Lobular Breast Cancer: Let's share and support each other

Hello again ccc1965:
Yes! I can use my affected arm. I have stage 4 breast cancer (invasive lobular carcinoma, triple negative), mets to lungs, retroperitoneum, contralateral breast and lymphatic system.

I am 71 years old and ride my horse several times a week. "Riding" included grooming, putting on her saddle. etc. I do all of the normal things around the house--emptying the dishwasher, making the bed, laundry, taking out the trash and so on. Although there is some info that warns against using the affected arm for anything very heavy, my experience was to use the arm. I am careful not to get cuts on the affected arm, eg) wear gloves while gardening, etc. to avoid possible infection. But I use the arm, not too much at first and did not overdo it after surgery and radiation. After surgery and radiation, it was a while until I could do a lot of things. I had physical therapy for about 10 sessions after the mastectomy. The arm is not quite normal strength, but works works pretty well. More of my arm use issues are due to the mastectomy and radiation, and less due to the lymphedema.

One of the hassles of lymphedema is wearing the compression garment. However, I wear it every day, all day. I believe that wearing the compression sleeve every day has helped prevent the lymphedema from getting worse. Another downside is how it looks--like an ace bandage--and that clothes do not slide over it well. (Apparently these is no type of compression sleeve that is slick/smooth!) Another issue is that the upper arm is bigger so some blouses do not fit over the upper arm. While annoying, this is not a major hurdle. You can try different styles of tops or take a blouse to a seamstress/dry cleaner to see if the sleeve can be adjusted.

Again I urge you to contact your surgeon or nurse immediately if you think that lymphedema is starting.

Please let me wish you the very best and I hope all goes well for you!