Lymphodema

[caya]

Peg I developed mild lymphedema 2 years after my MRM surgery - I had 16 nodes removed (all negative).

I remember exactly what happened - I was chopping veggies on a Friday afternoon and cut one of my right hand fingers. I immediately cleaned it,put on polysporin and bandaged it. When I woke up the next morning my right hand was slightly swollen, I knew immediately it was lymphedema.

On Monday morning I called my breast surgeon's office and the secretary said it would be unlikely it was lymphedema after 2 years, but I insisted so she booked me for the next day. My BS confirmed it, thought it was very mild and could be reversible if I was careful and did the exercises he recommended to me before I could get into the lymphedema clinic at the Princess Margaret Hospital. I am lucky that I live in a big city (Toronto, Canada) and have access to a wonderful team of lymphedema specialists who taught me exercises to do, do drainage massages etc. They sent me to a special fitter who measured me for a sleeve and gauntlet, I only need to wear these on flights. I go for a yearly assessment and massage, I could go more often if I wanted to, but I am fine and prefer to give my spot to women who need it more than I do.

I have to say I was ruthless doing the special exercises for 2-3 months after my diagnosis, and basically my lymphedema has been reversed, but I continue to be careful.

Good luck.

all the best
caya