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

vlcarr · 10-12-2010, 08:38 AM

I continue to struggle with my lymphedema. Mine flared up after radiation. I'm getting weekly massages and have to wear the compression sleeve and a custom made glove all day, every day. They measured me again last week and my lower arm was bigger, upper arm a little smaller.

I also developed swelling in my side and chest wall. I also have to wear a swell spot that goes in my bra and I wear a tribute sleeve every night while sleeping.

I flew for the first time this weekend and it did flare up but looked better this morning.

My therapist suggested I get Under Armour compression tee shirts and I wear those all day too. I feel like a mummy but they help the swelling on the side and in my chest. I'm very lucky I get to work from home because it would be hard to wear the Under Armour's to work (they are impossible to hide).

I've found this to be the most frustrating issue I've had but I'm hanging in there. Trying to do what I can to keep it under control.

10-12-2010, 08:38 AM	#10
vlcarr Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 343	Re: ASCO Breast--lymphedema news--not so good I continue to struggle with my lymphedema. Mine flared up after radiation. I'm getting weekly massages and have to wear the compression sleeve and a custom made glove all day, every day. They measured me again last week and my lower arm was bigger, upper arm a little smaller. I also developed swelling in my side and chest wall. I also have to wear a swell spot that goes in my bra and I wear a tribute sleeve every night while sleeping. I flew for the first time this weekend and it did flare up but looked better this morning. My therapist suggested I get Under Armour compression tee shirts and I wear those all day too. I feel like a mummy but they help the swelling on the side and in my chest. I'm very lucky I get to work from home because it would be hard to wear the Under Armour's to work (they are impossible to hide). I've found this to be the most frustrating issue I've had but I'm hanging in there. Trying to do what I can to keep it under control. __________________ Vicky Age 47, TN, Diagnosed 05/09 Her2+, ER/PR-, Stage III, 2 tumors = 1 8cm tumor Grade 3 Sentinel Node Biopsy-speck present in 1 node Completed 3 month clinical trial of weekly Herceptin and 1000mg Tykerb daily Tumor no longer present Right mastectomy and lymph node removal 09/25/09 No cancer present at time of surgery, none in lymph nodes Start TCH 10/15, every 3 weeks for 4 months followed by radiation Finished chemo 01/28/10-YEAH! Herceptin every 3 wks until end of June Radiation begins 03/01, 6 1/2 weeks Radiation complete--Yeah!! Developed lymphedema after radiation In hospital for 4 days with pneumonia:( Herceptin done! 06/24/10 Port Removed 07/08/10 Still in PT for lymphedema and mobility issues DIEP Reconstruction 05/11 I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it~~Maya Angelou