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  julie martinez Hi, I'm new here.  I'm so confused. I'm an 11 year Breast Cancer survivor and have been a victim of arm lymphedema for 1 year. Last year, 3 bc tumors developed in my upper left arm, thus beginning the lymphedema nightmare.  Many MLD massage treatments,...  moreHi, I'm new here.  I'm so confused. I'm an 11 year Breast Cancer survivor and have been a victim of arm lymphedema for 1 year. Last year, 3 bc tumors developed in my upper left arm, thus beginning the lymphedema nightmare.  Many MLD massage treatments, bandaging, sleeve garments all last year. Was on chemo all of last year with little success in shrinking the tumors. I had the small superficial middle one on the back of my arm surgically removed for biopsy/tissue study in Feb.  No changes in pathology and no problems with surgery/recovery.  My medical oncologist conferred with the radiation oncologist to see if radiation of the 2 remaining arm tumors could help and not harm the situation. I was very leery, but she (radiation oncol) was VERY positive that she could shrink the tumors and improve the lymph drainage in the arm.  My husband and I were so excited. She said 20 to 25 treatments, so 4 to 5 weeks.  I've now finished 3 weeks of radiation, at least one week to go ... the tumors feels the same to me and my arm has once again blown up.  I don't know if I should quit or not.  I don't know if it's got to get worse before if gets better, like this is just a temporary reaction and then it will be better or am I doing permanent damage to my arm. ugh!  The surgeon said radiation will make it worse, the radiation oncol says surgery will make it worse.  less

  • April 30, 2012

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    julie martinez anyone had any experience with radiation of tumor in arm? onset of tumor caused lymphedema. Did/will radiation shrinking the tumor make lyphedema better or worse?

    • May 1, 2012
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    Staff Certified Lymphedema Therapist In my experience with this, Julie, the swelling will indeed get better if the radiation is working and shrinking the tumors which are causing the blockage.

    • May 3, 2012
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    julie martinez Thank you so much for your reply, this is what we're hoping for. It's very scary doing radiation on an arm you protect like a baby. It has really swelled up and I'm hoping it just has to get bad before it gets better.

    • May 3, 2012
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    Staff Certified Lymphedema Therapist I wish you all the best Julie! Hang in there, you'll get through this!

    • May 3, 2012
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  julie martinez has just joined the community. Say hello!

  • April 30, 2012

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    Lymphedema Community Staff Welcome!

    • April 30, 2012
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