Lymphodema post surgery and radiotherapy

Hello,

Yes, I have the same thing. I had surgery in 2022 and chemoradiotherapy after that for 3C1 cervical cancer, I also started by having a swollen thigh, followed by episodes of infection in my lymphatic system, which caused fever, fainting and sickness. This got sorted with a very long course of antibiotics.

Now I control my lymphadema with lymph drainage, wearing compresion tights, and taking some pills to help drain lymph at night. It's manageable now, but like you I was disappointed and surprised by this horrible side effect. Unfortunately it can't be cured but only managed.

While you are waiting for your lymph consultation, try wearing tights, putting your feet up whenever possible, moisturising well and doing swimming or walking. If you massage your swollen leg always do this upwards as the lymph needs to travel upwards.

Let me know how you are getting on,

Best wishes,

lulabell

Hello and welcome to our group.

I’m sorry to read that you think you may have lymphoedema after your surgery and treatment, especially as you have otherwise been doing well.

I haven’t had this although I have had chemoradiation and surgeries, but I’m glad to see that Lulabell has been able to give you some helpful advice. I hope this will be useful as you wait for a referral to the specialist clinic.

Sarah xx

Hi ACS2024,

I developed lymphoedema in my right thigh/lower abdomen very soon after completion of my treatment; can totally empathise with feeling gutted!  Unfortunatley it seems some of us are prone to it, possibly because of some genetically based inflammatory processes which result in lymphoedema when lymph drainage is impaired.

Great advice form Lulabell to get you through until your lymph appointment.  Skin care is important because the area affected by lymphoedema has an increased risk for cellulitis; daily moisturising with a perfume free product, such as Aveeno,  will help maintain skin integrity thereby making it less likely for bacteria to enter and cause infection.  I also suggest elevating the affected leg whenever possible to help drain lymph fluid.

I recommend the following organisations for reliable information and advice:

www.lymphoedema.org

www.lymphoedemaunited.com

x