Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerI had the same thing and I was advised to go to physical therapy. I did and it was one of the best things I did. Swelling is gone and I have full range of motion in my arm again. I even had some cording which they took care of too. Your doc can write the order so your insurance picks up the...
I had the same thing and I was advised to go to physical therapy. I did and it was one of the best things I did. Swelling is gone and I have full range of motion in my arm again. I even had some cording which they took care of too. Your doc can write the order so your insurance picks up the bills. Please go see physical therapy it will help. Let me know how it goes...praying for you.
Traci, mine gathered on the front and back of my under arms, my bra contribute to some of the swelling.exercise is a must and gently learn go rub your area like you are moving it downward and across the chest. Exercise is a must
Comment 0Asked by anonymous
Stage 2A PatientI go every two weeks but my acupuncturist doesn't put needles in the effected arm. He puts them everywhere else and it does help. I usually feel great after getting it done.
Comment 0Becky, that is a tough one. Four years ago I had acupuncture following chemo, rads and bilateral mastectomy to relieve peripheral neuropathy, but I did not have nodes removed at that time. The acupuncture helped the neuropathy a lot, but I don't know how it would work with node removal.
5 comments 0Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerJayme, I hope this doesn't happen to you. It is managable. I looked up symptoms and urge you to contact your oncologist and surgeon if you suspect this.
Take care, Sharon
Warning Signs of Lymphedema
A heavy or achy feeling in an arm or a leg. This includes unexplained pain, throbbing or...
Jayme, I hope this doesn't happen to you. It is managable. I looked up symptoms and urge you to contact your oncologist and surgeon if you suspect this.
Take care, Sharon
Warning Signs of Lymphedema
A heavy or achy feeling in an arm or a leg. This includes unexplained pain, throbbing or aching especially in the “at risk” limb.
Tingling or “needles and pins” sensation in the at risk limb.This can also include unexplained shooting pains through the limb.
A tight sensation in a hand or foot.
Noticeable swelling in an arm, leg, hand, or foot. Swelling in the arms, hands, fingers, shoulders, chest or legs. The swelling may occur for the first time after a traumatic event (such as bruises, cuts, sunburn, and sports injuries), after an infection in the part of the body that was treated for cancer, or after an extended (more than three hours) airplane trip (due to the sudden change in cabin pressure).
Transient swelling. For example does the at risk limb suddenly swell for a short period of time and then go back to normal? This might well be a warning sign the lymphatic system has been compromised. This type of swelling might be unexplainable, it just “happens.” without apparent cause. This swelling can be very gradual or can happen suddenly.
Decreased flexibility in the hand, wrist or ankle. This can include unexplained stiffness in a joint.
Shirt sleeves or pant legs that feel tight, any difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area.
Such changes as a ring or bracelet that are too tight or a shoe that is suddenly too small.
Skin that “pits” or “dents” with finger pressure or skin that feels “tight”. This might include any changes in the texture of the skin as well. Skin that looks shiny, has fewer folds.
I have it, can be very painful. I wasn't aware of this until after I got it my hand and arm swell almost everyday, I can no longer wear my wedding rings on my ring finger. Therapy helped but couldn't stand going three times a week and have it compressed all the time it's just to hot. I have...
I have it, can be very painful. I wasn't aware of this until after I got it my hand and arm swell almost everyday, I can no longer wear my wedding rings on my ring finger. Therapy helped but couldn't stand going three times a week and have it compressed all the time it's just to hot. I have learned how to deal with it. Good luck
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerThere are CLT's Certified Lymphedema Tech.'s who work with patients who have this. There ia also a National Lymphedema Network a patient can talk to others and get good information about treatment. Here is the link.
http://www.lymphnet.org/resourceGuide/resourceGuide.htm
Good luck and take...
There are CLT's Certified Lymphedema Tech.'s who work with patients who have this. There ia also a National Lymphedema Network a patient can talk to others and get good information about treatment. Here is the link.
http://www.lymphnet.org/resourceGuide/resourceGuide.htm
Good luck and take care, Sharon
I lost about 14 lymph nodes in surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago and my doctor referred me to a physical therapist for the area. I noticed that full extension of the arm (like overhead when I am stretching, for example) isn't possible. Just a tightness. My surgeon told me that lymphedema isn't as...
