Breast cancer

[Lavern2]

Hello i had a Lumpectomey and 8 lymphnodes removed in June. All test came back negative. HAVE had a problem with fluid and swelling. My surgeon has drawn fluid 3 time and put me on antibiotics . Last week she open up the incision and mashed out more . I have lympphedma in my arm and hand. Can't start radiation until this heals . Has any one had this problem? I'M going crazy .

[Beryl71]

I had this when I had my first breast cancer, I kept going to hospital for drainage. Also when I had a reconstruction. It settled eventually. I did get lymphodema but 30 years later I have no sleeve as I found a therapist who uses a technique to help the body reroute fluid. If you are in uk try the british lymphodema society. Good luck , Carolyn x

[Lavern2 in reply to Beryl71]

Thanks for your reply. I'm back to the doctor today she will probably drain some more. Did the sleeve help? Iordered one but i can't get it on . Thanks and prayers for your continued healing.

[Beryl71 in reply to Lavern2]

I think you need to get it measured and fitted properly. A bad fitting sleeve could do more harm than good. It will compress the remaining lymph vessels. I used to be measured and checked every six months. But as mentioned following my current treatment I dont need it. It is private now and I go every month to six weeks. My arm in massaged and checked. There is still a slight difference in size but barely noticeable. I used to go to nhs clinic at local hospice for the sleeve. You really need this monitored properly as it is easy to get an infection abd cellulitus. I had several episodes in the early days and my GP gave me antibiotics to take as soon as symptoms appear. This would be particularly important if you have MBC. At the time I only had had a primary tumour abd they were always concerned. Take care. X

[Lavern2 in reply to Beryl71]

I had a cancerous tumor. And i don't understand why the fluid is not leaving and staying gone. I can't start radiation until this heals. I'm really scared.can you tell me again where i need to go to get measured for a sleeve. I'm in the doctors office now waiting on her to open and drain. Thank you so much for the info.

[Beryl71 in reply to Lavern2]

you need to find out where your local lymphodema service is. You could try a local hospice as I'm sure they will know.

You could try here.

lymphoedema.org/

[Lavern2 in reply to Beryl71]

I will check this out. Thanks for the information. God bless

[USIrishcolleen]

Lavern2,

I had a lumpectomy also, and they took 18 lymph nodes; there was only cancer in the one lymph node that they had biopsied. At the time of the lumpectomy a surgeon that specializes in breast and other reconstruction did a procedure where lymph vessels are rerouted around the area where the lymph nodes were removed, and reconnected, in the hopes of preventing lymphedema.

I got a sleeve, that I needed to be fitted for, at a medical supply store. I only wore it for a few days after my lumpectomy and lymph node procedure.

Best,

Colleen

[Lavern2 in reply to USIrishcolleen]

Hello colleen. My sergon drained more fluid. Yesterday which was Friday. She gave me a referral for therapy for my arm and hand. So i guess after this heals where i can start radiation then i will seek out a therapist. My energy level is so low i can't take on more now. Thanks so much for your information. God bless

[RLN-overcomer in reply to Lavern2]

Greetings Sister/Warrior/Thriver, and Yessss Over-comer . I had 12 lymph nodes removed 15 year ago , and 10 of those had cancer cells in them. I had a drain in my breast, but not my arm. Some of the procedures to reroute lymph nodes, or remove lymph nodes from other parts of the body to reroute, reconnect is not covered by many health plans. I have some slight lymph arm swelling, but it is barely noticeable, and more importantly I have no pain or discomfort. I do pray the same for you Sister/Warrior/ Thriver, and yesssss Over-comer😇

[Lavern2 in reply to RLN-overcomer]

Good morning and thanks for the info. I never had drains in my breast and I think that may be why im having this fluid problem. And i can't start radiation until this heals up and im going to have therapy on my hand and arm. But i know God will see me through. Yes we have to be warriors.

[RLN-overcomer in reply to Lavern2]

I am sorry, but now as I recollect better, my drain was between my breast node, and lymph node arm pit, but closer to my arm pit. It was 15 years ago, but I now remember it more clearly. I remember my Dr. removed my drain around 5 days after my surgery to remove the lymph nodes when the fluid became less to measure. Sorry for me not recollecting it properly. previously😇

[Lavern2 in reply to RLN-overcomer]

thanks. But i think im having this fluid problem because the plastic surgeon didn't put drains in my breast . I just pray that this Friday will be the last of the removal of fluid.

[RLN-overcomer in reply to Lavern2]

Sister/Warrior I pray the same for you Amen😇