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Lymphedema in the chest wall

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Dec 7, 2022 | Replies (27)

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@jdriver

Yes I have been managing this for seven years. I first went to a lymphedema clinic for manual massage. They also used a lymphedema machine that helps to alleviate the swelling . I attended the clinic three times a week for about 6 weeks. All my lymph nodes were removed in one arm after my lumpectomy. I have never had any swelling in that arm but in my left breast and chest wall. It flares up occasionally and more especially in very warm weather. I actually got a Lymphepress machine to use at home. I use it periodically to keep everything in check. When it flares up I will use it daily for a few days. Takes about an hour each time. Good luck to you. Also using a compression undergarment helps a lot. I found that using any type of underwire bra made the problem worse. Hope this helps.

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Replies to "Yes I have been managing this for seven years. I first went to a lymphedema clinic..."

jdriver,
Oh my gosh you have had this for seven years. I am so sorry that you have endured this for so long. I had a lumpectomy but I didn't have my lymph nodes removed but they were radiated. It sounds like ours might be similar. My arm is not swollen but I have some swelling in my breast and terrible pain in my chest wall. It hurts to lift my arm and I finished radiation in the end of April. I will have an ultrasound and a mammogram in a few weeks to make sure that nothing else is going on.

I have a difficult question to ask. Have your doctors said that the lymphedema is permanent?

Thanks for all of the information. I am appreciative that there is a place I can go to ask questions.
Katrina123