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Leg lymphoma

Forums General Melanoma Community Leg lymphoma

  • Post
    rmuffybear
    Participant

    This web site has been so helpful.  I had two melanoma surgeries, 5 lymph nodes were taken from the groin.  Melanoma Stage 3.  My foot and ankle are swollen.  I was told to wear the compression stockings all day so I have for 10 days. I had two leg messages from a therapist.  Now my ankle has a rash.  Is this a problem?  Will the swelling go down?  Thank you to all of you who have helped me get this far.

    This web site has been so helpful.  I had two melanoma surgeries, 5 lymph nodes were taken from the groin.  Melanoma Stage 3.  My foot and ankle are swollen.  I was told to wear the compression stockings all day so I have for 10 days. I had two leg messages from a therapist.  Now my ankle has a rash.  Is this a problem?  Will the swelling go down?  Thank you to all of you who have helped me get this far.

Viewing 11 reply threads
  • Replies
      H555
      Participant

      I think you're talking about lymphedema and fibrosis. I had the same problems after having 17 lymph nodes taken out of my inguinal area and upper thigh. I saw a very talented therapist for about 3 weeks. she taught me how to do the massage myself, how to wrap my leg (but NOT with Ace bandages) and how to massage the fibrotic tissue. I had what felt like a felt tip marker lying under the skin and parallel to the fold between my leg and my groing. first – keep your leg elevated whenever you're sitting. i wasn't doing that and it was a big help. then use the cream that your therapist may hgave recommended both Aquaphor and Dimethicone Protectant (also used for diaper rashes and you'll probably find it on that isle.) and find a certified lymphatic massage therapist. there was only 1 in my town of about 150,000 people. and if possible find one trained in Germany. Best of luck if you learn to work with this early you shouldn't be hampered too much.

        rmuffybear
        Participant

        Thank you for your reply.  Yes, lymphedema!  Thanks for the info!  Ruth

        rmuffybear
        Participant

        Thank you for your reply.  Yes, lymphedema!  Thanks for the info!  Ruth

        rmuffybear
        Participant

        Thank you for your reply.  Yes, lymphedema!  Thanks for the info!  Ruth

      H555
      Participant

      I think you're talking about lymphedema and fibrosis. I had the same problems after having 17 lymph nodes taken out of my inguinal area and upper thigh. I saw a very talented therapist for about 3 weeks. she taught me how to do the massage myself, how to wrap my leg (but NOT with Ace bandages) and how to massage the fibrotic tissue. I had what felt like a felt tip marker lying under the skin and parallel to the fold between my leg and my groing. first – keep your leg elevated whenever you're sitting. i wasn't doing that and it was a big help. then use the cream that your therapist may hgave recommended both Aquaphor and Dimethicone Protectant (also used for diaper rashes and you'll probably find it on that isle.) and find a certified lymphatic massage therapist. there was only 1 in my town of about 150,000 people. and if possible find one trained in Germany. Best of luck if you learn to work with this early you shouldn't be hampered too much.

      H555
      Participant

      I think you're talking about lymphedema and fibrosis. I had the same problems after having 17 lymph nodes taken out of my inguinal area and upper thigh. I saw a very talented therapist for about 3 weeks. she taught me how to do the massage myself, how to wrap my leg (but NOT with Ace bandages) and how to massage the fibrotic tissue. I had what felt like a felt tip marker lying under the skin and parallel to the fold between my leg and my groing. first – keep your leg elevated whenever you're sitting. i wasn't doing that and it was a big help. then use the cream that your therapist may hgave recommended both Aquaphor and Dimethicone Protectant (also used for diaper rashes and you'll probably find it on that isle.) and find a certified lymphatic massage therapist. there was only 1 in my town of about 150,000 people. and if possible find one trained in Germany. Best of luck if you learn to work with this early you shouldn't be hampered too much.

      washoegal
      Participant

      Hi, First off the term I think you want to use is lymphedema.  Lymphoma is another type of cancer.  Anyway, I have lymphedema in my arm (not nearly as bad as the leg) but I'll share my experience.  To get the swelling under control it took about 4-5 trip to a lymphedema massage therapist.  The sleeve that I got from the specialty place irritated my skin so I went on line and ordered something different, much more comfortable.  I suspect that is the same problem you are having with your ankle rash.  My swelling comes and goes, depending on what I am doing, the weather, a whole variety of things.  It's something you will learn to cope with.  

      There are a couple good web sites devoted to lymphedema.  One is lymphedemapeople. 

