Breast Cancer Support Group
Breast cancer is a cancer that usually originates in the ducts or lobules of the breast. Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from a nipple. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, this is the community to discuss your experience, find support, and meet others going through...
Hi everyone-I was diagnosed with BC in 1995, and underwent a radical mastectomy-the tumor was into my chest wall, so I had the breast, all the muscles on that side of my chest, and all the lymph nodes under my arm removed. About 2 years after my surgery, I developed lymphedema in my arm. I went to a lymphedema clinic, had all the bandaging, etc. done, and after the treatment was done, had a compression sleeve and glove that I was supposed to wear. Well, as time has gone by, my arm seemed fine, and I stopped doing the manual decompression, and stopped wearing the sleeve and glove-I really didn't need it.
I was just at my oncologist and told him that the under part of my arm had a dull ache and the skin felt tight. Well, I was told that the area was starting to swell again, so I have to go to the clinic and start all over again with the treatment.
Has anyone else had this experience-having the lymphedema seemingly cured and then it coming back after so many years? Now I have to be aware of all the precautions-not lifting, using antibiotics when getting cut, etc.
This is so frustrating-I have no job, can hardly pay for food and meds, and now this. I just wonder when things will start looking up again. I know I am lucky to be alive, having BC, lupus and fibromyalgia, but guess I'm feeling sorry for my self, when I know there are those so much worse off than me.
Sorry for this being so long. I hope everyone is well, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Kathy
I was just at my oncologist and told him that the under part of my arm had a dull ache and the skin felt tight. Well, I was told that the area was starting to swell again, so I have to go to the clinic and start all over again with the treatment.
Has anyone else had this experience-having the lymphedema seemingly cured and then it coming back after so many years? Now I have to be aware of all the precautions-not lifting, using antibiotics when getting cut, etc.
This is so frustrating-I have no job, can hardly pay for food and meds, and now this. I just wonder when things will start looking up again. I know I am lucky to be alive, having BC, lupus and fibromyalgia, but guess I'm feeling sorry for my self, when I know there are those so much worse off than me.
Sorry for this being so long. I hope everyone is well, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Kathy
Please don't think you're feeling sorry for yourself. You have a lot to deal with, so there's plenty of room there to feel like it's a bum wrap. I don't know why some of us just never seem to get our heads above troubled waters, no matter how hard we battle them.
I have my own set of woes, BC we share. I'm glad you beat it. I'm proud to share that space with ya. Just hang in there, okay? You're stronger than you know, for longer than you think possible.
I was also diagnosed with lymphedema and my lymph. therapist told me I should wear the sleeve forever. She said I might be able to go to something special for a day and not wear it, but that I would likely have to bandage that night. I knew of someone else who wasn't wearing hers anymore so I asked my therapist. She said she has always heard/been trained/whatever that once you wear the sleeve, you should always wear it from then on. If you ever feel inclined not to, you should at least, especially, wear it when exercising.
I'm so glad you wrote because I have to admit, I was thinking about trying to go without it. You have helped me. I hope all goes well (for all of us!). God bless you for writing!
Diagnosed with stage IIIA BC in Sept 2006, had chemo, double mastectomy w/17 lymphnodes removed, radiation, reconstruction part I. In June 2008 began lymphedema therapy, I thought I escaped it. Well I never got a sleeve and now the lymphedema is back, I see a new therapist Monday. This time I will make sure to get a sleeve. And thanks to your post, I'll make sure I use it.
So when you are wrapping or doing your excercises, know that you are not alone. Take care.
PEACE, Joanie
Hang tough, ladies. I think wearing the sleeve is much better than having to bandage. By now, I'm pretty used to putting it on. It's about like putting on your underwear -- you just do it without thinking about it too much. I doubt ins. covers the fancy ones, but now that we have a shop in town that has the "decorator sleeves", as I'm calling them, I'd like to see about getting one. Maybe we can start a new general trend for all women, not just ones with brca. -- dress ourselves up a little! lol I have a collection of the skin-tone ones so far, but not the "pretty" ones!
Firstly, well done on being so brave and recognising that you are lucky to be alive!
Your condition can be challenging and it takes real strength and courage to do what you do.
Theres a guid at this website which I think will be of interest to you.
http://www.lymphadvice.com/lymphedema.html
It will show you how to have a diet which supports your body and it\'s health, exercises which should help with the swelling and in general give you a road map on improving and living a better life.
I think it would be important to look into the emotional side of things aswell. Going through what you have been through can wear you down. Write out a list of positive affirmations and read them when you feel down and read them atleast 3 times a day. Mornings are important as they set the rest of your day up. So when you wake up read something inspiring and uplifting and be greatful you are alive. This should put you in the right frame of mind.
Best of luck!