need some advice-again!

[Unregistered]

It has been about 5 months since I have asked for advice and this board has always helped this husband(thanks).One more time.
My wife was triple positive july(2007).She did Hercetin (1 YR) Taxol,FEC, Bi Lateral Masectomy,15 lymph node removal,3 positive then radiation.Last herceptin was 9/11/08.We will always be able to remember.Anyway she is very active(teaches aoerbics) and in great shape.She woke upThursday morning with her left wrist to her hand swollen.The very first time we have experienced any swelling.She called the oncologist's office and talked to his nurse and they said keep it elavated and call back Monday if it is not any better.I thought i remembered reading on this board that if you experieced any lymphadema to get it worked on right away.I just arrived late Thursday night from a business trip and found all this out when i got home.I am up and waiting for her surgeon's office to open so i can call.Has anyone had swelling in only part of the arm(wrist and hand)?

[phurst]

Sorry,I thought i had logged on before I asked for advice.This is not an Unregistered guest.

[Becky]

Hi

I had several fingers swell. I think it is because I am a runner and the centrifical force moves lymph fluid there and the same can be for your wife. Do you have a lymphedema specialist in town? I did and got advice over the phone - much the same as you got to raise the limb above my heart. However, you have the whole hand going on and I would get some advice. It might just be raising the limb and "babying" that limb for awhile.

I recommend real advice though as you wouldn't want it to become a permanent situation.

[SoCalGal]

Hi - I think you should compress with an ace bandage. (MILD) Compression prevents swelling from getting out of control along with elevating to use gravity. There is a simple manual lymph drainage massage she can learn to do in the shower each morning with soap that will help her circulation get going and will drain that hand if related to lymphadema. I had some related swelling way back in 1999 after my initial treatment ended and after about a year of healing I was and have been fine (swelling-wise:). As my lymphadema doc told me back then - it's uncomfortable but not life-threatening and very manageable so don't focus on it too much.

Your wife sounds like she's in good shape so I'm sure this will quickly pass. Could be anything - sleeping funny - hitting your hand - a bug bite or none of the above but this too shall pass.

Please let us know what the doc says.