Lymphedema in neck after treatment

Hi Daisies

I would suggest you contact your CNS for advice especially if it’s affecting his breathing. They can refer him to the lymphoedema clinic.
Make sure he’s not sleeping flat. Use a couple of pillows, a wedge or raise the head of the bed on some blocks or sturdy books.
I developed mild lymphoedema just after treatment finished. I was seen yesterday and offered a course of photobio modulation. I had to have a clear PET scan before having this treatment though. The sooner it’s treated while it’s still soft the better the outcome.  They will also teach you some gentle self massage and exercise techniques to carry out  at home. I know there have been some helpful links posted on this forum for self help. 

 Sending hugs

Ally x

Thank you Ally - just ordered a pillow wedge! Wishing you well xx

Wishing your husband all the best in his recovery but please do let his CNS know about his lymphoedema affecting his sleep.

Take care

Ally xx

Hi and welcome ,Yes i have Lymphedema i am almost 8 months post RT ,i have been seeing a specialist nurse im not sure if they are available on the NHS nation wide but we have a team of 3 nurses in N.E.Lincolnshire .I would ask your SCN about this they teach you massage tequniques to help move the fluid to other lymph glands in your body ,mine never goes completely but is better after massage for a while ,but everyone is different with some people it goes away with others they have it for life .The massage involves using the back or the palm of your hand which ever is more comortable and gently stroking the effected area upward to towards the back of the ear i do this 50 times 25 each side of the chin and then downward strokes from the back of the ears to the shoulders 5 times either side of the chin and then from the front of the shoulders to the chest area 5 times each side ,i do this 3 times in one sitting and do it 3 times per day .As far as the sleeping is concerned i sleep upright with pillows at the back of me .I hope this helps good luck .

Thank you for all

your help on this / he’s upping the massage and first night using the wedge pillow so