Physical Therapy
Also since seeing my Plastic Surgeon I had a follow up with Dr. Nate my breast surgeon. He did an exam making sure I had not developed any lumps. He said that everything looked GREAT and I don't have to see him again until next year!! While I was seeing Dr. Nate though, I mentioned to him that I had begun having some tingling in my hand on the right side. He said that I would need to do physical therapy so that we can try and prevent Lymphedema. In about a week I received a call from the Physical Therapy office and had my first visit scheduled. During my first visit I talked to the Physical Therapist about my medical history and what has been going on. She took some measurements and said that I wasn't swelling so it seemed like I could have the beginning of Axillary Web Syndrome or "cording". Cording sometimes develops as a side effect of sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection both of which I had. Both procedures involve removing just a few sentinel lymph nodes or many axillary lymph nodes which I had 19 removed. In axillary web syndrome, you'll often be able to see and/or feel a web of thick, ropelike structures under the skin of your inner arm. Lymphedma Therapists often call these "cords." In some cases, like mine, you may not see or feel the cords but the sensations of pain and tightness will tell you that they are there. They are still trying to figure out exactly what causes cording but some believe that surgery to the underarm and chest area traumatizes the connective tissue that encases nearby bundles of blood vessels, lymph vessels and nerves. This trauma leads to inflammation, scarring, and eventually hardening of the tissue. This hardening can spread down the fibers of the connective tissue which causes the cords to form. So anyway, as far as my treatment is concerned, my PT gently massages and stretches the cord tissue for about 45 minutes. Right now this is still pretty painful when she does it and I am sore afterward but I can tell a world of difference after 4 visits. I also have gentle stretching and flexibility exercises that I do twice a day. She also recommended a compression sleeve that will apply just the right amount of pressure to the arm and hand getting the lymph fluid moving in the right direction. This is not something I have to wear all the time, just if I feel my arm getting achy or if it begins to swell because the risk of lymphedema is lifelong so it is a preventative measure.
I know it has been awhile since I updated but here it is and now I just wait for my first of 2 surgeries that I have left!! However, before then we will be going on vacation and I am so so so EXCITED!!! I really need a break :)