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gumoore · 04-26-2009, 01:35 PM

There are many different factors that can contribute to lymphedema, not just radiation.

I am overweight, had radiation in my axilla, and I had node removal at surgery. I was told the odds of lymphedema were anywhere from 10 to 40%. I got it about 1 year following my mastectomy.

I guess in some ways I'm lucky because it's manageable with a compression sleeve. At first the sleeve annoyed the heck out of me. Now I barely notice it.

I will say one thing though: it's a small price for still being here.

04-26-2009, 01:35 PM	#5
gumoore Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Victoria, BC - Canada Posts: 21	There are many different factors that can contribute to lymphedema, not just radiation. I am overweight, had radiation in my axilla, and I had node removal at surgery. I was told the odds of lymphedema were anywhere from 10 to 40%. I got it about 1 year following my mastectomy. I guess in some ways I'm lucky because it's manageable with a compression sleeve. At first the sleeve annoyed the heck out of me. Now I barely notice it. I will say one thing though: it's a small price for still being here. __________________ Gayle _____________ Live Strong IBC dx August 9/06 ER/PR +2 HER2/neu + chemo August 11/06 - January 8/07 herceptin - 17 treatments, every 3 wks - end Jan 2008 IMRT rads 5 weeks surgery May 1/07 bilateral mastectomy (left modified radical, right simple) prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy March 2008 letrozole, 2.5 mg daily, start June 2008 lymphedema, left arm, April 2008 osteoporosis, lower spine, August 2010 - fosamax 70 mg