Another Lymphedema ?

claisy · Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 10:46 am Post subject: Another Lymphedema ?

It has been 4 years since my mast. and removal of 15 nodes on my left side. My left arm has always had a "heavy" feeling. My onc. sent me to a PT about a year after my surgery, thinking I had some swelling...I didn't have any. The PT I saw told me she sees lymphedema more in women who are overweight and had radiation. I am not overweight and did not have radiation. Has anyone else been told this? My husband measured my arms Saturday, and there was no swelling. I guess this heavy feeling is a normal thing?

I was just wondering if anyone else here has the same feeling I do in their arm..but no swelling.

Thanks

Muttsmom · Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 2:34 pm Post subject: Re: Another Lymphedema ?

Hi,
I had my MRM and node disection 2/21/02. I was told by my surgeon that I would always have a heavy, numby feeling in my upper arm and side of arm where I had the nodes removed and he was so right. I've had a couple small bouts with lymphedema, where my arm would be 1/2 - 1" larger then the other one and achy, but I've been able to elevate it when I'm laying down or sitting and within a couple of days, it would be fine.
I think you'll hear alot of the same as far as the heavy, numby feeling from other ladies too. I've pretty much gotten use to it as my new "normal".
Take care
Nancy
_________________
Nancy
2/14/02 ILC 43 - 5.5 cm 9+/16 nodes
Stage IIIA er/pr+ Her2-
2/02 MRM
FECx6 radsx33
Tamoxifen - Arimidex (chemo induced menopause)
4/03 SM w/bilat. recon.
9/03 expanders removed
5/04 repair reconst. disaster
10/04 Actonel for bone/joint pain from Arimidex
NED - 5 years
3/07 Diabetes
In memory of Kim 12/1/04

sgishelly · Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 5:52 pm Post subject: Re: Another Lymphedema ?

I have noticed the numb feeling under my arm...but I really haven't had the heaviness except when I'm tired or had a long day. So far, I haven't had any problem with lymphedema at all but it hasn't been that long yet...just over a month since my surgery. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that I will continue with no problems.
_________________
Shelly
Dx Nov 1, 2004 at 40 y/o
Right MRM, Left Simple Mast. - 12/9/04
Stage 2A IDC -
Primary tumor 1cm
3+ / 14 nodes, ER/PR+, HER2-
34 rads - finished 5/25
chemo - AC and Taxol FINISHED 7/6/05
beginning reconstruction 2/06
brain mets 4/06 - now stage 4

Minnlady13 · Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 7:54 pm Post subject: Re: Another Lymphedema ?

I guess I would fit your doctor's profile of overweight and having had radiation. I have a bit of lymphadema in my surgical-side arm, but therapy and wrapping helped a lot. It is my understanding that anyone who has had breast surgery and nodes removed could have lymphadema. And, even after eight years I have patches under my arm that are numb. I would not say it feels heavy, just numb. Good luck, Lauri
_________________
Diagnosed 4/11/1996
Lumpectomy, 6 mm tumor
Neg. nodes
ER/PR+
33 rads
Tamoxifen, 5 yrs.
NED

hhmv73a · Experienced user Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 95

Surgery may cause damage to the lymph vessels and nerve in the axilla, that is why patients develop lymphedema after surgery. Radiation is for local control, and tangential fields radiation only will cover part of the axillary nodal bed and will exacerbate the symptoms. When the physicians add a supraclavicular field and ?post-antertior boost? for axilla, the probability is higher. High-energy radiation machine (6MVx or higher) also cause lymphedema but the probability is a lot smaller.

Usually lymphedema is subtle and patients only feel the ?heaviness.? Once it becomes obvious, there is no treatment except for PT or symptomatic treatment. Numbness is not related to lymphedema usually but caused by surgical damage to the axillary nerves. Radiotherapy rarely (although possible) causes severe neurological symptoms in breast cancer patients because the dose used is relatively low (50Gy).

Let me know if you have further questions.

Regards,

J. Jay Lu, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Radiology (Radiation Oncoogy)

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