Lymphoedema - how quickly do I need to get it looked at?

[AmicableHonest]

I think I have lymphoedema in my armpit, this is 2 years on from lumpectomy and removal of a couple of lymph nodes for breast cancer. There is a slight swelling and redness of the skin and it feels harder than the equivalent patch on the other side. Patch is about 2 cm square.

It could have been there ages. I only noticed it this week because I'm on holiday and there is a massive mirror in my bedroom. It hasn't changed in the 3 days I've been monitoring it.

I tried to get a GP appointment for when I'm back from holiday next week but I couldn't get through. I'm wondering whether I'd be better ringing the breast care nurses but they are always so incredibly busy it takes a while for them to get back to me. I just can't find any good advice online about how quickly I need this looked at - NHS website is vague and contradictory.

Hopeful bump

Keep trying with the breast care nurse and also bump your GP appointment forward so that you see them on Tuesday. Hope everything turns out to be ok

The breast care team would be able to help. I had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal 15 years ago and have experienced recent swelling. They saw me on the day I called and where as 15 years ago measurements were taken by tape measure and ink dots up my arm there is now a machine to stand on for 10-30 seconds or so which takes an accurate reading/measurement. They will then advise based on that.

I am allocated a breast care nurse for five years. They are definitely the best person to call. I think the next step is a lymphodema clinic where you would be given advice on managing it. Sadly you're stuck with it but it can come and go and there are some things which trigger it.

Thanks all for your responses, I'll call the breast care nurse first thing Tuesday.

@AmicableHonest

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

(I had BC surgery 8 months ago).

BC nurse and in mean time do some lymphatic massage

I had BC 6 years ago and about 6 weeks ago found a hard lump in my leg. I went on holiday (as the kids were really looking forward to it and the online guidance said that a lymph node can remain enlarged for up to 6 weeks) but was fretting. When I got back I saw my GP who confirmed it was an enlarged lymph node but recommended that I contact the breast clinic as they would progress it quicker. I did and my surgeon saw me within a few days and thankfully reassured me that it was not suspicious.
So I’d suggest ring the breast clinic as soon as you are back- I had been discharged last month but my surgeon was happy to fit me in regardless. Good luck. I know what a worry it can be xx