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Axilla Lymphadema Question

Forums General Melanoma Community Axilla Lymphadema Question

  • Post
    Lil0909
    Participant

      I had a R axilla lymph node dissection about a month ago. I have a good amount of swelling in my chest/back area (under my armpit on my torso, kind of around bra line), as well as some on my arm. I'm getting fitted for a compression sleeve next week, and my therapist said to purchase compression tank tops for the torso area.  What I am seeing though doesn't really go up high enough on my back….I have tight workout tank tops, but the swelling seems to push up over the top. After googeling, I'm seeing tons of options for arm swelling, but not really anything for what I'm experiencing. 

      Any suggestions on what to do/wear for the swelling on the torso area?

    Viewing 8 reply threads
    • Replies
        Linny
        Participant

          There are compression garments specifically made for dealing with swelling in the torso area, but you should be custom fitted for those.

          If your swelling is concentrated near your incision it's possible that this might be something called a seroma. What you may want to do is pay your surgeon a visit so that he can take a look at the incision area and confirm if this is what is causing your swelling.

          Linny
          Participant

            There are compression garments specifically made for dealing with swelling in the torso area, but you should be custom fitted for those.

            If your swelling is concentrated near your incision it's possible that this might be something called a seroma. What you may want to do is pay your surgeon a visit so that he can take a look at the incision area and confirm if this is what is causing your swelling.

            Linny
            Participant

              There are compression garments specifically made for dealing with swelling in the torso area, but you should be custom fitted for those.

              If your swelling is concentrated near your incision it's possible that this might be something called a seroma. What you may want to do is pay your surgeon a visit so that he can take a look at the incision area and confirm if this is what is causing your swelling.

              ecc26
              Participant

                I had lymphedema from an axillary disection as well. Though most of mine was in my arm/hand I also had a noticable amount in my upper torso (not enough to need a tank). If you haven't already been referred ask your doctor or surgeon to send you to a physical therapist who specializes in (or is at least certified for) treating lymphedema. I was referred to one in my area and it made a huge difference. Basically they use massage techniques to help move the fluid out of the swollen areas. They can also use wrapping and taping techniques to help. I started going twice a week, then when things were staying reduced a bit better it was once a week, etc. 

                You may have to search a bit to find one, but it's worth it. Plus, it's massage! I found the appointments very relaxing and after each one there was a noticable difference in the swollen areas. I don't know what you have for insurance, but mine paid for it the same as any other post surgical physical therapy (which I also had twice to regain range of motion in my arm).

                Good luck,

                -Eva

                  mark1101
                  Participant

                    Ditto on my successful use of massage for arm and hand swelling.  My therapist tells me that the lymphatic system has the capability of re-routing itself when a short cirucit caused my surgery occurs.  Whether this is true or not, it works for me.  Each session causes immediate improvement which lasts longer each time. My therapist has alos imparted to me a few simple techniques I can emply at home to prolong the positive effects of her efforst.   I now only use compression sleeve occasionally around the house or when flying.  Also when you get your compression garment, definitely go to a medical apparatus shop where they can fit you for your particualr needs.  This is one area where buying off the internet is not a good idea.

                    mark1101
                    Participant

                      Ditto on my successful use of massage for arm and hand swelling.  My therapist tells me that the lymphatic system has the capability of re-routing itself when a short cirucit caused my surgery occurs.  Whether this is true or not, it works for me.  Each session causes immediate improvement which lasts longer each time. My therapist has alos imparted to me a few simple techniques I can emply at home to prolong the positive effects of her efforst.   I now only use compression sleeve occasionally around the house or when flying.  Also when you get your compression garment, definitely go to a medical apparatus shop where they can fit you for your particualr needs.  This is one area where buying off the internet is not a good idea.

                      mark1101
                      Participant

                        Ditto on my successful use of massage for arm and hand swelling.  My therapist tells me that the lymphatic system has the capability of re-routing itself when a short cirucit caused my surgery occurs.  Whether this is true or not, it works for me.  Each session causes immediate improvement which lasts longer each time. My therapist has alos imparted to me a few simple techniques I can emply at home to prolong the positive effects of her efforst.   I now only use compression sleeve occasionally around the house or when flying.  Also when you get your compression garment, definitely go to a medical apparatus shop where they can fit you for your particualr needs.  This is one area where buying off the internet is not a good idea.

                      ecc26
                      Participant

                        I had lymphedema from an axillary disection as well. Though most of mine was in my arm/hand I also had a noticable amount in my upper torso (not enough to need a tank). If you haven't already been referred ask your doctor or surgeon to send you to a physical therapist who specializes in (or is at least certified for) treating lymphedema. I was referred to one in my area and it made a huge difference. Basically they use massage techniques to help move the fluid out of the swollen areas. They can also use wrapping and taping techniques to help. I started going twice a week, then when things were staying reduced a bit better it was once a week, etc. 

