Breast Oedema

If its recent it may go away by itself ..if it occurs after maybe a year, 18 months to 2yrs after then treatment may be needed if possible.  I would suggest you check with BN for their advice. I wish you well. X

Thank you, it’s recent, my op was in January. 

Hi Karilu , I have mild breast lympheodema which developed after radiotherapy. I was referred to a lympheodema nurse who confirmed the diagnosis and gave me advice. She showed me how to massage it although I found it difficult and haven’t really persevered. She also recommended Nordic walking or aqua aerobics - I took up Nordic walking and have been doing it for 4 years now. Apparently the specialised arm technique gets the lymph flowing - it’s not the same as regular walking with poles so it does need to be taught. It did the trick as at my follow up appointment the nurse discharged me. I’ll always have it but it’s ‘under control’! She also advised me to get a more supportive bra as I was still wearing soft post op bras. I went to be fitted at M&S and still buy the same supportive bras, plus I wear a sports bra for exercise, including the Nordic walking. 
So I’d recommend asking to see the lympheodema service as you need proper advice - I don’t know if it’s the same when you’ve had reconstruction so please don’t take what I’ve said as definitely applying to your situation. If you’re told it would benefit, I can’t recommend the Nordic walking enough as I really love it! I love walking anyway and have made some lovely friends and see parts of the local countryside that I didn’t know were there. 
Hope you can get this resolved, love and hugs, HFxx 

Wow! Sounds fantastic..Will.look into Nordic walking..its obviously one if the best ways forward! Thnx!

Hi  , I’m a bit of a bore re Nordic walking, just can’t recommend it highly enough! You’d think I had shares in it! Walking became my sanity saver during my initial treatment and beyond. Being ‘prescribed’ a form of walking was perfect for me after the lympheodema diagnosis. Do have a look, my group is part of Nordic Walking UK/ WALX. Apparently you also burn half as many calories again as compared with regular walking. I’m not looking to lose weight but it’s just good to know that it’s great exercise. And it’s regarded as pretty much a total body workout as you’re exercising the upper body as well as your legs. I notice the difference if I miss a few weeks (which is very rare!). But the main pleasure for me is being out in the countryside. Love it! Xx

Thank you so much for your long, thoughtful and thorough reply! I’m off to google Nordic walking! I’ll contact my BCN.

Thank you thank you  

xxx