Well i had my 4 mthly followup from fnishing my radiotherapy yesterday.
Told doctor i was experiencing more tenderness and pain now and was concerned. She told me this eas to be expected at this early stage but would prob have some kinda discomfort for the rest of my life ?
She examined me and said i had some breast fluid buildup - lymphodema - but didnt tell me if a. It would go on its own ? B. What i could do myself about it ? C. Would i also have this indefinately and could it get worse ?
Any replies/advice much appreciated. Thx ?
Hi mini mad
Sorry that you havent recieved any responses yet, hopefully this will help bump it up.
In the meantime, maybe you would like to Ask Our Nurses on a seperate area of the Forum. Or perhaps you would find it helpful to speak to someone on our free Helpline, 0808 800 6000?
Best wishes
Anna
Digital Community Officer
I was told I have this at my first annual check up. They also said it was nothing to worry about. Following that I did get some pain in arm after doing some heavy work. I now know not to do that! I went privately to a manual lymphatic drainage therapist and that was great - got rid of pain and swelling but she said IF it came back I should ask to be referred to hospital lymphoedema service. It hasn’t come back and I am finding that tai chi classes are very helpful. You spend a lot of time waving arms about in tai chi but in a very slow and gentle way. I read somewhere that tai chi was good for lymphatic system. Anyway it feels great to be finally be building strength in my arm, and the breast swelling is hardly noticeable at present. I only had one lymph node removed but still has been 18 months before it began to feel ok again. I still try not to push wheelchairs, lift heavy bags, or drag suitcases and try to hoover with opposite side. The manual lymphatic drainage is gentle and not painful although I felt pretty tired for a few days afterwards. It was nice to be treateed away from a medical setting. Make sure they are qualified to do it.