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KrittyKrat
Did the doctor's talk to your aunt about seeing a Physical Therapist? If she had a mascetomy and had lymph nodes removed she may need to see a PT to help with lymphedema. Maybe that's what's causing her lumps? I am no doctor (big dislaimer there, lol) )but I had a lot of lymph nodes removed and was told that without them you can experience blockages. It may be worth her asking the doc about this to see if that's a consideration.
I found this on a Web site that explains it better than I can.
From WebMd.com
What Is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is an abnormal buildup of fluid that causes swelling, most often in the arms or legs. The condition develops when lymph vessels or lymph nodes are missing, impaired, damaged, or removed.
There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary.
Primary lymphedema is rare and is caused by the absence of, or abnormalities in, certain lymph vessels at birth.
Secondary lymphedema occurs as a result of a blockage or interruption that alters the flow of lymph through the lymphatic system and can develop from an infection, cancer, surgery, scar tissue formation, trauma, deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in a vein), radiation, or other cancer treatment.
Who Is at Risk for Developing Lymphedema?
People who have had any of the following procedures may be at risk for developing lymphedema:
- Simple mastectomy in combination with axillary (arm pit) lymph node removal.
- Lumpectomy in combination with axillary lymph node removal.
- Modified radical mastectomy in combination with axillary lymph node removal.
- Combined cancer surgery and radiation therapy to a lymph node region (such as the neck, armpit, groin, pelvis, or abdomen).
- Radiation therapy to a lymph node region.
Lymphedema can occur within a few days, months, or years after surgery. A small amount of swelling is normal for the first four to six weeks after surgery.
Re: KrittyKrat
I feel great thanks for asking!! I am still trying to get back to whatever "normal" is going to be now, but all-in-all I have weathered the storm really well. :-)
It sounds like she's been well informed so she's probably on the right track. Never hurts to ask though. Best wishes to her! I hope your whole family has a wonderful 2010!