Thursday, November 05, 2009 Toad asks

Q: Lymphedema and Reclast

Arm Lymphedema and Reclast Treatment

Looking for information. I have arm Lymphedema from Breast Cancer Surgery and Radition 1991.

My Dr. is suggesting I try the new Bone Infusion Treatment since my Bone Density is getting worse since 2003.

I'm not to sure of this since I read about Edema as one of the side effects of Reclast.

Looking for someone who maybe could give me some information as to this Drug being safe for me or is it going to cause more problems with my arm.

I'm about at a stage 3 on the Lymphedema some fiberous areas and still some soft areas around the elbow that still pit. Thank you for any information you may have.

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Answers (2)

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

11/ 5/09 3:44pm

Hi - Please make sure your oncologist and the doctor prescribing the Reclast speak with one another - between them, they should be able to assess the risks/benefits. I'd think that you might give it a try, and if you see any swelling, perhaps try another bisphosphonate, one that doesn't have edema as a side effect. Good luck - PJH

Toad

11/ 6/09 8:40pm

Hi PJH

It's hard to put all the information in this space. My problem is I'm dealing with Military Drs. You're lucky if you have the same one for 2 years.

I'm 18 years out on the Breast Cancer {1991} and I was 35 when I found it.

I no longer have an Onocologist and the Dr. I have now I just met for the first time last month. Not to mention he looks younger than my youngest son who is 31.

I've under gone MLD twice and the first time was 11 years after my Cancer. They were able to get some fluid out about 10 ozs. The 2nd time no change at all.

So I would like to keep my arm from getting any bigger. The chances of it getting any smaller are slim to none.

That's why I'm hesiting on the Reclast. So far I've found no one with Lymphedema that has had this treatment.

Thanks SLW

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

11/ 7/09 4:44am

Ah - so you're definitely in a challenging situation. It doesn't sound like you've had good treatment for the lymphedema - I had it pretty bad, but through decompressive massage (a form of MLD, I guess?), it all disappeared. I don't even have to wear a sleeve anymore. Are you able to see a physical therapist trained in lymphedema management? It's a fairly new specialty, but they really can treat lymphedema pretty effectively these days. As for the Reclast - I'm no doctor, but I don't see why it would worsen your lymphedema. I'm on Actonel, myself, and haven't had any issues of that sort. Sorry I can't give you any better choices here, other than "try it and see" - it's one of those situations where you have to weigh the possible benefits against the possible problems, with a lot of undertainty both ways. Best of luck as you make this decision- PJH

Q: Lymphedema and Reclast

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