My Breakthrough
Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is long-term swelling - usually of an arm or leg - due to poor drainage of excess fluid from the tissues.
After node sampling, node clearance or sentinel node biopsy it can happen in the arm on the same side as your breast cancer.
The more lymph nodes you have removed, the more likely you are to get lymphoedema. It can also happen after radiotherapy for breast cancer.
After your breast operation, your arm may swell for a short time and then go down. This isn't really lymphoedema.
True lymphoedema can happen any time after your operation or radiotherapy - even months or years later. It is uncomfortable or painful. The skin on your arm may feel dry and tight, and your arm may feel heavy. You may not be able to move it properly or to lift it very high.
You can do exercises and have specialist massage to help reduce the swelling. You can find out more about these from the Lymphoedema Support Network (www.lymphoedema.org).
The more lymph nodes you have removed, the more likely you are to get lymphoedema. It can also happen after radiotherapy for breast cancer.
After your breast operation, your arm may swell for a short time and then go down. This isn't really lymphoedema.
True lymphoedema can happen any time after your operation or radiotherapy - even months or years later. It is uncomfortable or painful. The skin on your arm may feel dry and tight, and your arm may feel heavy. You may not be able to move it properly or to lift it very high.
You can do exercises and have specialist massage to help reduce the swelling. You can find out more about these from the Lymphoedema Support Network (www.lymphoedema.org).
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