Can lymphedema occur without breast cancer surgery?

Ask your onco to send you to a lymphoedema therapist. I suffered from it early on (I'm five years in) after my DMX and therapy worked wonders in reducing symptoms and learning how to prevent further swelling.

I have lymphedema they measure my arm every year but I'm still at stage 0 I feel fullness when I use my arm to much it isn't swollen all the time

Thank you ladies

I take oncology yoga and my instructor has discussed various ways to drain the lymphatic fluid from your body.

My onco team immediately prescribed lymphedema therapy after the initial treatments of surgery, chemo and radiation. It’s part of the cancer research institute that I’ve been going to and they did an amazing job. I did 3 weeks,3 times a week and they prescribed a compression machine for my arm paid for by my insurance, a massage wand, and taught my husband the massage techniques to use, including draining massage on my arm, armpits and side, down to the pelvis where the nearest draining system is. I’ve had no swelling or pain from doing this process regularly. Am so blessed to have this cancer team behind me. Have your team prescribe it for you. Good luck 🍀

I read that there is a treatment with sound waves. Supposed to shatter the cancer off your liver. FDAApproved

Interested

Lymphedema can definitely develop in breast cancer patients even without surgery or radiation, as cancer cells or treatments can sometimes affect the lymphatic system directly. The arm swelling and pain described here sounds concerning and worth pursuing further with the medical team, especially since a blood clot has already been ruled out. Many others in this community have navigated similar challenges with lymphedema, and connecting with a lymphedema specialist or physical therapist trained in this area might provide helpful answers and treatment options.