I am due to start my 3 weeks of radiotherapy to the breast following 6 cycles of FEC chemo. As I have had a full axillary clearance of my lymph nodes following a breast lumpectomy I am extremely concerned of the risk now of going on to develop lymphoedema. Does anybody know if radiotherapy increases this risk further? Anyone experienced this same dilemma-I don't know what to do?
I too can only add my own experience. I had mastectomy and full axilla clearance after taxotere then went on to 30 sessions of radiotherapy 10 years ago and have had no problem with lymphodema. As well as the advice Sue has offered above which is important I would emphasise the importance of the exercise - do it gently and only until it feels uncomfortable - stretch just beyond that point but no further. I also went swimming as soon as I could after and am sure that exercise helped too. But at the end of the day I think a lot of it is down to the surgeon.
Unfortunately radiotherapy can increase (depending on exactly where it's targeted) your risk of developing lymphoedema.
This is because remaining lymph nodes may not function properly if they are irradiated.
However, if radiotherapy has been recommended for you, it's because it is thought to be necessary. I can understand your worries - I have lymphoedema which started during radiotherapy. It's a pain, both literally and metaphorically.
Is there someone you can talk to about the precise area that will be treated? That may give you some reassurance. It's also worth remembering that the majority don't get lymphoedema, so the odds are somewhat in your favour.
Sadly, not enough is known about lymphoedema and who is most likely to develop it. Much depends on the robustness of your own, individual, lymphatic system. The only other things you can do is to look after your arm (hopefully you'll have been told all about this?) and keep your weight to within the normal range. Being overweight increases the load on the lymphatic system.
