Lymphedema

Hi, I had a referral for breast lymphoedema and I was given some massage exercises to do. They said swimming is good and someone else told me Nordic walking also good. You need to watch for any signs of infection as the lymph nodes help the body's drainage system so if they're not draining then infection can set in, so signs of redness in particular. Best of luck 

1. Hi Helen42, was just reading your post I finished chemo in April and radiotherapy in May I had lumpectomy and sentinel node removed,  I am having bother with my arm too, it feels heavy from shoulder down arm and into fingers,  they feel tight and swollen too. I told the breast care nurse , she's referring me to physio and said it cam feel like that as it's knitting together again,  but I don't know.  My breast is warm to touch and painful inside so I might have to ring back again. Good luck xx

Hi Helen42, sorry you’re having this worry re lympheodema. Hope you get an appointment soon. I was diagnosed with breast lympheodema a few months after radiotherapy. The nurse recommended Nordic walking or swimming/ aqua aerobics. I took up Nordic walking as soon as I could and at my follow up appointment the nurse was able to discharge me as there was such a big improvement. I also had to change my bras as mine were not supportive enough. As far as I know, swimming and Nordic walking are good for any upper body lympheodema as the movement get the lymph moving around so reduces the swelling. 

Re compression sleeves, there are 2 people with arm lympheodema at my exercise class (specifically for folk who’ve had cancer) and they only wear their sleeves during the class. Of course there will be some people who have to wear them all the time but that doesn’t automatically mean this will be the case for you. I don’t know if that helps, like you I would be assuming the worst! I really hope your appointment comes through quickly so that you know what you’re dealing with. 
Love and hugs, HFxx 

Thank you for replying.

Thank you, yes my BCN pretty much said it's the early onset of lymphedema. I've got an appt with the breast clinic next wednesday so will see what they say. Good luck with your physio.

Thank you so much for replying. I've had an appt come through for next Wednesday. I just automatically think the worst and reading up on it then it has struck me that this will be a lifelong condition that I will have to manage and I think that's what keeps upsetting me. I've already got enough reminders when I look in the mirror and I just feel like this is something else to deal with. I was just starting to get back on my feet and its setting off into the unknown again.