Breast and chest

[Ingrid]

I read the article about lymphedema affecting the breast and chest. I learned some things, but I've got a question.

There was no mention of wearing a sleeve. I have involvement of the breast and chest now, and my arm isn't really swollen any more, but my therapist keeps saying that wearing the sleeve is still a good idea.

Does anyone out there have experience with this? Can you help me?

Ingrid :confused:

[Alma]

Yes, wearing a sleeve is still a good idea even when there is only mild edema in the arm. This compression is important because the lymph nodes have been removed and there was trauma of the lymphatic tissue in the entire quadrant.

When the chest and breast are involved, wearing a proper compression garment is important to control the swelling in that area. But, if you do not also have support for the arm, it is very easy for your chest edema to drain back into the involved arm. Your arm still needs all the support it can get to drain well and to drain in the right direction.


:) Alma