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• jado

  

  • 10 posts
  April 28, 2013 4:42:45 PM WATime

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  I developed moderate breast lymphoedema in November 2012, surgery was 26 April 2012. Fitted for compression bra 2 Jan 2013.  Consultation with Rachel at the Lymphoedema Clinic, for advice on managing it.  I do manual drainage, exercises, deep breathing.  

  I would love to hear from others with this condition, and how they manage, especially wearing a compression bra.  I don't have any guidelines for this, just to figure out what works for me.  I wear it for 4 hours a day.  I am travelling by train to Sydney in October and going on a cruise for couple of weeks.  Wondering if I should wear bra constantly on train.

  Any tips or advice gratefully received.

  Jado

   

   

  68 YO mother of two adult daughters. DX April 2012. Ca right breast.   10mm Grade 2.  IDC. 0/2 nodes. ER/PR pos.   Nodes clear. Wide local excision. Radiotherapy 6 weeks. Tamoxifen to be taken for 5 years. Moderate breast lymphoedema continuing, now Oct 2014..

• Glenys

  

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  • 162 posts
  May 9, 2013 12:20:37 AM WATime

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  This is such a specialised area jado, I would advise the best person to answer your queries is a specialist lymphoedema physiotherapist (like Rachel). It's also not very common to develop breast lymphoedema after breast surgery, although obviously does occur.
  I will ask the physio in the clinic where I work for advice, although I presume it is very specific to each individual - depending on severity of lymphoedema and effectiveness of treatments.
  It would be good to hear comments from anyone else who may have experience with this ..
  xx

  The Click Breast Care Nurse 

• Glenys

  

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  • 162 posts
  May 9, 2013 5:48:27 PM WATime

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  Hi jado
  Had a chat with the specialist lymphoedema physio where I work. She agrees this is very individual depending on the degree of lymphoedema, and whether wearing the bra helps with swelling and comfort. The length of time to wear it may vary, but she reiterated the important aspect is to have a break from the bra (possibly overnight or longer) to ensure your skin can breath. Also if the bra causes ridges or firm areas, these should be massaged and the bra fitting/wearing should be reviewed.
  Sending hugs, Glenys xx

  The Click Breast Care Nurse