The Lymphatic System - A Lay Person's Perspective
Read the article this discussion is about
- cococage
- collmom
- pangas
- stefsmom
- collmom
- Sas333
- collmom
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For the corresponding "live" discussions, post in the active topic forum here.
» collmom - Re: Breast Cancer
Carla-If you are the only one who heeds the warning, it will be worth it! Either get an LE evaluation or at least measure your own arms with a tape measure: middle finger, wrist, forearm, elbow, bicep and shoulder. Hope you never get lymphedema! Good luck. Hugs, Linda-- posted by collmom
» pangas - Re: Re: Breast Cancer
In response to message posted by collmom:Hi Linda
You are absolutely right! I also am trying to get the newly diagnosed more educated in the
preventatives of LE...Keep up the good work Linda.The article was very well done
BTW: I am in the process of getting an alert bracelet sent to me..One of the gals is buying one for me and sending it to me from the states..Saw your name on the directors boards
extremely proud to know you Linda
Hugs
Susan
-- posted by pangas
» stefsmom - Lymphedema
I just finished reading the article about the Lymphatic System in layman's terms. I am newly diagnosed with the beginning stages of lymphedema, my rings and watch don't fit, my arm shows some swelling, and it also feels tight for lack of a better word. I had my nodes removed 6 weeks after having a baby, then a month or so later the mastectomy. My surgeon didn't really go into all of the precautions besides no lifting heavy objects. Having a new baby made that quite difficult as he was about 15 lbs. as well as having a 2 year old.Then my surgeon left my insurance plan and I just never thought about it again until I discovered a lump by my wrist, swelling above the elbow, etc. Now I'm going to be evaluated and get some type of treatment done at the Lymphedema center in the hospital.
Your article was very easy to follow and informing. It gives me a better understanding of what I am up against. It's a shame that women who have had nodes removed don't receive simple information at the time along with all the other information you receive.
-- posted by stefsmom
» collmom - Re: Lymphedema
Sorry it took me over a month to respond - I've had some health problems of my own. (No, my cancer is still not an issue). Just wanted to know how you are doing and if you found a competent MLD therapist. Have you found a young women's support group? A good group for young moms on line is www.youngsurival.orgPlease let me know how you are doing. Hugs, Linda
-- posted by collmom
» Sas333 - Lymphedema
Halo,I have been enduring LE since 3 years past my dx of breast cancer, 1999.
The saying that the affected limb being larger than the unaffected limb is not always the case, I know several cases mine included, where the Lymphedema arm is smaller than the unaffected arm.
I know most doctors say this is the first sign of LE a big swollen arm, they just dont know about LE sorry to say, they feel well, you have been thru breast cancer, why let a little thing like lymphedema=LE bother you!!! that is what mine said arghhhhhhhhh, EDUCATION in the medical field is so necessary! As a LE patient we have to do our own research and be our own advocate, and this is not the right way
Sas in florida
-- posted by Sas333
» collmom - Re: Lymphedema
Sorry! I always forget to look at the discussion messages. Entirely my fault.Yes, the knowledge (or lack thereof) of most medical professionals with regard to LE is frightening.
You sound like an up-to-the-minute, on the ball lady. Please check out http://www.lymphnet.org and catch up on the latest news, research and how you can help educate those around you. Have a good New Year!
Lidna
-- posted by collmom
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