Hi Debbietimtom,

I am sorry to hear about your lymphoedema. It is well worth doing the exercises that you've been given, as this will help to reduce the swelling. Has your care team ensured that there is no inflammation present? This can be another cause of your symptoms, particularly when you mention a crusty nipple.

I have had 2 cancers. The first was 12 years ago and the second 11. Since then I have had bilateral lymphoedema in my arms. The result of this is that I have to attend a lymphoedema clinic twice a week for 2 weeks, every 12 weeks. During these visits, I get manual lymphatic drainage and have several layers of compression bandage  applied from shoulder to fingertips. This makes me look like the Michelin Man, but it does help. 

In between these visits, I wear compression arm sleeves on both arms. These are from shoulder to fingertip too. I also wear compression bras to try and reduce the swelling. I am not saying that your condition is severe enough to need this sort of treatment, as it is still early days for you, but do try to check that there is no infection present. If there is, you will probably need antibiotics to resolve your problems.

I must stress that I am not a doctor, just someone who has had a similar experience.

I hope that this helps. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks for the information, god you have been through so much. They never mentioned inflammation just mild lympheodema. They said if it gets any worse I've to contact them and also mentioned about the lympheodema clinic. So many things go through your head when things don't settle down after the two weeks after radiotherapy that is mentioned in books etc. I will keep up the exercises and see what happens over the next couple of weeks.

Hi Debbietimtom,

I hope that it all settles down soon.

Please keep in touch and let us know.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx