Hi there,
Just wanted a bit of advice for my Mum - she had a mastectomy and full node clearance in February this year and is now on femara. She went to Greece for two weeks recently (very, very hot) and came home with a swollen arm and hand (on the node clearance side) - I suppose I know the answer is that she has more than likely now got lymphoedema in that arm - is their anything we should be doing to ease the symptoms?
Mum is due to see her BC Nurse at the end of October and she wants to wait until then before seeking advice, but do you think we should act now or am I being over-dramatic?
Thanks for any advice on this
Esbee x
Hi Esbee,
What a shame for your Mum.
It does sound as if your Mum may have lymphoedema. Whilst this condition isn’t, so far as I can deduce, dangerous, it is definitely better to get it looked at sooner rather than later in order to get proper help in managing it. If she speaks to her BCN by phone, she ought to be able to get some advice and maybe get shown how to do drainage on her arm and/or where she can get a special pressure sleeve. There are specialist lymphoedema nurses who I am, sure she can see.
I don’t have lymphoedema (though I am ‘at risk’), but am sure someone who does will be along soon. In the meantime, she is best to take off (if she can) ant rings, watches or bracelets from that arm and toavoid any clothes that are tight around the arm hole or cuff.
I think it would be wise for her to get it looked at sooner rather than later.
She is so fortunate to have you looking out for her - try not to worry too much about this.
Hi there,
I am sure there are other ladies out there who know more than me, but while you wait, I just wanted to say that I dont think your mum should wait til end of October before seeking advice, I believe that there are excersises and advice that can be given to assist in managing swelling- BCC may be able to help with more specific advice. xxx Rattles
Hi,
Please, please get it checked out as the same happened to me in August & it was a Blood clot, my arm & hand were swollen too after returning from holiday.
Sarah.xxx
Thanks Ladies for taking the time to reply - I will certainly get her to seek help earlier rather than later (especially after reading about your experience Sarah - hope you are ok now) she now has no rings on that hand I had a bit of a job cajoling her to take off her wedding ring, but she eventually agreed and with the help of lots of vaseline we got it off - thanks again with your help I really do appreciate it.
Esbee x
Hi esbee
As the others have said, don,t wait until the end of October to get this checked out. If the problem with her arm and hand does turn out to be LD the sooner she is assessed and given management advice the better. I do have mild LD and with the right sleeve, massage, and exercise know it can be kept under control.
Give her our love and let us know how she gets on
Andie
Dear esbee,
I am pleased to see you have had lots of support from other forum members. You could also give our Helpline a call for information and support. They are open from 9-5 on weekdays and 9-2 on Saturdays 0808 800 6000.
The BCC publication on Lymphoedema may also be helpful. I have attached the link:
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Facilitator
Thanks Andie and Janet,
It really is so reassuring to be able to pop here for advice - we shall certainly not be waiting until the end of October to get it assessed (even though my Mum hates to make a fuss!!) - reading the leaflet has helped to explain what could be happening and its good to see that you Andie can keep it under control.
Thanks again
Esbee x
1)Do contact the breast care nurse for a referral to a lymphoma clinic.
2)Phone the a helpline, get their publication and have a chat with the girls re your worries. They are so approachable and will talk you through everything.
Hugs
Cackles