A year after surgury rads etc

Hi Lovejellies, I’m not on kadcyla so can’t comment on that, but I have lympheodema in my treated breast so it’s actually slightly bigger than the other, despite having been scooped out and frazzled. It’s a lesser publicised side effect of the radiotherapy. I was diagnosed by a specialist nurse and advised to do several things: get a fully supportive bra (was still wearing post surgery bras, soft and comfy but very little support); she showed me some basic lymphatic massage but tbh I never felt confident; she prescribed Nordic walking or swimming/ aquaerobics, I chose the Nordic walking and do swim sometimes but not that regularly. Both are apparently good for getting the lymph moving. I started Nordic walking 3 years ago and really love it. When I had a follow up appointment she was delighted with my progress and discharged me on a ‘phone if you need us’ basis. I haven’t needed to go back so far! 
Obviously yours may not be lympheodema but I’d definitely get it followed up. It’s not making a fuss to report that things have changed. And if they’re not sure, ask about a lympheodema referral at least to rule that out, if nothing else. 

Hope you get some answers, love and hugs, HFxx 

Aww thanks ..I’m a very physical person and sleep with arms up lol to help with lymph etc did all recommended exercises so was puzzled I do have numbness and tingling in fingers so it could be a bit of it at play will ask as hopefully they’ll say yeah radio effects and I’m happy with that ad I’ll know what it is for sure hope you well and happy xx

Hi Lovejellies, just to clarify, I have no sign of lympheodema in my arm (which would likely be from the lymph node sampling if I did get it), just in my breast. I didn’t realise that it could happen after radiotherapy but when I read the booklet more carefully, there it was. It’s mild and much improved since I was first diagnosed but worth knowing you’ve got it as you can be vigilant for any signs of skin infections as there is a risk of cellulitis. I’ve had one flare up about a year after my op, but a prompt visit to my GP and a course of antibiotics nipped it in the bud. Xx

Thanks that makes sense never thought of cellulitis etc …goes to show only now interested in reading the booklets lol last year was just a washout that way xxxx

I have  swelling in armpit and top of arm but they won't confirm if it lymphoedema or not. I was given a compression sleeve and am going back for a visit 6 months after Iast saw them as I'm due my 1 year check up. Was told about massaging. My boob is still swollen so in a mirror its wider but not as droopy as the other one! I was told by physio that post rads symptoms last a  min 6 months but could be anything up to 2 years. Wish I'd been told more about this at the time as I would have been more diligent about doing exercises but it is getting better. Still get a lot of pain and aches in armpit.

Hey tiredninion I got quite a surprise at all the effects just popping up now I had full land so I was worried bout lymphadaema but only boob is wierd lol I had quite a chunk taken off and now it looks like I had a boob job minus the areole and nipple but it is some haul to recover from physically but we try As regards arm mine does get numb and dead feeling if I overdo it so  I am learning as go along . Mind you if they told us everything from A to Z I think we’d run for the hills and be freaked out .hope ye have some relief soon xx