Lymphoedema on opposite side to breast cancer surgery

[Krawlins]

Hi I had several operations over the years since my diagnosis in 04, cancer had spread to 4 in 7 of the lymph nodes. I have literally only just realised that my swelling and pain is more than likely lymphoedema but its all on the opposite side to surgery and on the side where I had chemotherapy. No one has ever suggested it before, my last GP said lipoma and I suppose it could be multiple lipomas and she needs to discuss with her colleagues who best to refer me to. What department of your hospital do you all attend? Its given me pain on and off for years, I believe it goes into and around my neck, ear and jaw, armpit, down arm into hand and above and below my bra strap, can anyone relate and advise please? Thanks for reading, Kay x

[Lynora]

Are you in the UK? Lipoma are comprised of fatty tissue, generally isolated, and vary in size from pea to tiny potato - they can be painful on palpation.

You should be referred to oncology or your original breast cancer team so that a definitive diagnosis can be given - the breast cancer unit will also be able to advise about treatment options.

[Krawlins in reply to Lynora]

Thanks Lynora, do I dare tell the Dr I think its lymphoedema as opposed to lipomas, she might refer me somewhere else otherwise and that will waste time. I am in the UK and I recall having my left arm measured after treatment and was told it was larger but I wasn't offered treatment, that's where I feel I want to return to (well I don't really, bad memories etc) I will let you know. This morning I woke up to intense aching pain in the whole swollen area. I recently had flu shot and two attempted blood tests in the arm?

[Lynora in reply to Krawlins]

You should be able to self-refer to your original oncology team, even after this amount of time. Give them a call.

I was discharged in 2011 (breast cancer 2001) but told that if I had any problems or change of symptoms, I was told to contact them direct, rather than delay for a GP referral. I did this once, in 2013, and they were very happy to see me - as it was, once an ultrasound and bloods were done, everything was fine.

[Krawlins]

Thank you, very pleased all was OK for you, perhaps I'll try that today them