Breast lymphoedema

I’m sorry you are experiencing this. I don’t have lymphoedema so this isn’t from personal experience, but I wonder if a high support sports bra would be helpful? Not the supermarket ones, but ones designed for running or similar. After my lumpectomy a couple of years ago I wore a Nike zip front one I already had which was great for swelling as designed to fit quite snugly and hold everything in place. I buy sports bras quite often from Vinted and only spend a couple of pounds on them. x

Thank you very much for this.  A friend suggested looking on Vinted today so I have had a look.  I can't see anything suitable at the moment but I'll keep looking.

Hi have a look at post surgery bras from M&S . They do one that looks very much like a sports bra but specially designed . The price on M&S site is £24 but you do get it VAT free . Hope that helps and so sorry that you’re going through this . X

Hi Tumblemac 

I also have breast lymphoedema. Macrom bras are expensive but offer very good compression which might help, otherwise seamless sports bras are good. I also recommend doing a search for lymphatic drainage. I do a quick routine (5 mins) every morning and it makes an enormous difference. Have you asked for a referral? I hope you can get some help and it eases soon X 

Hi Tumblemac , sorry you’ve developed breast lympheodema. I’m in the same club, my oncologist referred me to the lympheodema service which I’d strongly recommend. The specialist nurse gave many recommendations, which I’ll mention but might not apply to your specific case. For me, she said I didn’t need a compression bra but definitely a fully supportive one. I went to M&S and got ‘fitted’. I wanted a seamless one as all seams left indentations on that breast. She also showed me some massage techniques although I found them difficult. I took up Nordic walking on her advice - enrolled straight away on a course and I’m still doing it 7 years later! The arm pumping action apparently is ideal to get lymph moving. Not just ordinary walking poles though, it’s a specific propelling action. Just about to leave for this morning’s very wet walk, hopefully with a coffee at the end if we’re not all too drenched. In my case it’s not severe and it’s manageable. 
Future Dreams in London is also a fantastic source of support for this and many other breast cancer related issues. If you’re not near enough to attend in person they also have online stuff. 
Good luck with it all, it’s horrible to have something else to deal with on top of the cancer. Love and hugs, HFxx

Hi Tumblemac

I saw a Lymphoedema Specialist Physiotherapist a few days ago.  I assume you’re in the UK in which case compression garments are available on NHS prescription. There is a chest band (which looks like a sports bra without straps, I think made by an American company called Comfiwave) that you should be able to request from your GP. 
As others say, get referred by your surgical team to a lymphoedema specialist (although in my NHS Trust referral times are months long )

Good luck xx

Thank you so much for this.  I did look at that bra but I think I need ones that have a large band under the cups.  I have large, heavy breasts and bras tend to ride up on me.  That one does look good so I may go back to it.

Thank you so much for this very helpful information.  I was not even aware of the lymphoedema service so I will ask my GP to refer me.  I felt when I saw my surgeon yesterday she was a bit dismissive.  She just confirmed my suspicion that I have it, advised me to wear well fitting, supportive bras and to massage the breast. It was almost like this is no big deal.  Well it is to me.

I'm in Birmingham and have severe mobility issues so London is out of the question as is walking.  I walk with a rollator and can only do that for very short distances.  I will look at the Future Dreams website though so thanks again for the info, it's all useful and much appreciated.

Thanks for this.  I did look at Macrom bras yesterday but they are way outside my budget.  Somebody else mentioned the lymphoedema service which I was not even aware of so I am going to ask my GP for a referral.

Thank you so much. I am going to ask for a referral as I wasn't even made aware of the lymphoedema service.