Is post mastectomy lymphedema temporary or permanent?
My mom had a modified radical mastectomy yesterday. Im worried if the lymphedema she is likely to develop is going to stay on for the rest of her life. Is lymphedema permanent or temporary. Are there ways of curing it completely?
Lymphedema is something you can control, but it takes work. First I'd recommend PT whether she needs it or not. Find a PT who specializes in lymphedema - learn how to massage it and control it yourself. Get her fitted for a compression sleeve. Do exercises using yoga bands and a nerf football (squeezing the ball in the armpit area) and "walk" the fingers up a wall working on fully extending the arm above the head. Also rotating the shoulder in a circular motion helps as well.
Many thing can set it off causing the arm to swell, but you can manage the disease.
Good luck!
Angi
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Hi - The swelling you often get post-mastectomy isn't a true lymphedema - it's just that, swelling. It should go away gradually. Angi is right - your mom should be sure to get PT as soon as she's able, to regain full use of her arm and shoulder.
Lymphedema is caused by removal of the lymph nodes, and about 10% to 20% of women who get their lymph nodes removed (even a single node) eventually experience lymphedema. The link Angi gave you is a great place to read about lymphedema: how to spot it, and how to prevent it. Good luck - PJH
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