air travel

I had a lumpectomy 6 months ago (with sentinel nodes) followed by radiation therapy. My profession includes air travel and after my last long haul flight I have swelling and tenderness under my arm extending to the breast and it is very painful to extend my arm. What can be done to reduce the pain and swelling and should I see the surgeon?

[lhughes]

Ask your surgeon to send you to a physical therapist to learn how to manage lymphedema.  You also need a good sleeve and gauntlet to help keep the swelling down while you travel.  They can also show you some manual drainage techniques and some pretty wicked bandaging to get the swelling down.

[japdip]

As the above poster advised; don't waste any time getting a referral to a P.T. dept with a therapist who has been trained in the treatment of lymphedema. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to treat. You can be taught the massage technique and should also be wearing compression garments as mentioned above. Lymphedema can be treated but not cured so get busy with your treatment.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Talk to your breast specialist about this. You have developed post surgery lymphedema most probably.

Your doctor will refer you to a physical therapist to help you learn some manual drainage techniques and some breast exercises. You would also be advised compression bandages and breast massage.

Till you get an appointment you could try some breast massage,breast exercises, and warm compresses and see if it helps.

Let us know if you have any other doubts and also keep us posted on how you are doing.

Hope this helps.

Regards.