Best doc to follow up on lymphedema?
I’m 10 months out from lumpectomy for DCIS, no lymph nodes involved, and bi-lateral breast reduction and lift. Recovery is good. However, at about 5 months or so out, when most of the surgery-related swelling was gone, I noticed swelling remaining under my arm at the side of the lumpectomy area. That has never gone away, and at my 6-month visit to the breast surgeon, she referred me to OT for lymphedema treatment. After 7 visits with massage to move the fluid out, the lymphedema therapist felt that the swelling would not reduce, and it remains. I want to follow up on dealing with it, and am wondering if I should go back to the breast surgeon or see the radiology oncologist instead. I’m scheduled with the radiation oncologist but not for 3 more months and I don’t want to wait that long b/c of this. Which doc might be more experienced in dealing with this? It’s a small amount of swelling, but the area is tender to light pressure. I’m concerned that just leaving it alone could mean future trouble and I’d like to do all I can to get rid of it. I’d appreciate some thoughts on this.
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Thanks for these suggestions. Very helpful, and interesting to know that the massage didn’t help you either.
Thank you for sharing and being so positive!