Lymphedema, In Glands Under The Breast

18 months after cancer, lymph node removal and 1 year after brachytherapy I have developed enlarged glands between the rib cage and breast. They are the size of fingers and at a right angle to the ribs. My surgeon is doing the "wait and see" at the moment. I am not happy. Any one else experienced this side effect?

Hi Lynette,
I too am experiencing lymphedema in the breast I had a lumpectomy on. Mine occurred following radiation. That breast is now two cup sizes larger than my other one. My doctor has said let's wait and see as well. He said the swelling may never go down and that the only real risk is the possibility of infection. He did say that breast massage may help, however I have not tried that. At this point it does not cause me any discomfort except if I lay on my stomach. I did have to purchase a lumpectomy prosthesis to fill out the other side of my bra. Unfortunately I don't seem to have any more info than you do. I'm sorry I can't be of more help. I had never heard of anyone else who had experienced this, and my radiation oncologist told me she had never seen it before. Please let me know if you recieve any more info!

Jennifer

Jennifer, I have just been to the top private specilist in NZ, he said the same thing as your doctor. I have a feeling they are just waiting a seeing what develops. Massage has had some effect on my breast but not on the swelling under the breast. Today there is a deep throbbing comming from that area of my breast. I have done some physical work this am, weeding the garden, maybe that has caused some irritation. My breast is now one size larger than the good side.

Hi,
First time on here and not sure what to say. I am a breast cancer survivor of 2 yrs and in the last couple of days under breast where I had half removed is swelling and there is some pain. Refuse to go through chemo and radiation again so have not been to doctor or told anyone. Is this how your problem started or was it different? Do not know too many technical terms so need just a plainspoken person to answer me. If you could help any way please contact me.

Hi, Everyone! I do not have the same situation as you, but my husband, daughter, and I have lymphedema in our legs (Jim & Kristina's are congenital, but mine developed after having lymph nodes removed because of melanoma). Please don't "wait and see"! Lymphedema only grows and needs constant diligence to keep it under control. Go to the following website @ www.lymphnet.org Saskia Thiadens developed the National Lymphedema Network, and we know her personally (Jim was one of her first lymphedema patients). She is a nurse who has been working with lymphedema patients for over 20 years. She has organized conferences on this subject for doctors all over the world. Investigate her site and e-mail her if you have any questions. By the way, manual lymph drainage (massage for lymphedema) is definitely effective. However, make sure that you find someone who is certified in this type of massage because it must be done correctly. The right person can train you, and then you can do it at home. Hope this info helps! Lynn

Hi--
I am one year out--just finished six months of chemo and seven weeks of radiation. I've suffered from lymphedema since surgery last Sept. My breast ballooned and then gradually settled down over a period of 4-5 months. At first the docs said it was an infection, but antibiotics didn't touch it. The breast was both swollen and tender--and inflamed. The second doc said it was an "over-exuberant inflammatory response" to the surgery and would resolve. It did somewhat, but not completely. During radiation it flared up again of course. My husband and I went to a physical therapist that specializes in lymphedema massage. She taught him how to do it and I must say that nightly massages seemed to have helped. I, too, experience greater discomfort after vigorous exercise, AND I am in constant fear that the swelling and soreness indicates that the cancer has returned. I read on MyCancerCompass that inflammation can create a friendly ground for cancer cells to develop, so I'm taking ibuprofen and have been since halfway through radiation. It helps quite a bit. My current doc is one of the foremost breast cancer docs in the country--Dr. Robert Livingston of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. He's great and I trust him. Stay tuned. I agree with the others. Don't sit and wait. At least get some massage.

Good luck.
Libby

Hi Pat, you may find it is the time of the month, or an imbalance in your hormones. I have continued with my daily massages and just this last week I have found the main operation site is slightly larger. I am slowly going through the change of life, and I think with Tamoxifin my hormones get a bit mixed up at times.

Libby,
It is a bit difficult to email you directly as this notice board won't allow you, so here is my email address. wintersl@xtra.co.nz.

I have continued with the massaging and I feel it is some thing I will have to continue with for the rest of my life, I have practically no swelling in my arm now and want to keep it that way.

It's great how you mind can play games with you after you have gone through cancer treatment. When ever you notice a slight variation in the breast or other parts of your body you get paranoid.

Hi, My name is Cathy I am a 3 year breast cancer survivor. I have had Lymphedema for about 2 years now. My cancer doctor sent me to therapy for it. No cure right now. The only treatment I know of is massage, wrapping with bandages and exercise. I sure hope they come up with a cure.

Hi Pat,
My lymphedema did not start under the breast but rather the entire breast swelled. It occurred soon after I completed radiation and has never been painful. A year and a half later, it remains swollen two bra sizes bigger than my unaffected breast. I highly recommend that you see your doctor, not because it may be the cancer returning, but because it is more likely an infection of the tissue. I have experienced greater sweeling after strenuous activity involving the arm on the side of my affected breast. Do you recall any activity which may have aggravated the muscles in your chest? Any swelling that is red or painful definitely needs to be looked at so a possible infection does not spread and cause you more harm. I hope this is helpful.

Jennifer