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New to Lymphedema? Start here.
The main Breastcancer.org site offers helpful information in the extensive Lymphedema section, including: Lymphedema Signs and SymptomsReducing Risk of Lymphedema and Lymphedema Flare-UpsLymphedema TreatmentsFinding a Lymphedema TherapistThere are also great tips and practical advice on the following discussion board…
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Lymphedema self massage
Hi ladies! I wanted to share a link to a self lymphodema massage treatment that has helped me and my neighbor who also had breast cancer. Please ok it with your doctors before trying it, because our situations are all unique. I had a lumpectomy with node removal Mar 2021. I was able to see a lymphodema therapist soon after…
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Resuming Pump After Cellulitis?
I developed lymphedema in 2016 despite only having 3 nodes removed. I've evaded cellulitis until last week. My swelling & redness have improved significantly at the one week mark, but my armpit is still quite tender. What have others done in terms of resuming use of the Flexi Touch pump? I will double check with my…
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Acupuncture treatment for lymphedema
Hi everyone, I had a dmx and ended up with lymphodema under my breast and to the side area. I went for manual massages, but it didn't help. Recently I had to have ablat flap and the lymphodema area is quite painful. I'm wondering if anyone is going through this and what has helped. Also, has anyone tried acupuncture for…
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LYMPHA (Lymphovenous Bypass) Procedure With Mastectomy?
Hello all. Today I had a meeting with my surgical oncologist to discuss my upcoming single mastectomy. I was kind of bummed to hear that that many nodes will be removed, and mentioned that I have a fear of lymphedema. The SO said that a plastic surgeon will be called in to do the mastectomy close, and he also does a…
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LVA surgery - bypass surgery - Have you done it?
I recently traveled to the University of Iowa to meet with Dr. Wei Chen a supermirosurgeon/plastic surgeon. I was referred to him by my PS. I had the Indocyanine Green Lymphography done and was amazed at what was seen both in my healthy arm and diseased arm. I was diagnosed under the Campisi Staging at Stage 2 as my LE is,…
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GRRRRRRRRR I HATE LE..........
EVERYONE can tell I have it... my arm just looks so fat..... I have been to.... and going back to.... therapy..... with a LE specialist... I wrap... I wear compression garments when flying.. exercising... BLAH BLAH BLAH...... I do it all, and I do it right. As a Stylist..... I was told... My job was a good profession to be…
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Lymphedema threat: are we ever out of the woods?
Dear all, It's been nearly 10 years since my lumpectomy. I had 11 nodes removed total. Since then I've been religious about using my left arm (lumpectomy done on right) for everything-blood draws, BP cuffs, vaccines (including Covid), etc. I should add I never had any sign of lymphedema, ever. I'm in great physical shape…
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ALL THINGS Gloves and sleeves
Can't stand the idea of continually hi-jacking threads so here I go ... Pls. list your best bets with gloves/ sleeves/ ins challenges , things that go awry - you name it. How do you wash yours ? Which ones last longest etc etc etc ... I know we are all different, but hoping perhaps we can help each other with tips for the…
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Breast lymphadema (what does it feel like)?
I am newly diagnosed with breast and arm lymphadema. My symptoms are a tightness across my breast/chest and upper arm. Swelling and aches in both my arm and chest. My breast almost feels like when you put a wet washcloth on it. Sounds weird, but it’s the only way to describe it! Does anyone else experience this? I’m seeing…
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Liposuction/Flying Squirrel
Hi. I have BCR lymphedema. It has been a long and difficult journey for me. I live in Tampa and have had limited success with treatment options and providers in this area. After being told by Moffitt there were no treatment options for me I went to Cleveland Clinic and met with Dr. Chen who recommended liposuction and…
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Wrapping with gauze only?
Hello, I have mild lymphedema in hand and fingers. I wear a glove and a sleeve during day. I would like to wrap my fingers and hand at night. Is it ok to wrap it with just gauze and no bandages? I don' t have much money for bandages.
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Great Videos for Patients with Lymphedema
I had 23 lymph nodes removed due to my first Dx with breast cancer in 2003, and immediately had lymphedema in my left arm. I am getting ready for my pre-surgery appointment in an hour with my PS for exchange surgery for implant and to have mapping of both arms. This is due to my third BC Dx! (was Dx in both breasts, the…
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Nice about lymphedema?
I just got lymphedema and I'm scared it's the end of living life normally and of nice events in my life. I wanted to ask you to tell about nice moments you've got since you've got lymphedema and give us newbies some courage. Are there any nice moments? Are they daily? Is there still a lifejoy? Does it resamble to 'normal…
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Can I take lymphedema glove?
Hello, Yesterday I got lymphedema. I'm starting chemo tommorrow. I want to buy a glove and wear it today. But doctor says I must do lymph drainage first, but he doesn't want to do it during chemo. He says that glove is pointless without lymph drainage. I'll be on chemo for 6 months and I think that is too long time to wait…
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Help! Compression for armpit area?
