Lymphoedema.

Hi pattie I was interested to read your post because I have had heat , swelling and pain both in my arm and breast. It feels like I have 2 halves of a rugby ball under my arm. I have told my gp, surgeon and physio but they didnt say any thing and so I am thinking of getting referred to the lymphoedema nurse. It happens if I use my arm alot or if I have been driving some distance.

Dear Pattie,

I am very sorry to hear that you have developed lymphoedema in the reconstructed breast. I hope that you will get advice and support from your surgeon and breast care nurse who in turn will advise you regarding the appropriate therapy you may benefit from. This is indeed very disappointing for you and if you would like to speak to a nurse here on our National Cancer Helpline you could phone us at 1800 200 700 (Mon-Thurs 9-7, Friday 9-5)

Kind regards,
Cancer Information Service Nurse

Hi Ladies - I too am beginning to have probs with Lymphoedema - I first noticed a tightening around my watch and now have pain and some swelling just in my hand (Masectomy side only) - I had masectomy 14 mths ago -with only Sentinal node removal- but did have a major (failed) DIEP flap reconstruction 8 weeks ago where they had to cut under and on the outer arm to try to find veins - before the operation I had no Lymphoedema problems - I am v disappointed that on top of the reconstruction not working I am now developing this - is this LONG sorry saga ever going to end ? What should I do, any tips / suggestions for helping this condition as it is totally new to me ? Plus does the recent warm weather have an influence ? thanks for your help

I'm off to the Breast Clinic shortly... Haven't been feeling great last few days and the expander is feeling like someone pumped it up and it's tender and pains at times.... Diarrohea and headache too Will let ye know what the story is....

Hi ladies.I hope that you all get sorted. I found the phyiso great. But i got different advice from them. I have come to the conclusion they know all the text book but lack experience of dealing with lymphoedema. I have asked what type of job would suit someone with lymphoedema but got no ans to this. It is bad enough getting breast cancer and this. the side effects of lymph removal was not explained to me in the begining. Would love to hear from other ladies that have lymphoedema and how they have coped with it on a daily basis.
Mona

Hi there, I had a wide local excision 2 1/2 years ago and lymph node clearance, have a little swelling most of the time, with some nerve pain sweeping across the chest. Most of the I am ok with it, I did have a session of MLD with a thereapist in Cork City and that is worth trying. LOLO