- Joined
- Sep 17, 2004
TMM's difficult experience seems to be very unusual, if that makes you feel any better.
That's good.
After the lumpectomy I didn't have any swelling. But did get an infection last week. I'm on antibiotics.
TMM's difficult experience seems to be very unusual, if that makes you feel any better.
I had that happen, too.That's good.
After the lumpectomy I didn't have any swelling. But did get an infection last week. I'm on antibiotics.
As the originator of this thread and a licensed health professional, it's always been very important to me that information contained here is accurate, because I know that there are lots of people reading besides those who are posting.
When there is something important I often back up my statements with a link with verifiable information, so the reader can know for sure that the information is accurate, and there's a basis for further reading, etc.
In the case of the question above, I didn't do that because it's a general principle of surgery that when something is removed, fluid will fill that space initially until it is gradually reabsorbed over time. I shared my own experience with fluid build up under my arm in the post op period as well. I've posted the same thing many times over the years with factual back up so I'm very confident of the information.
But since it's being questioned, here is a link that says essentially the same thing directly from a breast surgeon.
http://www.melbournebreastcancersurgery.com.au/after-your-breast-surgery.html
"It is common for women who have had some or all of the lymph glands removed from under the arm to develop a collection of clear, straw coloured fluid under the wound called a “seroma”. You may experience fullness under the arm, which is often described as like having a ball fixed in the armpit. If you have had a mastectomy, similar fluid can also build up on the chest wall. As with haematoma, this fluid is re-absorbed by the body over time but if it causes discomfort, as it is watery in nature, it can be easily “drawn off or drained” (aspirated) using a small needle and syringe. This is a very simple and almost painless procedure. In some cases, the fluid may collect again on several occasions requiring repeated aspiration."
This seems to be what commonly happens with many people after sentinel node dissection.
I think it would be helpful for me, and I'm sure others, if you'd share some of the resources your using for your lymphedema recommendations, so we, too, can learn more about it. It does seem as if your situation is very unusual. (I've cared for many people over the years with severe cases of lymphedema in limbs, and I've had hundreds of patients with anasarca related to heart disease.)
In your readings, have you come across many others who've had whole body edema related to radiation?
When I first became a nurse in the 80s it was fairly common to see older ladies with "elephant arms" from lymphedema. I almost never see them now, so there must've been some improvements over the years. We've certainly heard about some mild cases here over the years, including my own.Well Pea since I am in an difficult position, I have been enlightened to the dark side of after cancer treatment in this particular area.
NO DOCTOR wants to diagnose me and some doctor's LAUGH at the lymphedema PT's ideas. They call it edema instead of lymphedema. How about I have BOTH? It is just my left limb is not large but it is enlarged.
Swelling is a place of darkness, a gap, in cancer treatment and frankly in general as I have found out. That is why people have large limbs. They do not get proper medical help because doctors do not know how to treat it.
My information is from the Lymph PT's themselves who work with people with lymphedema. THEY BEG the doctors to change their ways and start measuring people. It is a simple thing.
This is new medical stuff folks.
I wish this did not happen to me. My best guess is that 2 weeks into rads it started. I had no idea.
Coming out of lurkdom, TMM I'm so sorry you're dealing with thisI am an advocate for seeing a Lymphedema PT BEFORE surgery to get measured. It is easy AND it is your original baseline. Once you have surgery that is lost forever. (does not matter the cancer)
It is a BIG deal because some doctors do not believe in lymphedema. AND YES it is true. They think it is large limbs. Well guess what people have lymphedema without large limbs. I am living proof..
YES! Totally agreeO DOCTOR wants to diagnose me and some doctor's LAUGH at the lymphedema PT's ideas. They call it edema instead of lymphedema. How about I have BOTH?.
My best guess is that 2 weeks into rads it started.
Congratulations!I haven't posted in a very long time. Just wanted to share I officially hit the 5 year survivor mark yesterday. I remember feeling like this mark was a lifetime away when I was diagnosed. All I can say is that I am so very thankful.
How is your appetite? So are you saying you've gained weight? And you said you saw a cardiologist, right?Thank you for your words Pluto Pony. I really appreciate it.
If you were to look at me, you would not see swelling at first look.
I am 1.5 pts in the overweight category with regard to BMI at the moment, however this is the first time I was ever in my life in that category. While I am not a super athlete or anything, I am in decent shape with regards to fitness.
This is why measuring before cancer treatment is important. The doctor's state all say now, we really don't see anything "bad". I wish we had your original measurements to compare. (Um, me too but MOST surgeon's and oncologists don't include this as part the cancer treatment plan and they should.)
I do have a Lymph PT that is interested in helping me. She is a Professor at the teaching hospital as well as a lymph PT. I have the Flexitouch pumps which I use.
I had to stop reducing my left arm (CDT) because the swelling is in my whole body and it was just not going leaving my body. Now to you my arm would look "normal", however it is actually swollen.
My biggest thing about this is my gut. I can look like I am 10 months pregnant at times with this swelling. It does not move.
I am slowly improving with regard to swelling in my body. My PCP and I are hoping it continues along that path.
I was able to go and get my dd from college on Thursday. I did split the drive over 2 days and wore my compression shorts and top. It was nice to actually be able to do something on my own.
How is your appetite? So are you saying you've gained weight? And you said you saw a cardiologist, right?
MINKYDOG!! LONG TIME NO SEE!! How have you BEEN? I was worried about you!
I believe that Survivorship starts at diagnosis - that's how I count it. (We've talked about it here before!)
Thanks, Pea-n-me. I'm doing pretty well. My husband had aggresive prostate cancer over the summer, so much fun. It was a rough go, but they got it all, no mets, and he's doing much better. I am scheduled for a full hysterectomy in October due to gene mutations that are going to try to kill me. After that? Reconstruction, if possible. If not, I will have a knee replacement. That was what I was going to do in 2016 before stupid cancer.