RE16's Side Effects Experience

???

As a result of the nodes that were removed and the vast amount of radiation that I had I developed Lymphedema. It is my understanding that it can develop anytime after one has bc and surgery for it. Mine is in my left arm, hand with some involvement in the shoulder and neck region. Lymphedema causes swelling of the involved limb and can be quite painful. It is important to keep the affected area clean and free of cut and abrasions because infection is always a threat. I have had a 3 staph infections with this so if you develop it be kind to that area. I personally wear a pressure sleeve which bring me quite a bit of relief and it doubles as protection to keep me for insect bites and scratches. I also go to physical therapy a couple times a year to have it massaged and worked over to help with the draining of the lymph fluid. If you are interested here is a link to a short video of my physical therapist explaining the massage as she massages my arm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7PPhHqOsUg you will need to copy and paste it. Also here is a very helpful site you may be interested in http://lymphnet.org/ .