Powered By
Consulting a lymphedema specialist - usually part of physical therapy dept- may give you the best answers.
Your oncologist should know about lymphedema along with its causes, symptoms, and treatments. Surgeons are there for the mastectomy/lumpectomy and reconstructive surgery. They are not necessarily experts on lymphedema. I personally would get a second opinion from a different oncologist and consider finding a new oncologist. Physical therapy is also available to help treat lymphedema and teach you how to cope with it.
Yes, lymphedema is directly connected to breast cancer treatment. It's a possible side effect that occurs when certain treatments damage the lymphatic system, preventing fluid from draining properly.
About 1 out of 5 people who undergo breast cancer treatments develop lymphedema. The condition causes swelling and pain in Show Full Answer
@A MyBCTeam Member
Your question really is:
Why did I get lymphedema years later when diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and not in the first three years after your first surgery???
Lymphedema can happen at any time.
Radiation can cause lymphedema as can surgery.
The lymph nodes get damaged or blocked.
I would not fault the oncologist.
Damage can be done to lymph nodes with surgery either.
I asked my Onocoligist he said talk to a surgeon??
Join
Your Privacy Choices
