Breast Lymphoedema

[123048]

Hi everyone. I need help with breast Lymphedema, I’ve not found anyone at clinic who does breast manual lymphatic drainage following axillary clearance which was in April, still have breast, but getting bigger by the day and very uncomfortable. I live near Colchester Essex

[Jennymary]

Have you been referred to the Lymphodema service, the nurses there will show you how to do MLD, and also the compression 'garment', my Lymphodema is in both breasts, HU also have a Lymphodema forum and it may be worth looking at the Lymphodema support network website, I'll try and answer any more questions for you x

[123048 in reply to Jennymary]

Thank you Jennymary. I went to the see the Lymphoedema nurses for the first time last week. They simply measured me for a bra and said to come back in 3 months if it had not improved,

[123048 in reply to 123048]

They said I should receive the bra in a few weeks

[Jennymary]

Ps, you don't say if you had mastectomy or lumpectomies so apologies if this doesn't apply but I was advised to wear a sports bra

[123048 in reply to Jennymary]

They couldn’t find lump (primary). Mbc, first 4mths chemo, then axillary clearance. Problems with seroma. Then 3 weeks radiotherapy. Now left breast getting larger, but no idea how to massage, nurse at clinic just measured me for a bra. I have been wearing sports bra

[Jennymary]

I don't have any medical qualifications but as they haven't advised on massaging I'm a bit concerned for you as to why not, (there may be a good reason why they haven't advised on massaging yet), the point of the massaging is to get the lymph fluid moving around your body, maybe ring and speak either to your Lymphodema nurse, BCN, or even the Lymphodema support network, good luck x

[123048]

Many thanks Jennymary, I appreciate your advice.

Best wishes Helen x

[sandraelizabeth]

Did you go to Broomfield hospital?

I have lymphodema in my left arm after axillary clearance in January. I have been to the lymphodema clinic twice and the nurse just measures my arm . She said they don’t refer for advice on massage until 30% bigger , that’s the guideline. She tells me just to do my excercises and come back in 3 months.

The swelling in my arm is noticeable , she agrees but says nothing can be done . I would like to be shown how to do MLD before it gets worse.

[123048 in reply to sandraelizabeth]

I went to Colchester General, no MLD lessons, indeed the nurse simply measured me for a bra, and, I have an appointment in three months! I was appalled as , apparently if left in thebreast (that’s where my Lymphedema is after axillary clearance), it can harden! I am seeing a physiotherapist next week, I’ll let you know how I get on, perhaps they approach the problem more slowly in the UK. In the US they seem to deal with it very quickly so that it cannot take hold or worsen.

Kind regards Sandra.

[Jennymary]

Hi ladies, me again, may be worth looking at a website, MLDUK.org.uk, there's a register there of practitioners qualified to do manual lymphatic drainage massage, good luck x

[123048]

Thank you Jennyx

[jamaica2]

Hiya I've started a lymphodema group on facebook if anyone's interested. Lots of tips and support on there x

facebook.com/groups/BCLymph...

[123048]

Hi there, I’m not on Facebook but would be really interested in joining the group. Do I need to be?