Lymphedema in the chest wall

@katrina123
I am currently being treated for axillary webbing (cording) which is a back up of lymphs in the lymphatic system. Can you get to a physical therapist that specializes in lymphedema? I was given a "swell spot" that goes in my compression bra which helps alleviate some of this. The physical therapist feels a large part of what is causing my axillary webbing is due to the radiation scarring in my breast and in the last two weeks wearing this swell spot, it is softening up quite a bit. Good luck to you.

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.

I am over 3 years out and get “lumps” of edema under my arm pit and sometimes into my chest. Physical therapy showed me how to “milk” it out. It is well worth your time to learn how to do it correctly.

trixie1313,
My oncologist did mention that there was someone who specialized in lymphedema. My oncologist did my breast exam at the end of a 45 minute office visit so when she mentioned lymphedema and P.T. I wasn't mentally prepared to ask questions. I will be better prepared to ask the physical therapist some questions. This is upsetting to me. I have had 5 surgeries in 3 1/2 years and lots of physical therapy so to have to start this again is disconcerting.
Thank you trixie for your well wishes. I appreciate it.

@katrina123
Katrina - here is an example of a swell spot. https://www.performancehealth.com/swell-spots-breast

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

marannolson,
I am going to have to do some reading to try to understand more about lymphedema. It sounds more and more like something that is difficult to get rid of. I am going to go the physical therapy and gain as much knowledge as possible.
Thank you for the advice.
Katrina123

Interesting. I had never heard of this before. Would you mind if I ask how long you have had lymphedema?
katrina123

Let me make clear that this has not been a constant problem for 7 years ! Initially right after I finished radiation it got pretty bad and very painful. After I did lymphedema clinic it got much better very quickly. I have flare ups especially when I over use my arm as in yard work etc. I would say that I go weeks w/o any problems at all and then there will be a spell of discomfort but nothing like I experienced at first. Have learned to notice symptoms early on and get back to self massage and using my lymphepress machine. Usually clears up again in a day or so. BTW my insurance covered most of the expense for my machine. BCBS You might look in to that. Has been a life saver for me. Takes about an hour and I usually go to sleep, lol

PS. This is not something you get over...... just manage and hopefully not get any worse.