Discomfort 5 years after - follow up

Ask our Nurses your questions
1

I posted on the 17 July about having discomfort and swelling in the breast I had had the lump removed from 5 years ago and was advised to see a doctor. I saw the the breast surgeon. He said it is oedema, the lymph fluid is not draining as well as it should due to the lymph node removal which I had prior to surgery and didn’t seem surprised at this even though it is 5 years on.

I will get an appointment with a physio on how to massage the fluid to the right areas - sternum and clavicle mainly, however there are youtube videos demonstrating this which I have been following and it feels much more comfortable now.

Thanks for this forum, it is so good for quick advice.

2 Likes
2

Hi SuzyK,

I can certainly relate to this and am sorry that you are experiencing some discomfort. It’s a blimmin’ nuisance isn’t it? I had some oedema in breast and trunk at within the first year after surgery. Sadly the hospital physio I saw didn’t seem to know much about trunkal oedema - or indeed anywhere other than the arm, where I didn’t have it. Depending on where you are located you may be able to get a referral, or refer yourself to a proper lymphedema clinic. I waited a few months then had 5 x daily sessions at Royal Marsden clinic to move the lymph and ‘train’ the channels to remove it properly. I’m 7 years on and still have to keep a watchful eye but at least I know how to move things along. If you’re not near a specialist clinic it might be worth a Google to find a cancer lymphedema specialist therapist near you. Wishing you well!

3

Hi SuzyK,

Thanks for posting.

You mentioned you were told by your breast surgeon that you have oedema (lymphoedema) and the lymph fluid is not draining as well as it should due to lymph node removal. Lymphoedema (swelling) is caused by a build-up of lymph fluid in the surface tissues of the body.

You mentioned you will get an appointment with a physio on how to massage the fluid to the right areas and you have been following YouTube videos that have made you feel more comfortable. Jen Mckenzie is a breast cancer physio who specialises in lymphoedema management and has produced some videos which you may find helpful.

As @TW142 says, it may be a good idea to seek specialist lymphoedema support through your physio, treatment team or GP. The British Lymphology Society maintain a directory of lymphoedema treatment services across the UK, provided by its members. Our Managing lymphoedema after breast cancer booklet also explains more about lymphoedema and what can be done to help.

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 additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

Our number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties dial 18001 followed by our number and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.

If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. Please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.

Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturdays.

We are closed on English bank holidays.

Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.

Best wishes,

Harriet

Breast Care Nurse

Please read the disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy

As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.