Recent Breast Lymphodema Diagnosis

Hi , welcome to the breast lympheodema club, another club we wish we’d never had to hear about. But here we are. I have mild breast lympheodema, diagnosed 3 months after finishing rads. Mine was spotted when I had an oncology follow up 10 weeks after rads, when I asked why bad boob was bigger than the other, despite being ‘scooped out’ and radiated. I had expected that boob to end up smaller as this is mentioned commonly under the side effects of radiotherapy. But it seems that lympheodema is a less common and rarely mentioned side effect. The oncologist gave me a course of antibiotics in case it was an infection (didn’t make any difference) but most importantly referred me to the lympheodema service. At that appointment the specialist nurse confirmed the diagnosis and gave me advice: better bra with full support (I was still wearing post surgery bras, soft but very little support); some simple massage techniques which I didn’t actually find easy); take up Nordic walking and/ or aqua aerobics. 

So I got fitted for better bras and signed up for a Nordic walking course. I’m still doing it! When I had a follow up appointment the lympheodema nurse was delighted and signed me off. I can self refer but haven’t needed to. It hasn’t gone but is much improved, as has my arm mobility. I can’t recommend the Nordic walking highly enough, it’s apparently perfect for getting lymph moving. And I love walking anyway. Ordinary walking poles don’t have the same effect. Something about the wrist straps on the Nordic poles and the arm actions. Also apparently burns up half as many more calories than ordinary walking. And it’s been lovely to explore new walks and meet new people. 

Sorry for such a long winded reply! Hope some of it is useful. I have a dog too so that also gets me out walking. I mainly post on the Walking back to happiness thread in the Chat section, join me there if you like! Love and hugs, HFxx

Hello Happyfeet

Can I ask which part of the country you are in. I didn't realise that there were Nordic walking courses. I would like to do one of these, if possible in my area.

More powers to your arms!

Enjoy your walks.

WallyDug

Hi WallyDug, I’m guessing you’re Scottish by the great user name! I am too but live in Hertfordshire. There are a few groups here, now part of WALX. If you Google Nordic walking uk you should be able to check if there’s anything near you. I’ve just googled Nordic walking Scotland as I’m going there next week, and have found a Facebook group for a group near where I’ll be (just outside St Andrews). So I might take my poles! Will investigate further. Hope you can find a group, I really love it and it’s made such a difference in so many ways. 
Good luck, would love to hear if you get signed up. Xx

Hi WallyDug, tried to reply but it’s vanished! May turn up so apologies if I’m repeating myself. I live in Hertfordshire and there are a few groups here. Think you might be in Scotland? Hard z search on Nordic walking uk, could also Google Nordic walking Scotland (if you are there). I’m going up to bonnie Scotland next week and just found a group in St Andrews - I’ll be near there so might take my poles! 
Hope you find a group, I really love it and it’s made a lot of difference to me in so many ways. Xx

Hi Happytfeet

Many thanks. I will Google and see what I can find. Enjoy the East Coast - lots of great walks there.

Best wishes

WallyDug