In 1998 I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma of the right breast and lobular carcinoma-in-situ of the left breast. Having a bilateral mastectomy, 26 lymph nodes were removed from the right and 14 from the left breast. After chemo was completed, I had swelling in my right wrist and lower arm, but had not had any injury or pain. The nurse said it was not lymphedema as my whole arm was not swollen, and the doctor referred me to physical therapy. The therapist took one look at me, and referred me to a lymphedema specialist.
At the time of diagnosis, it was determined that I had lymphedema in both arms, just minimally in the left one. So the hours, days, and months of massaging and wrapping both arms began. After many months of treatment and many tears, the lymphedema was at a minimum. My therapist trained me to manage the lymphedema. And wearing a sleeve when exercising or flying have been great ways to keep my lymphedema under control. It still flairs up occasionally and my arm will get very tight and heavy. The last time it flared up, the lymph was actually weeping out of my arm.
Lymphedema is a controllable condition as long as garments are available for those suffering from this condition. Not everyone is able to afford a new garment every 6 months. It would be in the best interest of healthcare to cover these costs.
