I am seeking other people’s experiences with living with lymphedema. I finished radiation therapy in April 2025 and am now dealing with lymphedema of my right breast. I have seen a physiatrist, physio, and am waiting to see a massage therapist for lymph decongestion. I am wearing a compression bra almost 24/7 and paying close attention to my skin care.
Any suggestions regarding care and strategies to mitigate swelling are much appreciated. Thanks.
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Hi, sorry to hear about your lymphoedema, it’s extremely unpleasant to live with. I had a left breast mastectomy with sentinel lymph node removal + immediate implant reconstruction in 2018. Lymphoedema was bad to start off with, it has improved though I find if I do anything too strenuous using my left arm, (like gardening) I pay for it later. Also, if you’re having your blood pressure taken, DON’T have it on the same side as your lymphodema. I have some round freezable gel packs that I can wrap and put in my bra which really help, also I purchased from Amoena a Lipoelastic compression bra, which I hate but works. Also from Amoena I bought some lymph flow pads, these are textured silicone pads that fit in your bra and gently “brush” your breast to encourage lymph flow. Im sure you can buy these elsewhere, this is just where I got them. Good luck and I hope you are more comfortable soon x
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The same happened to me the first time I had breast cancer. Lumpectomy, chemo and 33 zaps of rads. When all was said and done, my breast swelled to a DD while the other was a B/C. My surgeon back then never told me it could be lymphedema, he just said it would resolve. Well, it took about a year and it did. I put a pad into my bra on my less effected breast and called it a day. Of course 14 years later I had a recurrence so breast tissue is gone now for good and replaced by abdomen fat and tissue. Anyway, you may be surprised that over time it resolves itself.
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Got it to a degree after 19 rads post lumpectomy. Thickening orange-peel skin and if a bra has any seams or tight edges then deep skin imprints are left. Its been nearly a year since radiotherapy and seems to flare up at times, then better others. Weirdly my areola is virtually invisible, they were fairy pale to start with but on the treated side its paled to skin colour. Still a slight pinkish tinge to skin but subtle. Size and shape pretty much the same.
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Thank you! I hope you are doing well.
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Gosh I feel for you, I’m three years in with lymphedema in my left breast three mo ths after radiotherapy. Lucky to have a clinic near at St Margaret’s Hospice that have helped manage it. They recently fitted me with a Solidea bra which I am trying out. Initially it was a case of getting used to it, but can’t wear it at night. It is getting easier nearly 4 weeks in however towards the end of the day my shoulders start aching. Will report back my results in September. I’m in my early 70s very active, gym, table tennis, zumba dog walking and grandmonther of two whom I help look after in holidays another grandchild on the way next month. This came late in life so grateful to have seen my children grow up and now become a grandmother. I do hope this helps staying active will help reduce the symptoms.
I had lymphoedema in my left breast last year resulting from lymph node clearance and 20 sessions of radiotherapy. I was taught how to massage it for several months but there was little improvement. However after six weeks of Kinesio taping most of the swelling disappeared. Do you have a lymphoedema clinic near you because the nurses there are specialists in this field. Perhaps your breast team could refer you.
I found my compression bra helps to keep the swelling in check. Also, I am continuing to do the arm exercises given after the lumpectomy.
@rica I am happy to read that your swelling has resolved. I continue to do self-massages and exercises that were taught to me at the hospital. They help a bit especially in the mornings. My appointment with the massage therapist is on August 13 and I will ask about taping. Thank you sharing. All the best to you!
Hello nike1
The taping was placed differently from what you can see in the internet videos.
Thin strands were spiralled around the breast and extended under the arm and secured to my back (all on the left side). The effect was to lift the skin and allow the lymph fluid a space to flow.
I did not expect such a good result!
On each week of the six appointments I had to leave the taping in place for five days, then take it off, moisturise and let the breast rest for two days. Every week the breast was measured and to my surprise there was a noticeable reduction at each session. I now have no perceptible swelling although the entire area can still be painful due to the radiation which can upset the ribcage and sternum. I was told by the breast surgeon that this often happens because the rays often overlap the area.
Best wishes and I hope you get a good result. I shall be interested to know what your massage therapist decides to do.
Thank you for replying.
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Hi -
Sorry to hear you are going through this. I had same in my boob which developed a few months post RT. I ended up being part of trial for a new bra (more like a cropped top) and it has worked wonders- I wear it overnight everynight and it has kept it under control (very little massage required now and no taping). I believe the manufacturers are trying to get it included in Nhs treatment. For the moment you can buy them direct - they are expensive, and it’s not the bonniest 
but it’s been a game changer for me xx
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@blondie1 Thank for the info. I recently acquired Amoena compression bras abd they have been incredible re: resolving pain and swelling. I am heading off to my lymphatic drainage massage now.
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