How is lymphoedema diagnosed?

Hi Cpmmander and welcome to the forum. Like you I had and still have Lymphoedema starting  on my breast or so I thought, but actually as well as the breast it was in my arm on the same side as the op and also in my back  My breast was red, swollen and looked like the peel of an orange. 

I take it you had Lymph nodes removed during your surgery?  When that happens the Lymph cant drain as it did hence the swelling in the breast and when they do the exercises and massage on your arm then that frees up the lymph to drain better hence the arm reference in your letter. They will also show you how to help any lymph drain from the breast.  

It does sound very much like Lymphoedema and easily treatable by the folks who know what they are doing which is where you are being referred onto. 

Thats very helpful and reassuring.  Thank you.  Yes I did have just one lymph node removed so although in theory I'm at low risk of having lymphoedema, there is still a risk. And also seems to be more common than I thought. 

Hi Commander , I was referred to the lympheodema service after asking at my radiotherapy follow up (10 weeks after) why the treated breast was bigger than the other. The lympheodema nurse confirmed that it was mild lympheodema in the breast and advised re massage, better bras and exercise. She recommended Nordic walking or aqua aerobics. I signed up for a Nordic walking course and have been doing it ever since. Apparently the special position of the arms (not like using regular walking poles) is ideal for getting lymph moving! It’s also great exercise, apparently when done properly you burn up half as many calories again as opposed to normal walking (which I also love anyway). Sorry I am a bore about it but it really worked for me. I also went to be fitted for more supportive bras, and I tried the massage but found it difficult so haven’t really done it much. 
Apparently breast and chest lymphoedema are less well known potential side effects of radiotherapy, which I hadn’t realised before. 
Hope you get a quick referral and get it sorted out soon. Love and hugs, HFxx