I had a reconstructive bilateral mastectomy March of last year 2015, started with expanders & now have implants. Four lymph nodes were removed from my left arm & two were removed from my right arm. I didn't think I had anything to worry about since so few were removed, but I developed Lymphedema issues several months ago (excess fluid in my left arm). Wearing a left arm compression sleeve and glove reversed it. But, since I started an After Breast Cancer fitness & nutrition program it has returned. I think it came on initially because I lifted more than I was supposed to pretty soon after surgery (groceries, heavy boxes, etc.) In this workout program, which started the first week of October, I went up to 8 lb dumbells (10lbs a couple of times). I worked out regularly in the past, so thought I could do this at this point. Since my lymph fluid level went up to 15, higher than it did the first time, I assume that's what did it. My PT told me to wear both compression sleeves & gloves while working out, which I did, but that didn't prevent it. After finding the fluid increase in my left arm last week, I was told to reduce the weight and I wore a compression sleeve & glove on my left arm & hand every day (but took them off at bedtime) for a week. My fluids leveled out. I went to PT at my oncologist's office for massages twice. Today my fluid level went back up to 8. I have to keep the left compression sleeve & glove on for two more weeks & will be fitted for a night time sleeve. Everyone needs to have their fluid levels checked regularly and beware of any changes in feeling in your arms, hands and fingers. The first time we found it, the tips of my fingers were numb and tingling. Also, if you have excess fluid in your arm, you may feel tightness and/ or heaviness in that arm. If it's caught early, then you can prevent it from turning into a more serious or irreversible case of lymphedema. Be aware of what you're feeling so you can, hopefully, take care of any issues as soon as possible. 😊

Hi Squeaky & Jwags 🌞 I'm not sure about the difference with neuropathy. I do know that some wear the compression sleeves to Prevent Lymphedema. A girl in my ABC class had 20 nodes removed and has never gotten lymphedema 5 years out. She always wears a compression sleeve when we work out though. I think she just had nodes removed from her arm on the side the tumor was.

My OT said wearing compression clothing will help even out the compression and lessen Lymphedemia. Chemo Induced Peripheral Neuropathy is another animal. They know chemo causes damages to the nerve but they really don't know how to treat it or prevent it. They are lowering my dose of Taxol next week.

That's good stuff Ladies. Appreciate each response.

I went to a Lymphedemia Certified OT/PT a few weeks ago. My ONC thought I Was developing Lymphedemia. She took a lot of measurements on both arms and examined the areas of concern. She told me it was not Lymphedemia but rather from my BMX and chest expanders. She said she would ask my surgeon to order a sleeve for preventative reasons to wear while travelling. She also told me to wear compression garments. I already had some compression camisoles and bough a few long sleeve underarmour compression shorts. A lot of my swelling is near my chest Expanders. So I also wear a core compression band from Tommie Copper that I pull up over my boobs to help control swelling. I am 4 months out from BMX.