New Lymphedema caused by breast radiation

Thank you, Sandy

You may wanna look at Kelli at Cancerrehabpt.com. She also has several YouTube videos on lymphedema for breast cancer recovery. I used her videos for lymphedema from my head and neck cancer. She helped me a lot. I think managing lymphedema is something most doctors even some surgeons are not familiar with. My Mayo surgeon was very well versed in lymphedema and prescribed massage right off the bat. Managing lymphedema is not easy but it certainly CAN reduce pain and speed healing. I think you are on your way to better days.

Sandy, thank you for your reply, you are very kind. And I will take a look at Kelli’s YouTube videos.

Lymphedema 4 years post lumpectomy and radiation. (breast/chest wall). So very grateful for the cancer center rehab PT who was great and helped not only bring relief but who taught exercises and self management skills to continue long term at home. I was a bit surprised,when I learned that, yes, lymphedema can appear even some time after bc treatment/radiation.

@jlimb , thank you.
That makes sense. How long have you had lymphedema now? And what’s your routine for managing it?
Appreciate your input.

I first had symptoms about 4 mo. After treatment, was sent to PT a few times (2022) managed OK until late fall of 2025. Started having symptoms that I thought were just part of the post bc journey (trying to just live with discomfort). Referred to PT in Feb to find out It was due to lymphedema! PT worked hard with stretches, massage and exercises and taught me what to do at home every day. They also require me to wear a compression bra. ( not much fun in summer but Very helpful!!) So thats the story in a nutshell. Just so grateful for treatment and help!

@jlimb
Thanks for your reply. Sounds like you’ve suffered a lot. I’m so sorry.

Thank you for your reply. I think this lymphedema was just unexpected on my part, so it has taken awhile to adjust to "new normals" along the way. Once again, I'm grateful there is help to manage symptoms and hopefully keep things stable over the course of time! And, 4.5 years out from diagnosis, I am also grateful to be doing well otherwise!

@jlimb, yes I understand being unprepared and it being unexpected. Mine was too, a shocker. The doctors didn’t tell me about lymphedema and only after 3 months of begging, they relented and gave me script for PT lymphedema. It shouldn’t be this hard. And I wasn’t prepared from the toxic side effects of the lymphatic dumps. Take good care.

Why are we surprised by these after-effects? Shouldn’t our oncologists be looking for and asking about symptoms at follow-ups? At minimum, they could provide a pamphlet (print and/or via portal) with post-treatment symptoms to look out for and to bring to their attention.