Lymphedema

I'm new to this website.  I was diagnosed with stage 3 inflammatory breast cancer 6 years ago.  I had a modified radical masectomy with reconstruction/tram flap, 6 months of chemo and radiation treatment.  They removed 15 lymph nodes, 12 of which were involved.  I feel so  blessed to have come through everything so well and I feel wonderful.  I am cancer free, but recently I've started having problems with my left arm.  Its not swelling, but when I raise my arm up, it feels like the muscle is being stretched and it hurts.  It started out sporatic and after stretching my arm, it would go away for a while and then return.  It has now been a constant for about a week.  I am terrified that this could this be the start of lymphedema?  What are some of the early symptoms that any of you have experienced.  I am scheduled to see my doctors next week, with my annual ct scan, bone scan, etc. and I was going to question them, but thought maybe I might get some better information here. 

I was dx with ovca Dec 2005. I developed lymphedema in my left leg the following summer. My ankle and foot suddenly swelled as if I had sprained my ankle. I called my dr and within a week I was set up with physical therapy.

The therapy can be real intense--lymph massage and tight gauze wrappings. If you catch it early, the condition is very manageable. If you DO have lymphedema, you will have it for the rest of your life. However, it does not have to control your life. Good luck!

Check out: http://www.lymphnotes.com/

hi there. i to have the same problem as you and it sure does sound like lymphedema. streching and exercise is the best way i have found for dealing with it. you can get support hose for it to, if it becomes unbearable. i tried this but because of my job i found them to expensive and to hot to deal with. i do very heavy cleaning and my arm is usually swollen by the time i get off. when i get home i do some streches with it. have a hot bath and then rest it till the next day. this seems to keep everything at bay. hope it will help you/

Have you tried Manual Lymphedema Treatment (also known as Lymphatic Drainage Massage)? I have not experienced any pain with this treatment, in fact, it feels good!  They start out very lightly and progress according to YOUR feedback. My oncologist referred me to a therapist at the onset of my lymphedema.  As previously mentioned, catching it early is VERY important.

Therer are exercises you can do, for which a therapist can provide instructions.