My mum has has breast cancer removed, she is now really swollen (arms legs etc) and is suffering loads of pain

Question

She is suffering loads of pain, she can barely breath at times, does anyone else know of anything similar to this with anyone ? what did they do ??
Also she is travelling to and fro 3 diff drs n hospitals for appointments, this is surely not right either ! also she has to buy all her wound care bits !!! pls tell me this is wrong too !!
Many thanks

Answer 1

i had a mastectomy and what this sounds like to me is "lymphedema", a condition of localized fluid retention caused by a compromised lymphatic system.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymphedema

she has to go to whichever the primary doctor is, who performed her surgery and DEMAND she get referred to a physical therapist. this is the only way to keep this in check.

if left unchecked, this can get very bad. i don't need to go into details.

it sounds to me that you should tell her to make an appointment immediately and accompany her to the appt. she needs your help in straightening-out these doctors. she really needs your help.

Answer 2

that's what's so complicated approximately residing with cancer, that's the UNKNOWN. they could have you ever do chemotherapy and probably radiation to offer you the main suitable odds to kill each and every of the cancer cells, however the component is they can't tell if each and every cancer cellular is lifeless. they have not got the technologies to hit upon a single cancer cellular so they want that chemotherapy will harm each and every of the cells or any that could have escaped into the lymph nodes. We had 3 of 13 prove valuable. To combat it we then did 15 weeks of chemotherapy. The took the nodes out while my spouse had her mastectomy and that they examined the nodes. Even after those weeks of chemotherapy they got here upon cancer in one node that became into the dimensions of a small grain of rice. there became into no information that it had long gone to the different nodes, so we are hoping for the main suitable. Then we had much extra chemotherapy, with radiation for coverage as a results of fact the component is, we don't understand if the cancer became into all bumped off, we pray this is the case and till then we live with NED. No information of the sickness. Wishing you the main suitable, i understand how complicated it is so in basic terms be confident.

Answer 3

Ok, you mention surgery.

If she is seeing 3 different Dr's then I am guessing Chempo and radiation as well. These can all be at different places, but they usually try to co-ordinate things aas best they can.

Radiation can be painfull, especially in the later weeks.

Chemo can cause fluid retention, but do not use over the counter meds to treat this as it may interfere with the chemo, ask the oncologist first!

The syrgery can lead to lymphodema, which is another form of fluid retention. This is usually managed with simple massage and compression bandages. It sounds like hers has progressed to where she needs to see a specialist physiotherapist for this. Again, her oncologist is the best person to recommend one.

Post operative care varies depending on where you are located. The health care system where I live provided home visit nurses for as long as I had unhealed surgical wounds and they provided all their own dressings etc.

Answer 4

It sounds like lymphedema. They remove lymph nodes when they remove the breast or do a lumpectomy. Lymphedema is a side effect. There are wraps/bands that go on the limbs to help reduce the swelling. Her doctor can tell you where to get them. They can probably write a prescription for it so you won't have to pay so much out of pocket. Good luck to your mother. I hope she feels much better soon.

Answer 5

Is she on chemotherapy? My mom had b.c also, about 7 yrs ago. When she did chemo, it made her swollen. it's the medicaton making her swollen. As for the breathing, my mom would get really bad anxiety from all the medication...the doctor prescribed her Ativan for that....it was a miracle drug for her....it really helped with the anxiety. she shouldnt have to purchase her bandages...that is crap! as for appts. my mom went to 2 different hospitals, one was where radiation and the surgeries took place and one was for chemo. sometimes the doctors that specialize in certain things are at different locations. I am sorry for you and your family. Your mom is in my prayers. medicine is so great now...there is so much more hope for a healthy recovery.I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Answer 6

Sounds like she is bloated imo. Why dont you get her some lasik or other water pills to take and see if that helps? Maybe she is also lactose intolerant now? Try using lactaid capsules you can get them from Wal-mart or online. Try water pills and lactaid imo.