Member: KimF | BCNA Online Network

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Re: Lymphedema - compression garments
Hi @arpie. Hello! Hope you're well! You're right - Kristen's info is amazing. I've copied it into my notebook so I don't lose it. I'm having monthly sessions with a lymph specialist and there are no signs of problems yet. I am also doing quite a bit of work on my overall lymph system (which needs work!) and I was hoping that the compression garments would help support that process and I'm sure I'll now find something suitable. And yes, I think it would be a great idea if @Mez_BCNA could set up a separate group. Lymphoedema has been one of my biggest worries and it's been difficult to find knowledgeable specialists. I also think general lymph health is something that we should also pay attention to, and trying to learn about that has been an extensive series of rabbit holes! Still not sure I'm on the right track! Thanks everyone for your input!
2 years ago Place General
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Re: Lymphedema - compression garments
Hi AllyJay. Thank you so much - I hadn't thought about looking at garments for burns - great idea. I'll have a look.
2 years ago Place General
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Re: Lymphedema - compression garments
Hi @Kristen. Hello. I can't thank you enough for all your ideas - you're an absolute gem. My scars are all looking very good, thankfully - surgeon was very happy at the 12 month check up.
2 years ago Place General
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Re: Lymphedema - compression garments
Hi @kristen. Thank you so much for all the info - I really appreciate it. I think I'm probably looking for a unicorn! My 'dog ears' are a bit tender when I wear a bra, and I've got a Liane cami and I love wearing it - it just doesn't work too well with the dog ears. It's actually the garment that made me think of a full skivvy like top. I'll have a good look at all your suggestions and see if I can find something. I'll also follow your FB and Instagram - they look to be full of great information and I'm looking forward to learning more. I don't have any issues at the moment - physio is measuring things and is happy with how I'm progressing. I've just started compression boots and that's making a difference and it seems to be getting the lymph system moving and I guess I'm trying to support that process rather than needing medical grade garments. And yes, I probably need to look at lipedema sites. I can't thank you enough - you've been very kind and generous with your information. With best wishes. Kim
2 years ago Place General
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Re: Lymphedema - compression garments
Hi @Afraser. Yes I'm seeing a lymphoedema specialist and was chatting to her about the options to prevent lymphoedema - all's good in my arm at the moment which is great. This is more to support the overall lymph system - I'm using compression boots on my legs and just want to support the top half of my body in that process. Also, my bra is hurting my 'dog ears' and I think an 'whole' garment will be better. Gosh, it's complicated! Thanks for your reply!
2 years ago Place General
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Re: Lymphedema - compression garments
Hi @Mez_BCNA. Thank you so much - I hadn't thought to look there!
2 years ago Place General
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Lymphedema - compression garments
Hello I'm 15 months post DMX and lymph node clearance on one side - no chemo or radiation. I'm doing very well and amongst other stuff, I'm working hard on my lymph system, which is in a bit of a mess! Trying to mitigate the risks of lymphedema. I wear compression stockings daily, and am wanting to get a compression top - long sleeves - like a long sleeved cami with pockets for the prostheses. I'm trying to avoid wearing the sleeves - I'd rather be in a full top, especially for the winter. The complication is that it needs to be plus sized :-) Does anyone know where I can find something like this? I've spent ages searching and can't find anything that meets all my needs / wants and I'm hoping that someone has already found one. Many thanks!
2 years ago Place General
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Re: ER+ HER- | Optima Study
Hi @arpie. Yes, I hope it's useful to someone, especially if it means that they won't need to do chemo. Thank you for asking how I'm going - I'm pottering along. One drain site is infected and I've got fluid build up above the other side's scar. I'm seeing the surgeon's nurse tomorrow to see what I can do about the fluid. My arm is very sore - nerves are burning and I'm trying some medication to see if that will settle it down. Other than that, I've got full range of motion, which I'm delighted about! And, interestingly, I'm not that concerned about loosing both breasts. I thought I'd go into a major downward spiral, but that hasn't happened (yet!)! Hope you're doing well and enjoying the autumn weather. It's glorious in this part of the world as the trees are all beginning to change their clothes!
3 years ago Place General
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ER+ HER- | Optima Study
Hi everyone I've just had a very interesting meeting with my oncologist - first appointment post surgery. Fortunately, I'm not a candidate for chemo (utter relief) so we didn't discuss this in any detail, but as we were talking about whether I should get a genomic test done or not, he mentioned that there was a new study about to take place - the Optima Study. From what I gathered from him, it'll offer a Prosigna (I think) test as part of the trial, which would obviously be funded (perhaps 100% - not sure) by the study. I think it'll be for people who are about to have surgery or who have recently had surgery - not sure though. I don't know anything further than that, and I couldn't find anything on any Australian sites about it, but there is some info on UK sites as it looks like the trial is being done there as well. Hope this helps someone - and saves someone a few dollars! Also hope this is appropriate to post!
3 years ago Place General
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Re: HRT (Estrogen and Progesterone Hormone Replacement Therapy) After cancer for menopause?
Hi @au0rie Not sure this is relevant to your initial post! I've been on Letrozole from the day after my diagnosis in mid January 2023 (Er+ Pr+ HER-) - it was the first thing that the oncologist suggested. I'm a few years post menopause and had no flushes to speak of - only intense brain fog and lack of energy (blamed on adrenal insufficiency) - debilitating really. Roll forward 2 months after taking the Letrozole, the brain fog has lifted and I'm feeling sooooo much better and my energy levels are so much better. I had a DMX a week or two after the fog lifted, and I'm still feeling fine, with no aches or pains. I'm going to start actively trying to reduce my estrogen levels more. It's so frustrating that it's not the same for everyone - it would be so much easier it if was!
3 years ago Place General
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