Lymphoedema and recurrence fears

Can lymphoedema occur well after an operation? I never experienced it  after my operations in 2015. Just recently I'm experienced discomfort under my right arm.  My lumpectomy was on my right breast with no lymph nodes removed. 
There is always something for us to face isn't there? 
Im sure there will be some lovely ladies who will be able to help with advice.  

Hi. My surgery was May 2015 with all Lymph Nodes removed from left arm pit. Lymphedema  has just taken off about 8 weeks ago. It can happen anywhere down the track I think. 

Damn! Better get the soreness under my arm checked. Can you tell me is it best to see my GP or a physio? 

Andij! I think we can all agree, we feel that it never ends! or one thing after another! uuugh! I haven't suffered Lymphoedema though at a Rehab Course I did for 6 weeks, they did say it can hit you at any time, recently after surgery or even like years down the track, which I was really surprised about. So Im sorry to hear this has happened! I think its super normal to struggle, so I try and strip it back when I can to what im dealing with in this moment. If I looked at the big picture, I too would be so upset and disheartened. I guess thats why I always say one thing at a time, one step at a time. Hugs Melinda xo

I got lymphedema in my arm and breast unfortunately. Annoying as I had only three lymph nodes removed.   My arm is currently controlled by a compression sleeve, the physio says my breast may improve in a year or so.  Lymphatic massage works well on me and is painless and soooo relaxing.  I am seeing physios they seem to be the experts.  I am trying all sorts of things for the breast lymphedema, including taping it, a gel dressing in my scar to soften it and the massage.  

Anyway sorry to hear your bad news.  

Yes the worst is we want to move on from the Cancer and this is a reminder of it.  There is no quick fix either, it has to be managed.  Daily.  Which is a pain.  I can't make myself do the excercise which you are supposed to do four times a day!  Stupid of me, but there it is.  Maybe one day I will have the self discipline to do them.  

Good luck, I hope it settles down for you soon.  Karen.   

Hi Lithgow  It certainly wouldn't hurt to see your GP. :)

Hmmmm what a shame you can't reply to someone's post under their post.  Bit odd. Anyway...

Thanks Melinda.  Yes do so try to take each day one at a time. Just gets tiring sometimes when things keep happening. But will carry on. :) x

Andij! I couldnt agree more, and I say stuff it!!! if its a bad day and you get annoyed, angry or just purely fed up! So be it!! I think you've earned it! Best thing any of us can do is acknowledge exactly how we feel, and not do anything more but allow it to be what it is, just sit in it. I find doing that for myself actually helps. :) x

I totally hear you @Andij, I am now almost 5 years on from my mastectomy and axilla clearance and had only very mild lymphodema for a few years, which seemed to be under control, but over the past 6 months things have changed a bit (particularly after I broke my other arm and couldn't do the daily self massage) and I'm seeing my physio fortnightly at the moment to have the massages, am wearing a compression sleeve almost constantly, doing the exercises and have had bandaging. Things are kind of stable, but certainly not back to normal as my arm and hand swells at the slightest increase in temperature (so not good right now!).

Having lymphodema feels like a kick in the guts after all we've been through and I struggle physically and emotionally to deal with it. Thankfully my physio is very sympathetic and is confident we can get on top of it, but I admit I do get sick of it all.

Hopefully things will settle for you soon. Best wishes, Jane xx

Thank you too Karen.  Apparently you can only have one lymph node removed and still get this :( Let alone 19 lol Yes I do the massage every single morning. Wearing the sleeve 23 hours a day at the moment. Can be hard at times especially in the heat. Are you going to a private physio? I was but even with private medical it became just too expensive, so am in the public system now for the lymphoedema. 
Yes, no quick fix. With us pretty much for life now.  I haven't been shown any exercises but have just today googled and have come across some excellent utube videos so will start gently incorporating them into my day as well now.
All the VERY best with yours too. Andi  :)