Lymphoedema

I haven't experienced this but people I know have.  The exercises they have been given have been helpful. I have been told swimming helps as well.  Breast stroke particularly. Go with all your questions and I am sure it will be helpful.  

All the best

Thanks, Ricki. 

Hi

I have not had personal experience with lymphodema, I decided not to have a full node clearance for this reason and chose radiotherapy instead, which decreases your chances of getting it quite a lot.

My friend however did have full node clearance and she has lymphodema now which she lives with most of the time. Her arm is always swollen to some extent, but she did not get it straight away, I think it started about 1 year after the surgery. 

Hope this helps x

Same for my friend . 

Thank you.

Hi Strand , I have lympheodema in my treated breast, it’s a less well known side effect of radiotherapy. I found the referral to the lympheodema service so helpful. The nurse confirmed it and gave many pieces of advice, including a properly supportive bra (I was still wearing post op bras, soft and comfy but not very supportive) and exercise options. She recommended Nordic walking or aqua aerobics. I signed up straight away for Nordic walking lessons ( you do need to get the technique right for it to be effective), joined my local group and I’ve been doing it for nearly 6 years now! I love it. When I had a follow up appointment with the lympheodema nurse, about 8 weeks after the first, she said it had improved enough to discharge me. It’s permanent but manageable. I was also shown massage but found it tricky. 
I would also recommend, if you’re anywhere near London, a brilliant information session and exercise session at Future Dreams House in Kings Cross. They do various other activities and all I’ve been to have been so helpful. Online stuff too. 
Good luck with it all, love and hugs, HFxx