Any help with this is sincerely appreciated! I'm scared about continuing with this treatment if I can't find a reasonable explanation.
I underwent a double-mastectomy 9 months ago for cancer in both breasts. Within the past three weeks, I started having truncal lymphedema--first on the right side of my chest and under my right arm and back, then in my left upper chest area. My oncologist diagnosed lymphedema and referred me to an Occupational Therapist for Lymphatic Drainage Massage/Manual Lymphatic Treatment (MLT) and massage on my scars to loosen the tissue.
After my first treatment (which wasn't painful and actually felt good), I completely BLACKED OUT! I'm told I went shopping, took the kids to eat Chinese food and a bunch of other stuff that I simply don't remember. (I didn't have any alcohol or non-prescribed medication.) Everyone who interacted with me during the 24-hour time period that I do not remember says I seemed fine.
I have continued with the therapy (I told the therapist what happened), and she is using even lighter touch with fewer reps. We also take breaks for me to drink water when I start to get dizzy. No one seems to know exactly what happened/is happening. I'm small in frame/weight (5'6", 105"). One theory is toxins being released into my bloodstream from the inflamed tissues. I try to drink alot of water to help dilute whatever is in my blood or lymphatic fluid. If I don't, I also get nauseus and throw up after each treatment.
Has anyone ever heard of this or experienced this? It's scary but I need treatment for the lymphedema! Help!
Thank You and God Bless...~Leslie