I was very interested to read your comment about lymphoedema and mammograms. Mine flared up in earnest shortly after I had an excruciatingly painful one done. I was yelling and weeping and I’m afraid the radiographer didn’t give a toss. I am quite sure my breast was compressed far more than necessary (I’ve had ones before and since that were a breeze).
I’ve spoken to my MLD therapist and a lymphoedema nurse and they’ve both admitted it could have been the last thing my fragile and irradiated lymphatics needed. But the consultant was adamant how useful a mammogram was, so you go along with it, don’t you? She said I could have another type of scan done next time, if I really felt that strongly, but the sub-text is that they use mammograms because they are cheap, so that’s what they want to stick with.
Good luck with getting your Lipomed bra - any chance the NHS are going to chip in with the cost!!!
just back from a trip to Abu Dhabi (hothothot) and the flights didn’t help, that’s for sure. I wondered if, in case of emergency evacuation, my right boob might qualify as an Inflatable Device.
My experience with the mammogram thing was very similar to yours. I told them i didn’t want one, as I understood from my reading that having multiple mammograms had been found to cause breast cancer! They actually wrote to me from the hospital saying it was absolutely ncessary, ultrasounds don’t show things up as well as mammogrms. So I went with it. To my regret.
The Mediuk people didn’t reply to my email, so will try a different approach.
X
J
Hope you had a good time in Abu Dhabi (did you shop till you dropped?) and that your LE has recovered a bit from the flight.
What a shame Medi haven’t bothered to answer your e-mail - have you tried ringing them on 01432 373500?
Just a thought, breastcancer.org - an american site - has a lymphoedema section on its discussion forum and it might be worth a look as I seem to recall that there have been quite a few threads about this particular form of lymphoedema over recent months.
(Well not your husband, mine!) He introduces himself to all and sundry as ‘just a lowly bearer’, now.
I’ve actually also got a wee ‘healthy back bag’ that I can sling over my good shoulder, which means I can carry a few bits and pieces and the odd bit of shopping without risking my arms. It’s been a godsend.
Hi Bahons,
I got one of those tank-top type bras from Marsden yesterday. it’s brilliant! First comfortable day I’ve had since I can remember. I definitely wouldn’t have been given one had I not asked specifically for it. Thanks so much, I wouldn’t have known about them without you.
J
X
So glad you managed to get one and that it’s working for you!
I just wish the NHS lymphoedema clinics would offer them instead of people having to ask - it’s not as tho’ one of these can be regarded as a luxury - or we’re asking for charity handouts.
Buff40 has posted details of bra for trunk/breast lymphoedema in this section as well. I’ve had a look at the website and I think the bras look smashing. Maybe another option
Just had a look at these, they look really good. Think I’ll get me one in each colour. Nice and high under the arm, so you can put one of those litlle pads in with the knobbly bits - the ones that are supposed to massage the breast While You Work. Is that Kinesiology, Bahons?
Such a help to read all the posts. After end of radio, breast calmed down a bit but from Sept onwards has remained swollen and warm. On check up visit in December, registrar dismissive, said I could have antibiotics ‘if I liked’!! Went back again today and was told it was after effects of radiotherapy, but no mention of lymph. Once you’ve fallen off the end of the conveyor belt, it seems they don’t want to know. I’ve tried lymph drainage for my arm and that’s worked well, so will see if she can help with the breast as well. Like others I know it’s not as bad as some have to go through, but if only things were explained better I’d find it easier to deal with. Swimming sounds a good idea though if I can find a pool where no one knows me …
Sorry to hear you had such a lukewarm response at the hospital. ‘Conveyor belt’ is very true - there seems to come a point when most bc health professionals lose much of their interest in you - I felt sometimes a bit like an old toy that had been put to one side!
Is it a private therapist who is treating your arm? If it is, I’m sure she will be to help with the breast odema as well.