Do you have lymphoedema?
The ALERT (Australian Lymphoedema Education, Reseach and Treatment) team at Macquarie University are looking for people living with primary or secondary lymphoedema to complete an online survey which will help them to develop appropriate patient information resources. You can complete the survey via this link: https://mquni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_721VztSK5hUBU8K
Looking for recommendations in Sydney
Hi all, I have some practical things that I’ve been struggling with and I figured I’m unlikely to be the first. I had a single mastectomy and auxiliary lymph node removal in November and have been having issues finding bras - I’m 35 so I’m looking for something with underwire and padding that also has a pocket for the prosthetic. No such bras seem to be available at the list of stores given to me by the breast care nurses. My scar goes across where the nipple would be rather than where an underwire sits so I’m still able to wear underwire comfortably and since my remaining breast is a DD going without underwire, padding and structured support isn’t my favourite. The berlei post surgical bra was fine for around the house but don’t work under a lot of my wardrobe and again, the support issue is a problem. I figured a good option was to get a couple of my favourite bras tailored to add the pocket. Problem is trying to find someone who can do that sort of work is proving very difficult. The one guy I found in balmain showed me a method that looks like it’ll damage the bra and not have a great result. So any recommendations would be amazing. Also looking for inner west lymphatic drainage massage recommendations (that don’t cost the earth). Any suggestions for how to minimise lymphadema risk and tricks and hints for getting used to it all would be much appreciated. My hope is for a reconstruction but my surgeon says that’s about two years away. Thank you so much katherine
Lymphedema - working with keyboard and mouse
Been awhile since I have been here but looking for some advice. I was diagnosed with Lymphedema in my hand and lower arm 13 months after breast and auxiliary clearance due to the cancer spreading to the nodes. The last 12 months I have been using compression garments, massage the area regularly and have a lymphatic massage every 3 weeks to help reduce it and keep it soft. But am having problems with it not being stable and goes up and down quite a bit. But not as bad as when I was first diagnosed. i work full time( supposed to be only part time but you know what it’s like) and use a mouse and keyboard heavily and unless I win lotto I have another 20 years or work still to go I am doing a stint of bandaging at the moment and will be getting a custom sleeve and glove to see if that helps at all Is anyone else in a similar situation with work, did you notice if keyboard and mouse usage made it worse, any tips to help flares up, etc would be really appreciated
swelling of the hand and arm
Hi Just wondering if anyone has experience or advice about the swelling of my arm, should I be worried, I saw the onc last week and she sent me for an scan to make sure not a blood clot, she said just fluids, I haven't had surgery yet so my lymph nodes are still there under arm, I have to finish my chemo treatment first before they operate on breast and lymph nodes, I thought swelling comes long after removal of lymph nodes, it's been about 3 weeks my hand and arm swollen, would I be better off seeing a GP to have this sorted as reading up on it, starting to sound like lymphoedema