I have been to see an occupational therapist trained in lymphedema, such as you have been referred to. It’s a good idea. Some background: I had a lumpectomy in December 2022, no lymph nodes involved, and also had a bilateral reduction, so have the scars on both sides. I used the silicone tape on the non-cancerous breast for weeks, and was advised by the surgeons that the radiation to the left breast (16 treatments) would heal up the scar tissue even better than the tape. That’s been true. The referral to the therapist for the lymphedema came because I recently experienced a pronounced tightening at the underarm on the left side (I suddenly couldn’t raise my arm) and continue to have a hard irregular lump within the breast where the lumpectomy was. (That is part of what you probably massaged out from the get-go) Also some swelling on the outside of that breast under the armpit. Hence the referral. The tightening was dealt with via stretching exercises, and it has worked. The therapist massaged the lumpy area, and as long as I continue it, the lumpiness has dissipated. The swelling has not gone away — so maybe it’s there to stay and is not excess fluid at all. Unknown at this point. I had 7 sessions with the therapist, who herself had BC 5 years ago with radiation. She tells me that periodically she has to redo the stretching exercises and the massage. Bottom line to me is: I think you did a good thing by massaging, but looks like it is something that may need to continue. Also, my scars on both breasts are practically gone, although best on the radiated side. I think it just takes a longer time to heal that any of us figured on. By the way, you can find a few good YouTube videos about the lymphedema therapy, which requires specialty training and certification for occupational therapists. I had to do a bit of research to find someone certified. (The doc originally referred me to a specific place and I called 3 x but they never called back! I could not get through! Can you believe it?!) Good luck with your continued recovery!

It's probably good that you did massage to incision area. From my experience, that is part of PT.

This year I was diagnosed with 11cm high grade DCIS, and had a simple mastectomy in May 2023. I was referred to a PT specializing in lymphedema...long wait to get in. My PT gave exercises to gain strength and range of motion in arm/ chest wall/ back. I also have lymphedema in the axillary and chest wall. We do exercises to move the lymph fluid (reduce the swelling) and massage the scar. It's not painful, just tight. So glad we are doing this. It was uncomfortably tight before we started.

FYI- I had the mastectomy in May, 2nd surgery in June to place the tissue expander, and will have the final surgery in October. Will need PT again.

I think your massaging the scar and area was what the OT will do and more. I had a mastectomy and one lymph node removed in 11/21. Radiation followed in January and lymphedema soon after. I've been seeing the OT since then. Besides the breaking up of scar tissue and cording. I have been dealing with swelling in the breast area. I now exercise every day, wear a lymphedma pad at night and a camisole that compresses not only the breast but the abdomen as well. I feel that things are under control now. I hope to be finished with OT by the end of the year.
Good luck in your journey
Maggie

Life is a do-it-yourself project. So true. I seem to have flare ups of soreness. But I keep massaging and stretching… healing takes a long time.