Early stage lymphoedema

I haven’t reversed my lymphoedema so I can’t answer that part but early lymphoedema can be turned around so while it’s hard in a packed day, try and keep up with exercises and massage. Elevation helps too. I have worn a compression sleeve for a long time. I have a good one, tailor made, and don’t live in an area of high humidity, so I have never found wearing it hot or uncomfortable. But the better the sleeve, the higher the cost it seems. In Victoria however you can get a significant rebate on a sleeve. I understand the wish to avoid one but warmer weather will only increase fluid retention. It’s the loss of lymph nodes in an axillary clearance that creates the problem. Good if you can turn it around, but with care lymphoedema can also be kept manageable and not disruptive. Best wishes. 

Thankyou @Afraser. I think I got a bit slack with keeping up the exercises after radiation as I felt ok but I’ll definitely get back into them now. 

Condolences! Most of us know how it feels! I had months of being bald and mono-boobed (still am the latter! Got used to it!) but like all things, it does pass. All going well, there will come a time when you find right now hard to remember. I leave my sleeve off sometimes, my arm is very stable so I know when I can ease off. But fingers crossed your lymphoedema is the short lived variety. 

@unicorn3 I agree with Afraser even though it is a pain to wear and hot and going to get hotter, get onto it.  Mine has flared up significantly a little because of chemo and other procedures over the past six weeks.  It can be debilitating, my hand, fingers and forearm are worst and impacts daily activities, opening and chopping things.  Physio and I have worked hard over past couple of weeks with full arm bandaging that delivered a slight reduction on the sozo. I am about to start radiation and in hindsight I would advocate prevention rather than treatment.  There are a couple of lymphoedema podcasts on the BCNA website worth watching too.  People can be rude and stare, it is hard going but you got this and you aren’t alone!

@unicorn3
Quite similar to you, I had left side lumpectomy, full axillary clearance, 15 rounds of chemo, 3 weeks of radiation.
My base SOZO reading (before surgery in Aug 2023) was 1.1. After radiation ( Mar 2024), it shot all the way up to 11. I am now 4. I am considered having sub clinical lymphoedema which is reversible. Do you know if yours is sub clinical as well?

By the way, there are compression sleeve for night as well. I wore my night compression sleeve when I was on holidays and rarely wore my day compression sleeve during my holidays. 

I have been managing my lymphedema by wearing a compression sleeve daily for a minimum of 10 hours. I also participate in an exercise program with individual support. Over the next three months, I will attend a group session to learn how to massage my arm. Every six weeks, I have an appointment with a lymphedema therapist at the hospital, who mentioned that the condition could be reversed if I consistently wear my sleeve every day. Managing lymphedema is just another part of this 'breast cancer project.' I believe this is the way forward, whether it's pleasant or not. I am also thinking to go with a night compression sleeve instead of daily. Something that I am going to discuss with my lymphedema therapist at my next appointment. 

Thanks everyone for your insights 

Hi @unicorn3
I've had a lumpectomy and axillary clearance too. I have a compression sleeve and bra. The sleeve reduced my sozo reading dramatically after I started to wear it and the compression bra too. It is hot in the summer but worth it.... it's pretty unobtrusive as mine is skin colour. I also find qigong helpful for both my lymphoedema and it's pretty much got rid of my cording. Look good feel better have some online sessions lgfb.org.au. 
Best wishes for your treatment! 

Thanks @Coastiejas. It looks like from what I’ve been reading a sleeve might be the way to reduce this, I’ll be prepared for that possibility at my next appointment.