'm kind of pissed that I wasn't given any information on this as a possibility before undergoing surgery, especially since it sounds like it can be prevented and controlled. My oncologist is telling me I may just have to live with the uneven boobs - or have a mastectomy. Neither is acceptable in my opinion.

  • Beepositive
    Beepositive Member Posts: 259 Member
    edited July 2018 #4
    Zebrain

    Hello you may want to get a second opinion on what else can be done!! Also check your area for Pink stores (that sell specialty bras and inserts) to look at me you will never know! they have amazing stuff in there . Im sure you can order them also if you dont have one in your area!

    Hugs and best wishes to you

    BEEPOSITIVE

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