Flare Up

Going through breast cancer treatment Lymphoedema
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Hi everyone,

I have had lymphoedema for about a year and a half.

I have been managing it well mainly through exercise and compression garments.

Last week I had some dreaded mammograms and it flared up.

I am making myself continue with my very frequent short walks and pilates.

I am finding that this helps but the swelling comes back much more severely and quickly than usual.

I am keeping a record of how I am feeling and what techniques I am using to bring the swelling down.

I am also trying to keep myself thinking positively although it’s not always easy. I try to listen to podcasts and music to keep myself happy.

Does anyone else have any techniques that work for them?

Thanks
Katie

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So sorry to hear you’re dealing with this! I know how uncomfortable it can be. Have you tried the lymphedema drainage massage? I find this helps me a lot whenever I actually do it. It takes a good 10 minutes to do it right and if you can have someone do it for you, it REALLY helps. Here are the links to my occupational therapist’s youtube videos, and I’m attaching the info sheet she gave me. I hope this helps!

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Hiya,
Thanks for the suggestion. I will try that
I think the exercises are helping bring it down.
I would like to get to a point where I feel the flare up and bring the swelling down without worrying about it. That’s something to work on as I’ve got to that point with the daily management of it.
Take care x

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Hi @Katie_S Sorry to hear of your flare up. Where I am, I had a lymphoedema clinic that I was referred to and given a leaflet for manual lymphatic drainage. Lucky for my I did t have any lymphoedema.

I was told I had an open appointment to call them direct at anytime if I wanted to be reassessed, so I’m wondering if you have the same and can give them a call to get it assessed.

The charity Penny Brohn do an online support group which I found very helpful. Here is the link but there is only 1 session to book, but you may want to ring to find out if they have more for later on.

I found Jen McKenzie a breast cancer physio on YouTubewith some very useful content.

Link to leaflets available in Wales for lymphoedema

https://lwcn.nhs.wales/patient-information/leaflets/

I hope this helps.

:smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

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Hi Naughty_boob,

I love your name on this site by the way! I know we’ve chatted before.

Thanks for your advice :slightly_smiling_face: thankfully moving even more than I usually do for a few days has brought the swelling right down.

I go for a lot of very short walks throughout the day and do pilates. Sometimes it seems excessive to me but it’s the thing that helps the most and is healthy overall.

I do have the option to get an appointment with my lymphoedema clinic as well.

How are you doing?
x

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Hi @Katie_S I’m doing ok. But I have another cord appear in my armpit so I’m off to the cancer physio in 10 days for some deeper massage. Muddling through with hormone therapy but I’ve managed to get on a CBT course to help with menopausal symptoms.

I do like Pilates, I have a reformer in my garage that I’ve had for nearly 20 years ago but rarely use. But I’m committed to do more as it so supportive. I enjoy Tai Chi Shibashi, I’ve just completed a session online with www.pennybrohn.org.uk

So pleased your swelling has reduced.

:smiling_face_with_three_hearts: