Hi, I was recently diagnosed with breast lymphoedema and was seen at a lymphoedema clinic where I was treated for a breast infection that I wasn’t aware of. Part of my treatment was to wear a lymph pad in my bra, (to be started after my infection had healed). I have some peu d’orange and hardening of breast tissue in part of my breast and the pad is helping to keep that area softer, but the pressure of the pad is making my skin very pink and causing raised imprints of the pattern of the pad. Firstly, is this normal? The reason I ask is that I have ‘pressure urticaria’ and wondered if it was causing an issue.
Also, areas of my skin where I have had quite wide stretch marks are looking quite red and I wondered if this added pressure would make the thinner skin there, more vulnerable to bacteria entering and causing cellulitis again. Hope this makes sense. Thank you.
The nurses will hopefully answer your question tomorrow.
If it was me I would call the lymphoedema clinic for help. I was given a phone number for direct contact. I’m sure if there was an issue they will call you in to see you and they will have your records on file for reference. I don’t have pads as they said my swelling is not bad enough yet, but the nurse in the clinic explained what they were like and how they worked, she mentioned impressions of small squares from the shape of the pad. Compression garments are supposed to be tight to move the fluid.
Penny Brohn charity have an online lymphoedema workshop with Kate Oldham who is a cancer rehabilitation specialist and was also diagnosed with bc. It’s a 4 session course online. I found it helpful to get some extra information. It won’t help with your issue today but it may be something you may want to consider.
I hope you get the answers you need🥰
Hi, thanks so much for your reply.
It’s really difficult to know what’s’normal’ when you feel anything but. 
. It’s just something else to try and cope with.
The lymph pad is square and bigger than I expected. I did phone the clinic last week, just to ask if I was supposed to cut it down. She said I could if I wanted, so I made it smaller but the edge made quite a deep mark on my nipple, then I worried if it would make another problem. I feel quite anxious about it all.
I suppose I could ring again but it’s quite difficult to describe the indentation marks, but maybe the nurse could reassure me if it’s expected. I think im just getting worried when my breast looks different to the way it did before I tried the pad and I’m also worried because my first mammogram is at the end of this week and my breast is still tender.
Sorry, everything seems to be spilling out and I’m getting upset over something that’s probably quite trivial really.
Thanks again xx
Don’t apologise, your worry is justified. I always think if it doesn’t feel right I need to check with a medical professional.
I had my first annual mammogram in July so I get the anxiety and even after a year from surgery I still have pain and discomfort.
I’m glad you called your clinic, if you’re still worried call again and ask to be seen.
Thank you.
How did your mammogram go? Was it extra painful?
I might ring the clinic and check, I just feel a nuisance as I’ve rung them twice already. I didn’t feel like I could go back with a problem, but I’ll see what they say.
I’ve been given 3 appointments in December for some sort of manual drainage. I’m not really sure what will happen then.
I had bi lateral breast cancer and my scars are on the side of each breast so the side mammogram was quite painful, the top on was ok.
From my own experience I think it will depend where your scars are and if you are having issues such as lymphoedema. I found chatting to the radiographer was distracting. I also mentioned that I was anxious and she said she would go as gently as possible.
Have they shown/ given you leaflet regarding manual drainage for you to do at home? I was by the Wales Lymphoedema Clinical Network.
Hi, that makes sense. Hope your results were ok. 
Yes, the nurse showed me how to do the self massage, I have to do it twice a day. Is it the same for you?
The appointments in December are a different kind of massage, there’s some kind of machine involved, to help with drainage I think, not sure what happens with it. 
Thanks for the information on the course, I’ll look at that. Take care xx
Yes my results were clear. I only have to do my massage weekly as the swelling is small.
Hope all is ok with you
Hi @celie1
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That’s great! 
Sending best wishes
Hi celie1
Thank you for posting. It is understandable that you have concerns about the pinkness and imprint marks caused by your lymphoedema pads. As @naughtyboob says it is important to call the lymphoedema clinic again to explain your symptoms. They can arrange to review you again and adapt the pressure pads if required. If you are unable to be seen by your lymphoedema clinic, your breast care nurse or GP may also be able to offer advice or refer you back to the clinic if required.
Our Managing lymphoedema after breast cancer booklet explains more about what can be done to help. You may also find it helpful to listen to our podcast Living with lymphoedema or you may find it helpful to watch these videos produced by a breast cancer physio that specialises in lymphoedema management. The Lymphoedema Support Network also provides a helpline and is a useful resource for more information and support.
It is natural to feel anxious about your first mammogram especially as your breast is feeling tender, it can help to talk to the radiographer about your worries before your mammogram as @naughty_boob did so that they are aware of your concerns.
You may also be interested in our Moving Forward services which include our Moving forward booklet and Moving courses that feature a session on lymphoedema. The course is open to people who have had a primary breast cancer diagnosis and have finished their hospital-based treatment within the last two years. You can find out more and register for the programme on our website.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Katy
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