Any advice on locating compression garments for "trunk" but especially armpit? I had a bilateral without reconstruction so bras with extra room for boobs don't compress on me. I am a small person, so men's compression sizes are too large. I don't even know where to look.
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Dry Brushing Lets talk about it here
A few of us are doing dry brushing to help with our LE. I myself have found that it helps my truncal LE pain alot. I am following this you tube video now when I dry brush. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=panD5S72Tb0 I find it is quick & easy to do. MLD has not helped me. For me I like to follow my dry brushing with a self…
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LE risk according to surgical team, my fear regardless
I'm about 6 weeks out of surgery (lumpectomy + SLNB where they took 2 nodes), have a BMI over 30 (which is higher risk of lymphedema): I have started doing my daily brisk walks/slow jogs again (35 mins every day). I'm freaking out a bit about the possibility of getting lymphedema because I keep getting mild swelling in my…
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Online Sales on Lymphedema/Mastectomy Retail Sites
I have gotten emails from several on-line sellers of mastectomy and lymphedema supplies and garments about sales for the Labor Day weekend. I thought I'd share them here in case someone might find them of use. There is a code of LD25 for 25% off on the WearEase website; ends September 5. The Busted Tank is also having a…
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LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT ACT
Breaking News: FULL HOUSE TO VOTE ON THE LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT ACT THIS WEEK!!!!! If you have lymphedema and do not get their emails, go to: LyphedemaTreatmentAct.org It is a very active advocacy group for those with Lymphedema. They are sending out more information pertaining to this week's vote, but we need all hands on…
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Self Care--All things MLD
Edited since LE diagnosis confirmed... I have seen a LANA-certified PT and gotten my fist full of handouts, plus advised to buy a low-compression sleeve "just in case." I had an hour of hands-on instruction for self Manual Lymph Drainage but I still feel like somehow I'm not doing it right. I get more confused by the…
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Blister type rash - cellulitis?
I started with spots/rash/blisters something on my lymphedema affected forearm yesterday which has continued to spread - first on top of arm, today spreading to bottom of forearm, couple spots just above elbow. The last several days I have been physically overworking my arm so it is more swollen and sorer than usual - only…
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radiation-induced brachial plexopathy
Looks like I'm special as I'm one of the <2% of patients who get this complication. Really tired of being special... I don't want to scare anyone off of radiation....it's an important part of breast cancer treatment. There are risk factors for my complication such as supraclavicular and axillary radiation, high rads dose,…
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Mosquito Bites
I had an axillary clearance procedure in 2011 and haven’t had much issue with lymphedema. Yesterday I got three mosquito bites on that arm. The bites got enormously red and swollen and several different areas on my arm, upstream from the bites, developed mosquito bit-y looking hives. I took a Benadryl and they gradually…
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Undiagnosed-- Seeking tips on how to manage Lymphedema symptoms
Hello lovelies! What're you gals/guys taking or doing for pain relief outside of compression/elevation for lymphedema? Does Prednisone help?? Other meds?? Tips? Tricks? Is icing ok? Is it safe to wear pharmacy compression when I await testing?? I have to wait 2 1/2 weeks to be seen by vascular doctor for evaluation/tests…
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Sleeve for Flying
It's been so long since I've been on a plane that I forgot how long to wear the sleeve after getting off the plane. I have a 5 hour flight coming up soon. Can someone remind me about how long to wear the sleeve once off the plane? Thanks.
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Black & Hispanic Women May Have Higher Risk of Lymphedema
Black and Hispanic Women May Have Higher Risk of Lymphedema June 15, 2022 Among women who had breast cancer surgery and axillary lymph node dissection, Black and Hispanic women were more likely to develop lymphedema than white women, as were women who received chemotherapy before surgery, rather than after surgery. Read…
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Post Lumpectomy and SNB - 6 days - Shakti Mat use?
Hi And I’m sorry to be joining this group. Six days ago had surgery for 2.5mm lump and sentinal node biopsy. I still have swelling around the incision and a lot of soreness. Don’t have a review until another four days and wondered if this was normal? Have good arm movement. Also wondered if anyone had used a Shakti mat. I…
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Anyone with Lymphedema in both arms?
Now that I have been diagnosed with breast cancer for a third time, in opposite breast, I am so worried about getting lymphedema in both arms. I have one reconstructed breast, will have second mastectomy scheduled in October with SNB and possibly more node removal. Reconstruction with tissue expander and implant. Ugh. I…
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Considering a Tattoo and have some concerns
Hi all! This is my first post after just joining this site. I'm excited to explore and hopefully get some feedback. So here's my sitch: I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 at 22 years old. I had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction and also had a negative sentinel node biopsy. Following my surgery I was…
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Sub-clinical lymphedema?
I had a Sentinel node biopsy, radiation along with a lumpectomy on the right side three years ago. I am right handed. After treatment I completed the Livestrong program. My upper body has never been the strongest, but I had my pre-surgery strength on my right side. I actually went back packing in Croatia 3 weeks after…