      Mary

      Stage 3

        rmuffybear
        Participant

        Thanks for all the info!  I did mean lymphedema.  I like the website you recommended.  Thanks, Ruth

        rmuffybear
        Participant

        Thanks for all the info!  I did mean lymphedema.  I like the website you recommended.  Thanks, Ruth

        rmuffybear
        Participant

        Thanks for all the info!  I did mean lymphedema.  I like the website you recommended.  Thanks, Ruth

      washoegal
      Participant

      Hi, First off the term I think you want to use is lymphedema.  Lymphoma is another type of cancer.  Anyway, I have lymphedema in my arm (not nearly as bad as the leg) but I'll share my experience.  To get the swelling under control it took about 4-5 trip to a lymphedema massage therapist.  The sleeve that I got from the specialty place irritated my skin so I went on line and ordered something different, much more comfortable.  I suspect that is the same problem you are having with your ankle rash.  My swelling comes and goes, depending on what I am doing, the weather, a whole variety of things.  It's something you will learn to cope with.  

      There are a couple good web sites devoted to lymphedema.  One is lymphedemapeople. 

      Mary

      Stage 3

      washoegal
      Participant

      Hi, First off the term I think you want to use is lymphedema.  Lymphoma is another type of cancer.  Anyway, I have lymphedema in my arm (not nearly as bad as the leg) but I'll share my experience.  To get the swelling under control it took about 4-5 trip to a lymphedema massage therapist.  The sleeve that I got from the specialty place irritated my skin so I went on line and ordered something different, much more comfortable.  I suspect that is the same problem you are having with your ankle rash.  My swelling comes and goes, depending on what I am doing, the weather, a whole variety of things.  It's something you will learn to cope with.  

      There are a couple good web sites devoted to lymphedema.  One is lymphedemapeople. 

      Mary

      Stage 3

      mcanova
      Participant

      Hello,

      I had a complete groin lymph node disection, and wore compression stocking for a whole year.  I tried to keep my leg elevated when ever I could.  I must say that I have had very little swelling. 

      The only times that I have issue are when I am out and get bug bites, or poison ivy, or even a scratch or scrape.  The least little wound causes swelling, and takes forever to heal.

      Wear the stockings (even though they are a pain) and take care ofyourself.

      Mike from Richond.

      mcanova
      Participant

      Hello,

      I had a complete groin lymph node disection, and wore compression stocking for a whole year.  I tried to keep my leg elevated when ever I could.  I must say that I have had very little swelling. 

      The only times that I have issue are when I am out and get bug bites, or poison ivy, or even a scratch or scrape.  The least little wound causes swelling, and takes forever to heal.

      Wear the stockings (even though they are a pain) and take care ofyourself.

      Mike from Richond.

        rmuffybear
        Participant

        Thanks Mike!  Stockings for a year, guess I had better get use to them..  Glad you told me that.  Thanks for your good advice!  Ruth

        rmuffybear
        Participant

        Thanks Mike!  Stockings for a year, guess I had better get use to them..  Glad you told me that.  Thanks for your good advice!  Ruth

        rmuffybear
        Participant

        Thanks Mike!  Stockings for a year, guess I had better get use to them..  Glad you told me that.  Thanks for your good advice!  Ruth

      mcanova
      Participant

      Hello,

      I had a complete groin lymph node disection, and wore compression stocking for a whole year.  I tried to keep my leg elevated when ever I could.  I must say that I have had very little swelling. 

      The only times that I have issue are when I am out and get bug bites, or poison ivy, or even a scratch or scrape.  The least little wound causes swelling, and takes forever to heal.

      Wear the stockings (even though they are a pain) and take care ofyourself.

      Mike from Richond.

      Ali
      Participant

      I was so worried about the lymphedema that developed in my leg following my first surgeries.  I looked at pictures on the internet and was so scared.  I have to say, I have been pleasantly surprised at how managable it has been for me.  It has been 5 years and my leg is only slightly bigger.  I wear a compression stocking every day (unless I'm at the beach).  I also wrap my legs every now and then (taught by a lymphedema specialist).   Good luck!

      Ali
      Participant

      I was so worried about the lymphedema that developed in my leg following my first surgeries.  I looked at pictures on the internet and was so scared.  I have to say, I have been pleasantly surprised at how managable it has been for me.  It has been 5 years and my leg is only slightly bigger.  I wear a compression stocking every day (unless I'm at the beach).  I also wrap my legs every now and then (taught by a lymphedema specialist).   Good luck!

        rmuffybear
        Participant

        Thanks for your reply. Guess I need to get use to wearing the stockings.  I appreciate your kind words and advice.  Thanks, Ruth

        rmuffybear
        Participant

        Thanks for your reply. Guess I need to get use to wearing the stockings.  I appreciate your kind words and advice.  Thanks, Ruth

        rmuffybear
        Participant

        Thanks for your reply. Guess I need to get use to wearing the stockings.  I appreciate your kind words and advice.  Thanks, Ruth

      Ali
      Participant

      I was so worried about the lymphedema that developed in my leg following my first surgeries.  I looked at pictures on the internet and was so scared.  I have to say, I have been pleasantly surprised at how managable it has been for me.  It has been 5 years and my leg is only slightly bigger.  I wear a compression stocking every day (unless I'm at the beach).  I also wrap my legs every now and then (taught by a lymphedema specialist).   Good luck!

Viewing 11 reply threads
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