HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - ASCO Breast--lymphedema news--not so good

chicagoetc · 10-10-2010, 06:31 PM

I'm in rehab now for this (Sheila's lymphedema after 9 years would probably have something to do with the neck nodes?). This diagnosis was almost 3 years post surgery. To my surprise it was not only in my arm but also down the side of my back. That the rehab therapist found this is great. I would never have known otherwise. I'm not surprised at the high incidence given that lymph node removal/dissection interrupts such an important part of our body. Also apparently radiation has a big effect...scar tissue can block the lymph fluid with a similar effect as lymph node removal/dissection. That this can be addressed is good. [But I won't be picking up heavy objects for a long, long time...maybe never?]

Melanie

10-10-2010, 06:31 PM	#6
chicagoetc Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Near Chicago Posts: 196	Re: ASCO Breast--lymphedema news--not so good I'm in rehab now for this (Sheila's lymphedema after 9 years would probably have something to do with the neck nodes?). This diagnosis was almost 3 years post surgery. To my surprise it was not only in my arm but also down the side of my back. That the rehab therapist found this is great. I would never have known otherwise. I'm not surprised at the high incidence given that lymph node removal/dissection interrupts such an important part of our body. Also apparently radiation has a big effect...scar tissue can block the lymph fluid with a similar effect as lymph node removal/dissection. That this can be addressed is good. [But I won't be picking up heavy objects for a long, long time...maybe never?] Melanie __________________ Diagnosed: 7/13/07 (or 7/7/07) Surgery: 8/15/07 Modified Radical One Side with Lymph Node Dissection Pathology Report: ER/PR-, HER2+ with FISH at 8.4 copies, Grade 3, Stage IIIa, 3.2 cm tumor plus 4/19 positive lymph nodes Portacath: 9/7/07 Chemo: 9/14/07 with AC (every three weeks) for four rounds Physical Therapy for ROM Loss / "Cording" (but not Lymphodema) Taxol + Herceptin weekly (started 12/2007 with 8 of 12 Taxol) Radiation: (28 rads from 3/07 to 4/07) Reconstruction (silicone implant) Herceptin done (10/08) Cognitive Remediation (11/08 - 12/08) Lymphedema Diagnosed 5/10/10 (almost 3 years post cancer diagnosis) Lymphedema Rehab 9/10/10 - 11/10/10 Six years NED...7/7/2013!