Hi all I am posting this in the hope of getting some advice/comment/ further suggestions regarding the swelling of my arm.
I had a right side mx and lymph node clearance on 4th Aug 09. Since then I have had soreness, swelling and very limited movement in my right arm. I have had physio which is still ongoing. This has helped with the " tethering" but the arm itself is still very tender and swollen.
I would be interested to hear from any other Ladies who have had similar problems. The Health care professionals I have seen do not seem to be able to tell me if this is Lymphoedema or still the results of the surgery.
I have nearly finished a course of Chemo - one to go!!! and then can look forward to three weeks of Rads and Herceptin.
Help and advice will be much appreciated.
Hi Rose
Sorry I can’t offer any advice, as my arm has healed quite well, but just wanted to send some vibes to you and bump this up in the hope that someone else can reply.
Might be best on the Surgery area of these boards, rather than Chemo?
It is good that you have physio, but I am surprised they can’t give you more information. Can your BCN make a further appointment for a proper discussion about it with your surgeon, maybe?
Christmas vibes xxxx
Rambling rose
hi i had mx and snb 10 wks ago i had a seroma ans have got cording my last drainage was 5 wks ago but since mon i have had quite a lot of swelling and like u can hardly move my arm alsosore and hurts im waiting for a call from bc nurse hoping to go see her b4 xmas im sorry i dont no if this is normal just want ed u to know your not alone im in pain to and so fed up with all this just want to get back to normal happy xmas laura x
Rambling Rose, are you in touch with a BC Nurse? Soreness does continue for some time but should be monitored. Are you doing your excersises ? ( i know they are a pain but really do help) While going through chemo your body does ache like hell so this i am sure will contribute.
Rhian x
mayb you could ask for a referral to lymphodema clinic as they can identify if it is lymphodema but some measurements and finding out what your problems are. take care xx
Hi Rambling Rose, and laura
Sorry to hear you are having such a rubbish time with your arm.
Lymphoedema often waits a while to rear its ugly head, but it does also develop early in some people.
I agree with lisaf, that if the health care professionals you have seen cannot tell you if it is lymphoedema or not, then you need to be referred to someone who can. Which won’t be your surgeon or bcn.
Ask for a referral to your lymphoedema clinic asap; lymphoedema nurses are best placed to assess your arm and decide whether you have lymphoedema or not. You may need to be very persistent with this, as firstly there is a tendency in many areas to try to fob patients off and secondly there can be a long wait for an appointment at these places.
By all means keep mentioning your arm to your surgeon and bcn, but if they are reluctant to refer you promptly, or at all, try your GP instead.
Are you having/have you had Taxotere or Taxol as part of your chemotherapy? That can aggravate swelling, too.
In the meantime, I would say look after your arm as you will no doubt already have been told to do. Keep it away from heat, rest it whenever you can, with the elbow well supported. If you can elevate it comfortably above the level of your your heart, with pillows or similar, that will help fluid to drain.
Drink plenty of fluids - helps the lymph to drain better and don’t let your arm dangle for too long if you are standing up; putting it in a pocket can help a bit.
If you have a bra with narrow straps, it would be better to go for something that’s wider across the shoulders or not wear one at all, at least for part of the time.
Keep your skin in good condition, too. Moisturise it regularly and rub the cream or whatever in very gently indeed, starting at the top of your arm with upward movements and then work your way down.
If you’re OK with painkillers, then use them. Pain and swelling are closely linked. Get prescription strength if you need them. Getting the pain under control will help the swelling - and make you feel better!
I recommend this website for more help and info’:
There is also lots of chat and info’ on the lmphoedema board on this site.
But most of important of all, I would say, is to be seen by someone who knows about lymphoedema.
Take care - I do hope you both start to feel better soon.
X to all
Hi All Thank you one and all for the help and support. It is more than I’ve had from most of the BCNs ! I do have an appointment for the Lymphoedema Clinic - eventually after condiderable jumping up and down.
Oops Pressed wrong key. I will try comment on the surgery side of site but I will bear in mind your comments, especially those of Bahons2.
Cheers and Happy Christmas
RR