Is lymphoedema starting? Please advise if you can
 

I'm feeling scared and panicky. Can anyone help me with this? I was about to go to bed just now, when I noticed that the fingers on my right hand are looking quite puffy. I've undone my bra and done a little gentle arm exercise, but I don't know what else to do - is there anything I can do? It's 11pm here, so I can't ask my doctor or chemo nurses. I had my modified radical mastectomy 13 months ago.
I would be so grateful if anyone can offer any advice now.
Thank you!

This happens to me in hot weather. Elevate your arm. Use pillows or watch some TV where you can lay your arm up on top the couch. While your arm is elevated, squeeze your hand about 5-10 times per minute to help pump some of the fluid out. When you do go to bed, make sure you elevate the arm and hand above your heart with pillows. While you are lying down, it won't be as high as you think.


This is a temporary thing for me especially in the summer and when using my affected side too long but it is the main reason I wear a cuff and glove when flying. And I don't have lymphedema and don't want it so I am careful since I do experience some retention like you did.

Hug to you

Is your left hand puffy at all?
 

Herceptin can cause swelling of hands and feet and, considering the extensive axillary surgery you had with your mastectomy (looked at your profile) your right arm might not have as good of drainage of either venous blood or lymph
making it be more affected than the right side.

As Becky said, hot weather can cause swelling, even in those who haven't had the surgery you have.

If you are still concerned, take a coolish bath and immerse the arm. As water pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure, it will act like an elastic sleeve (or better). If it improves the situation, it will not differentiate between swelling from heat vs lymphedema, as you will have cooled yourself down (and hopefully destressed!)

Hope this helped!

A good discussion about lymphedema
 

help for lymphoedema
 

I do not usually have problems except for in the summer. One other thing you can do is to stimulate the rest of your lymph nodes to work harder by massaging them. If you are unsure how to do this, talk to your doctor or a physical therapist that specializes in this problem.