anyone out there that had sentinal node biopsy that was diagnosed with lymphedema?

mjjones453
mjjones453 Member Posts: 155
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I am wondering if I need to see my Dr. I finished Radiation in May, and still have a swollen Breast, this morning, my wrist seems to be a tiney bit puffy. My Oncologist seems to think the swollen breast is from the radiation, and was not concerned. My next appointment is in Nov. Do I do anything? I do lift weights, but have been going slow at it as recommended, but I am wondering what I should do. Mary

Comments

  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
    #2
    Hi Mary
    Well, my story is a little different, as I had 23 nodes removed with my lumpectomy. I finished chemo in May and just finished rads last week. My breast and trunk area has been swollen and sore for a good long while. Since my surgery/treatments were on the left, I avoid lifting anything heavy on that side--as advised by my docs. and PT. I have been going to a PT who specializes in lymphedema. She says my arm is okay so far, but there is definitely swelling and fluid in my breast and under my arm--down my trunk. I have exercises and a massage technique to do. So, I try to keep the fluid moving downward. I don't know what part of the country you are in (I'm in Phoenix) and it was really tough to find a PT with lymph. experience, but I found one.

    None of my doctors seemed to know that much about it (which I've heard is all too common and I think is ridiculous since so many of us suffer from swelling and lymphedema).

    Perhaps you could find a therapist--you'll need a docs's prescription for most insurance companies.

    I think if you're feeling something out of the ordinary or unusual--it bears checking out. I just didn't get much help from my docs about this.

    Hugs, Renee
  • jackiejhm
    jackiejhm Member Posts: 169
    #3
    I had
    a Mastectomy and sentinal node removal (it was +). My Onc set me up with a LANA Physical Therapist. He specializes in lymphedema. He not only works on coaxing proper manual drainage, he's shown me how to do this myself. It has been very helpful! So do call your doctor-swelling could very well be a sign of lymphedema. xo, Jackie
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #4
    missrenee said:

    Hi Mary
    Well, my story is a little different, as I had 23 nodes removed with my lumpectomy. I finished chemo in May and just finished rads last week. My breast and trunk area has been swollen and sore for a good long while. Since my surgery/treatments were on the left, I avoid lifting anything heavy on that side--as advised by my docs. and PT. I have been going to a PT who specializes in lymphedema. She says my arm is okay so far, but there is definitely swelling and fluid in my breast and under my arm--down my trunk. I have exercises and a massage technique to do. So, I try to keep the fluid moving downward. I don't know what part of the country you are in (I'm in Phoenix) and it was really tough to find a PT with lymph. experience, but I found one.

    None of my doctors seemed to know that much about it (which I've heard is all too common and I think is ridiculous since so many of us suffer from swelling and lymphedema).

    Perhaps you could find a therapist--you'll need a docs's prescription for most insurance companies.

    I think if you're feeling something out of the ordinary or unusual--it bears checking out. I just didn't get much help from my docs about this.

    Hugs, Renee

    My breast swelled from rads,
    My breast swelled from rads, but, I don't have lymphedema. You should probably call your doctor if you are really concerned. Don't wait.

    Hugs, Megan
  • ladyg
    ladyg Member Posts: 1,577
    #5
    I would say see your dr.
    I would say see your dr. or a PT that specializes in lymphedema to be sure. My lymphedema started shortly after my lumpectomy. I was actually told that was what I had even before I started rads. I did have a good bit of swelling in my breast from the rads but it is pretty much gone now and I finished my rads in July. At least if you find out for sure you can start caring for it with massages and a sleeve if necessary.

    Hugs
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294 Member
    #6
    ladyg said:

    I would say see your dr.
    I would say see your dr. or a PT that specializes in lymphedema to be sure. My lymphedema started shortly after my lumpectomy. I was actually told that was what I had even before I started rads. I did have a good bit of swelling in my breast from the rads but it is pretty much gone now and I finished my rads in July. At least if you find out for sure you can start caring for it with massages and a sleeve if necessary.

    Hugs

    affected arm
    Hi mary, you should see a specialist as soon as you can find him or her. Please be careful with weight 5 pounds is restriction for affected arm.
  • meena1
    meena1 Member Posts: 1,003
    #7
    New Flower said:

    affected arm
    Hi mary, you should see a specialist as soon as you can find him or her. Please be careful with weight 5 pounds is restriction for affected arm.

    My hand was puffy, so i
    My hand was puffy, so i showed my oncologist and he said it is lymphdema. You need to find a physical therapist that deals with lymphedema, which is very limited, but make sure of that. I have to wait until september for an appointment, but i hear that she is wonderful, so i can wait. and yes, you do need to be careful lifting anything or doing excercises with the affected arm.

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