I am on here for my mum who was diagnosed with Breast cancer two years ago. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed a part mastectomy with removal of lymph nodes. Unfortunately the breast cancer has come back this year but with it lymphodema in her arm which is so swollen it’s the size of my leg - she has been given sleeves and a glove but the weight of the arm is unbearable for her , the lymphodema nurses don’t seem to able to do anymore but has anyone any ideas how we can make her more comfortable? She has been advised against massage and drainage- has anyone else had this issue.
Hi I don't have any personal knowledge of lymphedema as have been lucky not to have it.
Although she's been advised against massage, this link to the NHS website suggests a specialist massage. (DLT). Have they discussed this with her? Have they also run through exercises with her? I'm assuming they would have done the exercises etc. But these aren't normal times due to Covid and I wonder sometimes if some of the services aren't quite as available as they were pre-Covid.
Hopefully someone with a bit more experience can provide some more ideas for her and help her be more comfortable with her arm at the moment.
Kindest wishes, Lesley
