CancerCompass message board discussion started by earthstar on 2/19/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21097,0.htm Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I had a lumpectomy early in November, followed by 10 sessions of brachytherapy with a Mammosite catheter. Everything went smoothly. Now I have developed some edema in the same breast. My doc also says we'll watch it. It's not uncomfortable yet, but will a sports bra keep it from getting worse? Does activity (raking, working out) make it better or worse? Thanks for being there. earthstar Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 2/19/2008 earthstar wrote:I had a lumpectomy early in November, followed by 10 sessions of brachytherapy with a Mammosite catheter. Everything went smoothly. Now I have developed some edema in the same breast. My doc also says we'll watch it. It's not uncomfortable yet, but will a sports bra keep it from getting worse? Does activity (raking, working out) make it better or worse? Thanks for being there.Hi Earthstar,Having lymphedema in my left arm & hand and somewhat in the shoulder, chest and left side after a left mastectomy and axillary dissection (24 nodes removed), I have a couple of suggestions.  My lymphedema started during chemo and wasn't properly taken care of initially (partly because the first therapist I saw wasn't good and partly because I was in denial so didn't go when I should have) which meant it progressed to stage 2.  I went through CDT (complete decongestive therapy) twice, both during and after radiation (radiation makes you swell).  I now wear a custom one piece sleeve/glove every day except to sleep and perform MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) every night.  My lymphedema is under control but took many months to get there.  All this is to serve as a heads up to you and anyone else with swelling.Suggestion 1:  Don't just "watch" it and don't assume your doctor knows everything about lymphedema.  Insist your dr. refer you to a lymphedema therapist----that would be a physical therapist trained in lymphedema therapy (preferably Vodder trained--that's the gold standard).  You can suggest to your dr. that it's for preventive therapy. That therapist will assess your edema, perform MLD on you, instruct you how to do it, and make any needed recommendations on proper garments for control.  If you treat lymphedema early (stage 1) it goes away and you then are informed about precautions to prevent recurrence.Suggestion 2:  If you prefer to "watch" it, then I'd say a sports bra (well-fitted, NOT tight!!!  Too tight will make it worse by cutting off drainage) could be helpful. Better you should be fitted by someone trained in fitting lymphedema garments----they can give you good recommendations about what works.Suggestion 3:  Activity does help control swelling.  The trick is not to overdo it because that can make it worse.  If you were an active person before cancer don't think you can immediately go back and do what you did at the same level---start at a low level for a short amount of time and see how you feel and what the effects are.  I would not resume playing tennis, paint a room, or do strenuous weight training until the swelling is resolved---particularly if the affected side is your dominant side.Suggestion 4:  Check out the National Lymphedema Network website---there is LOTS of helpful info there and a list of precautions.Good luck!  Sewwonderfulwoman Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT I developed edema in my breast after a biopsy and it turned out to be an infection even though I was not experiencing any pain just swelling.  Antibiotics took care of it. Leemg Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Definately seek out a Lymphadema Specialist.  Ask at your local hospital for a name.  Most hospitals are staffed with them.  From watching a friend go through this, it is not something to take lightly.  There is also a good book we read, during our treatment called:  JUST A LUMP IN THE ROAD... by Debbie Leifert.  It has a whole section written by a Lymphadema specialist, with signs, symptoms and exercises.  It is very easy reading, like a guide.  Keep smiling... Jane25 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi i also have lynphedema but mine is in my right arm i had breast cancer 8 years ago and had a lympectomy with 4 months of chemo and 32 radation treatment i have found that keeping busy helps i have horse's and clean the barn sometimes it retains fluid and i have a pump that i put my arm and that help i also do a lymphedema massage that help's hope this is helpful i live in Waterford Wis. take care and God Bless Claudia Claudia H. Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT