Breast Cancer Advice Center

Is there an online support group for women with edema from breast cancer?

My 66 year old mother starts physical therapy today. She had cancer almost 15 years ago and was shocked that it developed so late after her treatments! Her physical therapist is very nice and well informed but I think it'd be beneficial for her to talk to others with this condition. She has it in her hand and her arm (mostly in her hand though). Her hand is like 3x normal size. I know it really bothers her. She was not happy to learn that she has to wear a wrap or sleeve almost 20 hours every day. I feel so bad for her. I thought the support group might help.

Public Comments

1. What your mom has is called "lymphedema." My mom had it, too, years after her breast cancer had been treated. Physical therapy and the compression sleeve helped a little, and she said it wasn't painful, but the way it affected her appearance made her sad. You are sweet to do this research to help your mom. I found a page for you from the National Lymphedema Network where local and online support groups are listed: www.lymphnet.org/patients/supportGroups.... Hope this helps.
   
   P.S. Looks like the full URL isn't showing up. The end of the web address should read "patients/supportGroups.htm"
2. None that I know of. It will depend on where you live, check with your local cancer organization if you have one. Your mom is on the right track with her treatments, esp. with the wrapping. It will help, but will take time. Tell her to keep her chin up for me.
3. Try nannie1265@sbcglobal.net. They have a pretty good support group.