Forum Discussion

pennyb's avatar
pennyb
Member
13 years ago

Lymphedema

Hi there lovely ladies, It's been a while since my last blog, have spent my time getting over radiation, and trying to re-gain some strength. My hubby and I have planned a lovely week in Vanuatu on July 4th which we are both really looking forward to. I have had a really sore arm for the last week, so went off to the GP today to ask about it. My arm is very swollen and my doctor was concerned enough to call my surgeon to get an emergency appt tomorrow. I am hoping it won't interfere with my holiday. I was hoping it would be the end of oncology appointments for a while. Hoping everyone is well. Much love Penny xx

6 Replies

  • Annie_Gayed's avatar
    Annie_Gayed
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Penny

    Sorry to hear about your mild lymphoedema, and so close to your holiday too. BCNA has a number of fact sheets on lymphoedema, including one on travelling, and one on compression garment subsidies, which you may find helpful.

    Vanuatu sounds like a great way to escape this grey weather - I hope you have a relaxing break.

    Annie - BCNA

  • pisces_tas's avatar
    pisces_tas
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi PennyB, I too had mild lymphoedema.

    Eventually I had three or four scanning laser treatments on the axilla and shoulder and arm on affected side. They helped a lot to clear fibrosis in the area, plus soften scarring.

    I also learnt how to do manual drainage of lymph for the WHOLE body, which helped.

     My swelling reduced and I am fine as long as I do not try and do TOO much at once, ie prolonged, repetitive, sustained use of the arm. I pace myself.

    Also when flying I do drainage before, plus slow breathing, to empty ducts( the main ones are in the neck region ) as well as  stretching, etc.. but SLOWLY and gently.

    Flushing from menopause did not help. The veins and lymph vessels are connected, as the lymph drains back into them. I pushed myself too much initially, so take it easy. Listen to your body.

     I also use baggage with wheels, so do not have to carry bags for extended time. Even 2 kgs carried can " stir " things up a bit. 

    I recently went to a seminar on Yoga for arm lymphoedema with Annette Loudon, who is in Sydney. ( you can google it. ) There is also the Encore prgramme for water exercises with shoulders under the water.

    Kathy.

  • pennyb's avatar
    pennyb
    Member
    13 years ago
    Ladies for your well wishes, yes it seems I do have mild lympheodema in my arm. I am seeing a lympheodema nurse in the next few days and great news is I will be able to travel. Thanks for the advice on massage Tonya. Will get hubby on to it, what a great excuse for a massage!! Will look into the socks Thanks serenity. I am tolerating the tamoxifen quite well too Al, but the weight gain is very frustrating! Much love Penny xx
  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    13 years ago

    Sounds like abit of lympheodema in your arm perhaps?Have you been over doing it?Elevate your arm on a pillow if watching tv or in bed. Were you shown how to do the arm massage?It's like stroking  a cat but first gently rub down your side from under your arm.Stroke from "bad shoulder"across your chest and then start stroking from your fingertips to all the way down your arm -all around your arm.Do it under the shower or while you watch tv-or both! You might need a compression sleeve but in the meantime you could use a length of tubi grip or a bandage all the way up your arm.It's good you are seeing your surgeon pronto. I am positive you will get to Vanautu!!!!!!!

                                                   love Tonya xx