I wonder if anyone is or has been in the same situation as me and can offer any advice? I had a WLE and SNB in March and completed 6 x FEC in August, with last 4 being delivered via a Hickman line that was inserted on opposite side to where I had BC. Hickman line was removed end Aug and I started radiotherapy and Tamoxifen beginning September. Here’s my problem - a week after starting rads and Tamoxifen the opposite arm to the side where I had BC swelled, felt really heavy and is a greyish colour at times. It’s now 2 weeks since this started and has never gone down, though it’s definitely worse in the mornings. I’ve had a scan which has ruled out DVT and none of my other limbs are swollen. My GP doesn’t know what it is and is writing to my oncologist to see if she can shed any light on it and failing that I’ll be referred to a lymphoedema clinic. I’m finding this very demoralising as having completed chemo and being halfway through radiotherapy I was hoping that my life might return to ‘normal’ soon and that I could move on, but this is a constant reminder every time I try and do something. I suppose what I’m after is some reassurance that if it is lymphoedema, it isn’t all doom and gloom and any tips in the meantime would be really appreciated. Thanks xx
Hi Kas150
Sorry to hear of your worries with your arm I was dx with Lymphoedema in June but it is in my BC arm. As far as I was aware it is that side that gets affected as that’s were the lymph nodes were taken and rads were directed BUT I have no idea if you can get it in other arm? I have a sleeve and glove to wear and exercises to do and although a pain I must admit it is not so bad you do have to be careful re infection but touch wood I haven’t had any concerns! Mine is only mild at 15% swelling so hoping that wont have to wear sleeve for too long as not the most attractive item in the wardrobe lol.
Hope you get it sorted one way or the other soon
Jill