1. < Cancer: Managing Symptoms

Lymphedema Pain

Posted by marchelle @marchelle, May 2 9:01pm

I have been doing chemo since July 2023, and as a side effect, I have developed pitted lymphedema in my arms, legs, thighs and side. I am in chronic pain, and my legs feel like bricks, and heavy, making it hard to walk at times. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, do you have any suggestions for me. Thank you 😊

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ladyq | @ladyq | May 7 4:05pm
In reply to @gingerw "@ladyq Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! It's not easy to be dealing with lymphedema, as you..." + (show)
@gingerw

@ladyq Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! It's not easy to be dealing with lymphedema, as you are finding out.

Here is what Mayo Clinic has to say about lymphedema: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphedema/symptoms-causes/syc-20374682 As you can see, there are different causes for it.

I hope you are able to get a different doctor and get the results you are looking for. Will you come back and let us know, please?
Ginger

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Yes I will let you know what is going on.

REPLY
marchelle | @marchelle | May 9 4:37pm
In reply to @backincontrol "So sorry to hear that you are dealing with lymphedema pain after chemo. I had lymphedema..." + (show)
@backincontrol

So sorry to hear that you are dealing with lymphedema pain after chemo. I had lymphedema after having a 3-level fusion in my lower lumbar. My physical therapist did the lymphatic massage and it helped tremendously. She also taught me how to perform the massage on myself so I could continually move the fluid. Very helpful. God bless you as you move along with your journey. Prayers are being said for you.

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Thank you do much. My PT showed me the same technique. I will do better at using it.

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marchelle | @marchelle | May 9 4:38pm
In reply to @gingerw "@ladyq Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! It's not easy to be dealing with lymphedema, as you..." + (show)
@gingerw

@ladyq Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! It's not easy to be dealing with lymphedema, as you are finding out.

Here is what Mayo Clinic has to say about lymphedema: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphedema/symptoms-causes/syc-20374682 As you can see, there are different causes for it.

I hope you are able to get a different doctor and get the results you are looking for. Will you come back and let us know, please?
Ginger

Jump to this post

Thank you, yes I will.

REPLY
ebtexas55 | @ebtexas55 | May 10 4:59pm

I used full body redlight therapy. You might look into a membership or buy one. Usually Planet Fitness or a sun tanning salon.
Go to a facility that has one, tell them youd like to try a 1-3 month membership since this is for medical use. You may ask your accountant if you can deduct the cost of membership or buying a large redlight lamp.
It may give you the relief you're looking for.

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1 reply
marchelle | @marchelle | May 11 5:44pm
In reply to @ebtexas55 "I used full body redlight therapy. You might look into a membership or buy one. Usually..." + (show)
@ebtexas55

I used full body redlight therapy. You might look into a membership or buy one. Usually Planet Fitness or a sun tanning salon.
Go to a facility that has one, tell them youd like to try a 1-3 month membership since this is for medical use. You may ask your accountant if you can deduct the cost of membership or buying a large redlight lamp.
It may give you the relief you're looking for.

Jump to this post

Thank you.

REPLY
marchelle | @marchelle | May 11 5:54pm

I am still looking into what will best work for me. I have been trying move around more; massaging my legs just as the physical therapist showed me; I ordered ginger masaging oil from Amazon; and a wooden lymphatic paddle. I also got a lymphatic massager that heats up. I want to try more natural stuff, someone told me to incorporate more citrus (pineapples, oranges, grapefruits and lemon s) in my diet. I am really trying to get comfort before it gets worse. Thank you all for your ideas. Keep them coming.

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