I lost about 14 lymph nodes in surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago and my doctor referred me to a physical therapist for the area. I noticed that full extension of the arm (like overhead when I am stretching, for example) isn't possible. Just a tightness. My surgeon told me that lymphedema isn't as problematic as people once thought or continue to tell women. She said therapy and compression are best, but really it's not harmful, just uncomfortable if it even happens.
Asked by anonymous
Stage 1 PatientYes Shen is right. It's always best to use a compression sleeve when traveling on a plane.
2 comments 1I think they have to wear a compression sleeve. I was told to wear one even though I don't have lymphodema in order to prevent it from developing because of the pressure changes during a flight.
2 comments 1Asked by anonymous
Stage 2A PatientAfter I recovered from mastectomy And a miscarriage i walked -jogged- 3 miles every day. Then I was able to run 3-5 miles for the countdown to my chemo even that very morning before I received chemo I ran , my mantra was "screw u cancer , not gonna stop me".... Now im almost 6 weeks out of...
After I recovered from mastectomy And a miscarriage i walked -jogged- 3 miles every day. Then I was able to run 3-5 miles for the countdown to my chemo even that very morning before I received chemo I ran , my mantra was "screw u cancer , not gonna stop me".... Now im almost 6 weeks out of chemo but still getting Herceptin I'm back to running 3 miles everymorning "slow but steady " .. And i do strength training exercises , eventually I hope to train for a triathlon I'm no athlete by any means im just not gonna b taken down by this crap not gonna stop me ! You will get your running stride again , one step , one boob , at a time ;-)
Yes! You can do anything you work hard enough to do. We have cancer it doesn't have us. We have to be smart but we can do and be what want.
1 comment 1Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerI LOVE LOVE LOVE my lymphedema therapist. I go twice a week for manual drainage and she breaks my cords (tight like tendons created by scar tissue) I also wear a sleeve and glove a few hours a day, when exercising, flying, lifting anything heavy, being in the heat. I wear a compression bra also....
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my lymphedema therapist. I go twice a week for manual drainage and she breaks my cords (tight like tendons created by scar tissue) I also wear a sleeve and glove a few hours a day, when exercising, flying, lifting anything heavy, being in the heat. I wear a compression bra also. I had 18 nodes removed in my armpit so I am at high risk. I am SO LUCKY because I have the top therapist trained in Germany. Therapy SHOULD NOT hurt!
Asked by anonymous
Stage 2A PatientThere is a website that is for those who have it and tells you how to do the exercise and gentle rubs use to relieve swelling.
2 comments 0I had that done for a month or so-it really really helped..
Comment 0Asked by anonymous
Stage 2A PatientAsk your doctor to write a script for you to see a lymphedema therapist. She will evaluate you and show you how to prevent any problems
Comment 3I think it is fantastic to be proactive and responsive to your body needs. I has 4 sentinel lymph nodes removed. To prevent any problems, I do not let anyone poke needles in my arm on the same side as the sentinel nodes. Around week 3 post-op i felt some fingers go numb. Surgeon said it was...
I think it is fantastic to be proactive and responsive to your body needs. I has 4 sentinel lymph nodes removed. To prevent any problems, I do not let anyone poke needles in my arm on the same side as the sentinel nodes. Around week 3 post-op i felt some fingers go numb. Surgeon said it was normal and should pass in a couple of days. It did. My sentinel node arm doesn't feel the same, but its because it not. But I too will always have a conscious awareness about the arm and always keep my eye on lymphedema. Knowledge is power!
Asked by anonymous
Survivor sinceI also had cording, a year after radiation was over. Gentle stretching helped day to day pain. The cording went away after about 6 weeks. Good luck I think this is more common than anyone tells us.
Comment 0I have lymphodema and cording under the left breast and radiating all the way to my fingers ! The pain is terrible, but I have to continue to due the exercises from my therapist or won't be able to move it!
Comment 0
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