Hi Following a lumpectomy and sentinel node removal I found cording in my breast. I now have persistent and painful lymphedema in the affected breast. There seems to be so much information on lymphoedema in the arm but not the breast. Are there any other ladies out there who are experiencing this problem? I have had numerous sessions of lasertherapy with a lymphoedema physiotherapist and one unsuccessful attempt at compression bandaging my breast (ouch!!!). I am told that a compression bolero is the next step - does anyone have any experience with these garments?

My arm is fine, but my breast, under my armpit and all down my side and back are effected with lymphoedema. I was told I have oedema, not lymphoedema, when I questioned all the swelling, told it was fluid, when asked where the fluid comes from the answer was lymphatic system??? I have had cording in the crease under the breast and two large ones running down my side into my groin. I see a Lymphatic Physio as well who massages, but I don't think it helps in the long term. I have done my own research on the USA BC site and they made me aware of truncle lymphoedema. Have a look. I have struggled all through winter with this condition, I was swimming and then got the phone call for reconstruction, had other breast reduced. So had to stop the swimming. I have found the pool the only relief from this condition, I think the compression of the water on the body helps as well as the excercise helps. I am dong the Encore program next week, so looking forward to getting into the water. All the best in seeking help, Viv

There is a lymphoedema group on here and I am pretty sure that there was some info about special compression bras on one of the posts. Just do a search to find the lymphoedema group and read through the most recent posts. In general the same types of things will help all lymphoedema no matter where it is. Massage (you can learn how to do this on yourself), exercise (trying also to keep within a healthy weight range) and compression are the main things. Viv is right about exercising in water being the absolute best thing. The pressure of the water really helps. Aqua Aerobics is excellent. Hope you can find a way to ease your problem area. Take care. Deanne xxx

Thanks so much for the feedback. It is the first time I have ever written anything on a public place on the net. It is so comforting that we have a network here to help each other. I had more lasertherapy & massage this morning & am feeling better that I did yesterday. I have a few skin breaks where I have friction rubs from the edges of the compression bandaging & I need to take care of them. I will be fitted with a compresson bolero this Friday & fingers crossed it will help manage the problem. When the sea water here (in Tassie) warms up a little I will try to include some water exercise in my programme. I work to keep in a healthy weight range but have been advised to back off on the rowing machine for the time being. I will look up the links mentioned & again thanks for the information but equally thank you so much for the caring!

Breast lymphoedema | BCNA Online Network

15 Replies

penguin_princes
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11 years ago
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It was lovely to make contact today Mandy. I am finding new sources of support on a regular basis - it is all most appreciated.

Thank you for recommending the Encore program - i will certainly have a look at the possibilities.

Kind Regards pp
Custard
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11 years ago
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Penguin Princess, I can suggest contacting Mandy Page re the free Encore program- it is wonderful. Have a look at the Tasmanian Breast Cancer Facebook page- I have posted info there. Take special care, Mandy
penguin_princes
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11 years ago
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Thank you for sharing your story Ronnie. Your time-frame and treatment almost replicates myself except I am on Letrozol - hot flushes + joint pain & a few other nuisance issues but as you said the breast lymphoedema is more of a challenge. I have been doing quite a bit of physical exercise all along & have had to keep any eye on what is "too much". Good luck with the Encore program, I am sure it will be beneficial for you.

I am hosting a mini-field display this Sunday at a local market & maybe there will be "chat" with the viewers - perhaps breast lymphiedema is more common than I first thought.

Take care Zanette x
penguin_princes
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11 years ago
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Many thanks dmed. What period of time did it take for your compression bra to make a difference? I hope to get some relief using my bolero. Regards Zanette
penguin_princes
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11 years ago
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Thanks for sharing Fiona. It is good to hear from other ladies who have had the cording issues in thier breast. If the compression bolero is not working I will ask my physio re the kinesio tape. Take care Zanette
mumflo
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11 years ago
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Me to, initially developed cording after surgery which settled with physio. Finished radiation a few weeks ago and the cording has returned along with edema of the breast. I'm seeing the physio who's massaging and kinesio taping my boob. Also doing the massage and exercise and hoping that it doesn't take to long to improve. All the best Fiona.
mumflo
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11 years ago
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Me to, initially developed cording after surgery which settled with physio. Finished radiation a few weeks ago and the cording has returned along with edema of the breast. I'm seeing the physio who's massaging and kinesio taping my boob. Also doing the massage and exercise and hoping that it doesn't take to long to improve. All the best Fiona.
penguin_princes
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11 years ago
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Hi Adean

Thanks for sharing. My lymphoedema also became worse after radiotherapy but I expected that would be the case. Flying seems to be an issue also and with some long flights coming up in a few weeks I hope to soon be on the improve. I asked my lymphoedema physio about massage under the shower & she said that the skin contact without water was better in order to increase the friction. Interesting how different things can work for different people.

Take care
adean
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11 years ago
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I to had lymphodeama in the breast it would blow up like a balloon by the end of the day. It became worse after radiotherapy. I was recommended massage by a professional , but massaging with sorbelene under the shower was the best relief. As well as a good Berlin bra. I had it for a long time and then it just went. Although if I use the whipper snipper it swells, or I fly it blows up. Good luck with it all. Adean
penguin_princes
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11 years ago
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Thanks so much for the feedback. It is the first time I have ever written anything on a public place on the net. It is so comforting that we have a network here to help each other.

I had more lasertherapy & massage this morning & am feeling better that I did yesterday. I have a few skin breaks where I have friction rubs from the edges of the compression bandaging & I need to take care of them.

I will be fitted with a compresson bolero this Friday & fingers crossed it will help manage the problem.

When the sea water here (in Tassie) warms up a little I will try to include some water exercise in my programme. I work to keep in a healthy weight range but have been advised to back off on the rowing machine for the time being.

I will look up the links mentioned & again thanks for the information but equally thank you so much for the caring!