lymphedema from prostate cancer, any advice on how to manage?

[LJGD]

One of my dad’s biggest issues with prostate cancer is severe lymphedema from the waist down. He used to just have it in his right leg from lymph node removal during RP. Since being on the lynparza in January both sides have swelled up as well as scrotum and everything else below the waist. He was told it was from the lymph nodes effected by cancer in the pelvis and abdomen. Drs have said to eat more protein, wear compression stockings, elevate legs and scrotum and have him on 20mg lasix daily. Those things all help minimally. The edema really effects his mobility and is very painful for him. We just got him some cordless SCDs because they helped him in the hospital, but they aren’t continuous or medical grade so not sure how much they will help. Anyone else struggle with lymphedema and if so was there anything that helped? Thanks!

[Ramp7]

I have lymphedema in my left leg. Compression leggings help but I row for at least a half an hour each morning. Seems to keep things in check, for me.

[MiaAmia]

Watching eagerly for a reply. My husband, who is declining quickly is suffering from pretty serious edema. He is no longer capable of any real exercise. Simply lifting himself from a chair is an effort. He is taking 60mg lasix and 12.5 mg of spironolactone daily with very little effect. We've switched to diabetic stockings because it is now impossible to get even the lightest compression stockings on him. He keeps his feet elevated as much as possible. Has anyone used lymphatic drainage massage with any good results? I'm looking for something to relieve discomfort for him. Ramp7 is right on with advice to move for those who are able, but my husband is not.

Suggestions?

[LJGD in reply to MiaAmia]

I’m sorry to hear about your husband. My dad has difficulty moving as well and the longer he is up the worse the swelling gets.

[af1250]

It might be helpful to seek out a certified lymphedema therapist. You should be able to find one by searching at this site. lymphnet.org/find-treatment...

Good luck.

[NanoMRI in reply to af1250]

I did this before my salvage extended pelvic lymph node surgery six years ago. Learned so much and got beyond the hype. Fortunately and greatfully I have no issues - this has a lot to do with many factors the specialists take patients through and I do manage my particular circumstances.

[GAdrummer]

Two? years ago my husband's legs were so swollen that the skin was weeping and breaking open in spots. Dr. ordered home health care to wrap his legs with zinc infused bandages and compression bandages and elevate the legs in bed. It took a while, but it saved his skin & legs. There probably was some change in meds, too. My memory fails me with the fine details. There were some exercises from the visiting physical therapist that increased as he improved. He still does them every day.

[carguy]

I had lymphedema in both legs after finishing chemo (Docetaxel). I’m not sure if it was caused by the chemo or by the fact that I have cancerous pelvic lymph nodes. The swelling in my right leg resolved on its own, but the swelling in my left leg did not improve. I went to a lymphedema doctor and she prescribed lymphedema physical therapy (manual lymphatic drainage and compression wrapping of the leg 3 times a week). After the swelling went down to normal, I wore a custom-made thigh-high compression stocking (ordered by the PT facility) which I still wear every other day. The PT helped immensely and the leg is back to normal. Best of luck to you!