lymphoedema in hand

Hi Piritaxi,

I had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed nearly four months ago, having my radiotherapy at the moment.

After my operation, I was told about lymphoedema by my Doctor and BCN, who gave me a booklet with arm exercises in, which I had to do from the day after the surgery. It is so important to do these, as the normal drainage system has been cut into and can’t do it’s job. I still do them now, as you have to after radiotherapy as well. Please ask your medical team for this information if you haven’t got it, it is a big help, also drink plenty of water to help with the drainage. Don’t overdo the exercising, just do what and go as far as you can, doing a little more each day.

It is also important to use the arm when you can, don’t monny cuddle it, that does it no good whatsoever.

I do hope this helps in some way, there’s also the Macmillan helpline too - 0808 808 0000.

I wish you loads of luck with your recovery and send you love and hugs.xxx

Hi Piritaxi welcome to the forum. Definetely contact the Breast Care Nurse as this does sound like a lymphoedema developing and it can be in your shoulder and back. You may require compression sleeves and they can be prescribed for you. As someone else has already said keep moving  that arm as much as you  can until you get seen.  

I had swelling in my right hand after lumpectomy and radiation. My oncologist at University College London Hospital referred me to the lymphoedema service. I had to wait about 6 weeks for an appointment at a specialist clinic.  I was seen by a specialist nurse who checked my whole arm and made precise measurements all along the arm. She said this was so they could remeasure and monitor spread/growth or otherwise of the swelling. They arranged for me to be sent a made to measure fingerless glove and a made to measure sleeve for my arm. The glove and sleeve are very stretchy tight fitting and are supposed to help with lymphatic drainage. I was also sent a cream emollient to use instead of soap and also as a moisturiser. I was also given sheets of exercises to do to help lymphatic drainage. I was advised that weight management is key and that I must loose weight ( I was 18 stone). I have a follow up appointment at the clinic 6 months after the first appointment. I received excellent advice and support from the lymphoedema service and will be monitored by them on a regular basis.

thank you, i was going to exercise classes but my medication made me ill so i stopped and then i forgot yo do my exercises as i’d been doing them in class!

thank you, i too M overweight but my medication gives me an upset stomach so i can’t eat the diet foods that i need to. i suppose i just need to eat less!!

Hi Piritaxi , lovely replies already, just thought I’d add a hug and a couple of comments. I’d echo the suggestions to ask for a referral to the lympheodema service. I was referred after a post radiotherapy follow up appointment where I asked why my treated breast was bigger than the other and was also getting ‘pitting’ from bra straps and seams. The lympheodema nurse confirmed that this was the issue, it’s in my breast rather than arm or hand so probably a side effect of the radiotherapy in my case. She advised several things including firmer, more supportive bras and taking up Nordic walking. I’m still doing it 5 years later! Re sleeping on the treated side, yes I had to switch to back sleeping for many months afterwards, neither side felt comfortable. I used pillows to get comfortable on my back, under my knees and sometimes also under my feet. Crazy! But eventually I got back to side sleeping, it just took time. Love and hugs, HFxx

thank you, i do have a cry every now and then, usually when i get an additional appointment or if i mess up my appointments! i need to start exercising at home. staring back at work has made a massive impact and i didn’t seem to have any time but i was t getting any benefits other than Pip.