On 7/23/2008
Srfrgrl wrote:
I had a double masectomy 4 years ago, but the cancer came back and I had to have all the lymph nodes removed on my right side.
Here's the problem. After a PET scan, I had swelling on my right side. I could feel the swelling under my arm as well as in my right breast (implant). It gradually went down by itself after about 3 weeks. Well, a couple of months later, after my last chemo treatment, I have the swelling again as well as pain off and on.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Sounds to me like you have lymphedema. How long ago did you have the lymph nodes removed? You could be having problems with connective tissue as well, especially if your bra is interfering with tissue movement and circulation.
Take a look at these sites:
lymphedema
http://www.lymphnet.org
bras and breast cancer
http://www.007b.com/bras_breast_cancer.php
rebounding
http://www.alkalizeforhealth.net/rebounder.htm
If it is lymphedema or a connective tissue problem, exercising with a rebounder (36" mini trampoline) can help. If you use a health club, see if they have one you could try, or you can purchase one (department stores sell them for $30 - $60 - you wouldn't need one of the more expensive ones.) By simulating weightlessness, rebounding promotes circulation and loosens scar tissue, restores connective tissue health. The exercise frequencies recommended on the alkalizeforhealth site are perhaps a little excessive. Gentle bouncing (your feet don't even need to leave the mat) for 3 minutes 2 - 3 times a day is often and long enough for all but the most severe conditions, although a longer duration or more frequent use should not be a problem as long as you have no other health conditions that would restrict or prohibit bouncing. Your calves will hurt at first until you get used to it - a good way to get around that is to alternate bouncing with just walking-in-place on the mat.
ALSO, Have you talked to your surgeon and oncologist about this? If not, you should. If it is any one of the possible problems I mentioned, they can be treated with exercise, physical therapy, natural healing medicines, etc. However, my biggest concern is that this might be a complication related to the implant, and that's why you need to get the docs to check it out. The public is told that implants are now much safer than they were 10 years ago, but there are still women who are having serious complications - don't take the risk of becoming one of them. This could also be cellulitis (an infection of the tissues that can sometimes come and go, but still is very serious.)
Talk to your doctor(s) - if they say it is nothing, don't settle for that. Insist that they do at least an ultrasound or CT scan to check it out, take a look at your blood work, and/or send you to physical therapy for treatment. If they still say it is nothing, that you should just ignore it, insist on a referral for a 2nd opinion. This is too important to ignore.
I wish you a speedy answer and a speedy recovery.
Sincerely, Tre