Posted on Living with BC but maybe anybody here could advise please.
Had mast and immediate lat dorsi recon 6 months ago - on the affected side my shoulder blade area and down to the middle of my back keeps swelling up - never goes down completely and is getting worse. I get sharp stinging from time to time in middle of my back when leaning forward and am waking in the night now with pain in the shoulder blade and the most intense itching down my back which makes me wish I could scratch my very bones!! Arm gets tired and heavy but not sore just a bit of a dull ache really and find my watch feels tight early evening. Is this possibly lymphodoema? Also for the last couple of weeks I am so exhausted, why is this when it is 6 months now since my op!!
luv, Carole xx
Hi Carole
Please call our specialist nurses on the helpline or use the ‘Ask the Nurse’ service on the homepage for some advice on the concerns you have, the helpline is open until 2pm today if that’s any good to you on 0808 800 6000. Weekday hours are 9am-5pm.
Best wishes
Lucy
Carole -
why not ring your BC nurse? In Bristol I have the option of going back to recon clinic at any time. Also, my surgeon had said that if I experience any of the problems you listed I should get a physio referal via clinic. It does sound like lymphoedema - there must be a leaflet on this site for that!
I too have had an immed LD flap recon, but only 2 weeks ago so can’t comment on ongoing problems. I’m still coping with seromas, pain from the lymph node dissection and the like!! - still got the chemo & rads to contend with yet… What a journey it is, eh!
Good luck,
Love Td xx
Hi Td
Thanks for your advice, saw my BCN Monday morning and see the lymphodeoma people tomorrow at 3pm. Will let you know how I get on.
All the best to you for your recovery, the seroma is not pleasant is it but it will get easier. Take this time to be kind to yourself and don’t try to rush things. Rads after recon, up here they wont do rrecon if they think you will need rads. Best of luck with you journey on this road that none of us wanted to follow.
Take care, luvnhugs Carole xx
Hi
Just an update, saw the Lymphodoema nurse yesterday and after measuring and checking me over she advises it is early stage lymphodoema in my back and also in the arm. Have been given more exercises to do and also light massage then reassess later this year to see if that keeps it in check and if not it will be taping.
take care, luvnhugs Carole xx
Hi nice to know youre getting sorted - I was told it would be a year before my breast would settle completely though after 2 months it is pretty good and I haven’t had the problems you have. It is always best to ring you BC nurse - I find they are very helpful.
XX
Hi Carole -
they don’t advise implants here either with rads impending, so what my consultant did is the LD flap with an extended back scar (it’s 12 inches and goes from the tip of my shoulder blade to my waist!) to get lots of tissue, built up the most of it but didn’t put the implant needed in. Consequently have a 1.5 boob look, but with a little help of a small prosthesis it looks great - I still have my cleavage. I’m very happy!
Implant will go in in about a year when the radiation effets have settled…
got to go qatch Nancy now!!
Love Td xx