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This cording is indicative of disruption of the lymph system. It happened to me - I needed the help of a certified lymphedema therapist to eliminate the cording and restore my range-of-motion. The cording was extremely painful - I couldn't lift my hand even shoulder height. The cord went from my arm pit all the way down my arm to my wrist. My oncologist was the only one who helped me.........I was crying in pain and frustration - also it was extremely disturbing to see this cord running down my arm just under my skin. I felt like something Alien was growing there! My LE therapist was an ANGEL......she measured my arm and told me I had Stage 1 lymphedema - the swelling in my arm wasn't noticeable to untrained eyes. She fitted me for a compression sleeve and gauntlet for my hand for future use. As for prevention - there is no prevention that I know of - except to be informed, and healthy. And if it happens to you - find a certified lymphedema therapist to help you.
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xxoo
Kathy
2/5/08 - dx age 53, post-menopausal;
IDC Stage 1, Grade 1
ER+ 90% /PR+ 90% /Her2++++, BRAC1 & 2 neg
3/5/08 - mast with muscle-sparing free tram;
0/7 nodes clear; Stage 1 lymphedema in right arm
3/11/08 - MRSA infection in abdomen causes large hernia
4/11/08 - Oncotype DX score 22 (intermediate)
4/12/08 - Muga score 67%
4/23/08 - Chemo, Navelbine and Herceptin every 2 weeks
8/20/08 - Last Navelbine infusion! Yay!
1/22/09 - First mammo since dx - unaffected breast CLEAR!
1/30/09 - Second Muga score 63%
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