                        You may have to search a bit to find one, but it's worth it. Plus, it's massage! I found the appointments very relaxing and after each one there was a noticable difference in the swollen areas. I don't know what you have for insurance, but mine paid for it the same as any other post surgical physical therapy (which I also had twice to regain range of motion in my arm).

                        Good luck,

                        -Eva

                        ecc26
                        Participant

                          I had lymphedema from an axillary disection as well. Though most of mine was in my arm/hand I also had a noticable amount in my upper torso (not enough to need a tank). If you haven't already been referred ask your doctor or surgeon to send you to a physical therapist who specializes in (or is at least certified for) treating lymphedema. I was referred to one in my area and it made a huge difference. Basically they use massage techniques to help move the fluid out of the swollen areas. They can also use wrapping and taping techniques to help. I started going twice a week, then when things were staying reduced a bit better it was once a week, etc. 

                          You may have to search a bit to find one, but it's worth it. Plus, it's massage! I found the appointments very relaxing and after each one there was a noticable difference in the swollen areas. I don't know what you have for insurance, but mine paid for it the same as any other post surgical physical therapy (which I also had twice to regain range of motion in my arm).

                          Good luck,

                          -Eva

                          Lil0909
                          Participant

                            Thanks for all the input!  I've seen my surgeon recently, and am now seeing a lymphadema specialist connected with my physical therapist.  The specialist mentioned basically everything you all mentioned above.  In addition, she is trying to get me a massage machine that I can keep at home, but I forgot the name of it; I'll post back with the name later.  I got fit for a custom compression sleeve today, and found some good torso options:

                            1. The scoop neck tank from lululemon is good.  It doesn't quite go up high enough on my back, but still good for every day wear. 

                            2. The bra and tank at this website look really good, and lymphadema specialist agreed:

                            http://www.leonisa.com/en/products/posture-corrector-firm-control-wireless-bra/

                            3. Spanx has quite a few high back tanks and bras. 

                            I'm going to get something from leosina and/or Spanx, and I'll try to comment back a review for future reference. 

                            Lil0909
                            Participant

                              Thanks for all the input!  I've seen my surgeon recently, and am now seeing a lymphadema specialist connected with my physical therapist.  The specialist mentioned basically everything you all mentioned above.  In addition, she is trying to get me a massage machine that I can keep at home, but I forgot the name of it; I'll post back with the name later.  I got fit for a custom compression sleeve today, and found some good torso options:

                              1. The scoop neck tank from lululemon is good.  It doesn't quite go up high enough on my back, but still good for every day wear. 

                              2. The bra and tank at this website look really good, and lymphadema specialist agreed:

                              http://www.leonisa.com/en/products/posture-corrector-firm-control-wireless-bra/

                              3. Spanx has quite a few high back tanks and bras. 

                              I'm going to get something from leosina and/or Spanx, and I'll try to comment back a review for future reference. 

                              Lil0909
                              Participant

                                Thanks for all the input!  I've seen my surgeon recently, and am now seeing a lymphadema specialist connected with my physical therapist.  The specialist mentioned basically everything you all mentioned above.  In addition, she is trying to get me a massage machine that I can keep at home, but I forgot the name of it; I'll post back with the name later.  I got fit for a custom compression sleeve today, and found some good torso options:

                                1. The scoop neck tank from lululemon is good.  It doesn't quite go up high enough on my back, but still good for every day wear. 

                                2. The bra and tank at this website look really good, and lymphadema specialist agreed:

                                http://www.leonisa.com/en/products/posture-corrector-firm-control-wireless-bra/

                                3. Spanx has quite a few high back tanks and bras. 

                                I'm going to get something from leosina and/or Spanx, and I'll try to comment back a review for future reference. 

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