Connect
Lymphedema after radical prostate surgery: How to improve it?
My names is Roberta, my father had a radical prostatectomy in December 2023; performed 10 sessions of radiotherapy (which lasted 6 months). And, radiotherapy will begin soon. What bothers him today are the lymphedemas in both legs (from de thighs and goes down to the feet). Does the lymphedema get a little better after chemo (I know some of it is due to the surgery)? What can he do to improve it?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.
Connect
Hi @ro_batista, lymphedema after prostate surgery affects about 20% of men. Here's a helpful article explaining why it happens and tips on how to manage it:
- Treatment Side Effects - Lymphedema https://prostatecancer.net/living-coping/lymphedema
It sounds like this is very uncomfortable for your dad. Has he talked to a symptom management nurse about it? They might suggest compression garments and/or lymphatic massage.
How is he doing?
Dear Support community -I had a radical prostatectomy 4 months ago. As a result of lymph node dissection, I can’t walk for more than 15 min without my leg going numb and now I have significant swelling in my lower leg and foot. And I used to be a very active person before the surgery.CT scan showed lymphedema.Did any of you have this condition and what treatment proved successful for you?Thank you very much in advance for helping me to get my life back.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@maboyle369, I moved your question about leg lymphedema after radical prostatectomy to this existing discussion in the Prostate Cancer support group:
- Lymphedema after radical prostate surgery: How to improve it? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lymphedema-after-radical-prostate-surgery/
I did this in part to connect you with @ro_batista, whose father experience similar last year and to connect you with other prostate cancer patients.
Here are other discussions related to lymphedema in the legs, but not necessarily to prostate cancer: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=leg%20lymphedema
It is so hard to have your activities limited by lymphedema. @maboyle369, have you seen a lymphedema therapist or clinic specializing in lymphedema?
Colleen, Ty for moving my post to the more appropriate place. I appreciate it!
My husband had a procedure yesterday at the interventional radiology at Yale where they sucked out 750ml lymphatic liquid from the lymphocele and put a catheter in his stomach to keep draining the liquid as it accumulates. He is feeling so much better already! Woohoo!