Lymphedema

[linda_sears]

Here is my story. I'm a stage 3 breast cancer survivor. I had 5 months of chemo and a bilateral mastectomy in November. I'm currently going through reconstruction. Here is the question. I have developed lymphedema in my left hand and fingers. The lymphedema therapist I went to was useless. The medical supply store that ordered a gauntlet and sleeve made it worse as it made the fingers much worse. I've been researching about wrapping and have been doing it and wearing a 3/4 finger glove during the day. It's helping quite a bit. But I can't be the only one going through this. Any pointers or suggestions.....

[jnieman]

Here is my story. I'm a stage 3 breast cancer survivor. I had 5 months of chemo and a bilateral mastectomy in November. I'm currently going through reconstruction. Here is the question. I have developed lymphedema in my left hand and fingers. The lymphedema therapist I went to was useless. The medical supply store that ordered a gauntlet and sleeve made it worse as it made the fingers much worse. I've been researching about wrapping and have been doing it and wearing a 3/4 finger glove during the day. It's helping quite a bit. But I can't be the only one going through this. Any pointers or suggestions.....

Check out this message board. I have found message boards to be a great sense of support for other issues I've had.

Lymphedema Message Board & Forum Discussions - HealthBoards (http://www.healthboards.com/boards/lymphedema/)

You can do a google search for lymphedema message boards and I'm sure there are more

[linda_sears]

Check out this message board. I have found message boards to be a great sense of support for other issues I've had.

Lymphedema Message Board & Forum Discussions - HealthBoards (http://www.healthboards.com/boards/lymphedema/)

You can do a google search for lymphedema message boards and I'm sure there are more
Thank you so much!

[jnieman]

You're welcome.

[jnieman]

Thank you so much!

Linda, also check this message board out. It seems to have more current posts in it and may be a little more helpful for you.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/64

[golfing eagles]

Sorry to hear you have this problem, it is quite common after mastectomy with axillary node resection. Your best advice, naturally, will come from your physicians, who must be pretty decent since you are a survivor of stage 3, and not from this forum. It is normal to start seeking alternatives when the problem does not appear to be resolving. Think of the lymphatic drainage of the arm as a multi-lane highway leading back to the chest. With many nodes removed and scarring affecting the lymphatic channels, the traffic naturally backs up. Some of this improves with time as some lymphatics will recanalize. Compression does help "force" some fluid back through existing channels. There really isn't any good surgical correction available at this time. In NY I have sent some patients to lymphedema clinics, perhaps there is something similar available in FL. Hope you improve.

[LymphActivist]

You should be working with a qualified and certified lymphedema therapist, with the letters CLT or CLT-LANA after their name. They can instruct you on self-bandaging, self lymphatic drainage,recommend the proper style garments and measure you for a good fit.