Forum Discussion

Karen10's avatar
Karen10
Member
14 years ago

Lymphedema

Hello pink sisters

I finished treatment (surgery, chemo, and radiation) for R) BC approx 1 1/2 years ago. Basically I have had pain in my boobs since.

About 3 months ago I started getting alot of pain in my back and ribs as well.  My boobs are rock hard. My Surgeon seems to think it is general wear and tear from surgery but I am having a bone scan to rule out bone mets. 

I have to wear a compression bra as well as a compression sleeve and am seeing both a lymphedema drainage therapist (laser) and a physio who specializes in Lymphedema.  I have also seen a naturopath, chiropractor and GPs.  Also I am useing kinesiology tape. At the moment it seems like I am living on pain killers. 

Is there any pink sisters out there who have experienced the same problem. 

Thanks
Karen

6 Replies

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    14 years ago

    Isn't life strange when you want to celebrate arthritis and old age! Anything is better than secondaries.I'm so happy for you- must be a big relief. You should celebrate with a glass of something tonight!

                                             Tonya xx

  • Karen10's avatar
    Karen10
    Member
    14 years ago

    I recieved good news today.  No Bone mets.  It seems like its old age.  Arthritis and general deteriation. 

    Take Care

    Karen x

  • Karen10's avatar
    Karen10
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi  Daina and Tonya I had a mammogram and ultrasound 2 months ago. Fortunately everything was negative.  I had the bone scan today.  I find out the results on Friday.  I will let you know

    Take Care

    Karen

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    14 years ago

    Sorry to hear you have aches and pains. I had a lumpectomy and radiation back in 2003.My radiated boob was never the same afterwards.It was hard and uncomfortable but I wouldn't say painful.However,in 2010 I had more discomfort and a mammogram showed that the cancer was back and had grown to 3cms within a year.So had to have a mastectomy and now my chest feels like I have duck tape tape strapped around it.I get abit heaviness in my arm and underarm area but not what you'd call lymphoedema - or maybe it is and I'm just used to it! I have no problems with the other boob and my aches and pains are familiar not new.Are you on any medication that might cause aches?I think you are wise to get it checked out.Get your boobs checked out too.Don't wait for your "due"mammo/ultrasound cos you'll just stress.It's probably nothing but it's  always hanging over our heads isn't it-you'd just like to forget about bc and get on with life.Hope you get it all sorted out soon.

                                          Tonya xx

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Hi Karen,

    It sounds like you are having a rough time at the moment.

    If it helps you might like to read what others have experienced. I have completed a search of our website and the following results returned: http://www.bcna.org.au/search/node/Lymphedema

    I hope you have some good news soon.

    Cheers
    Daina

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Hi Karen,

    It sounds like you are having a rough time at the moment.

    If it helps you might like to read what others have experienced. I have completed a search of our website and the following results returned: http://www.bcna.org.au/search/node/Lymphedema

    I hope you have some good news soon.

    Cheers
    Daina