I think it may have to do sometimes with our lifestyles to a small degree & just how our own bodies react to things. My mom was 10 years older than me when she was dx'd w/BC. She had ALL nodes removed with a radical mesectomy and she was at a point in her life at 58 where she was retired. She basically took it very easy and was able to. Her only form of exercise was occasionally swimming & walking her neighborhood. No children at home to run after, etc.

I was 46, am working F/T doing child care, am very active at age 46, now 47 & enjoy lots of activities, yard work, aerobic, strp classes...etc....had only 3 nodes taken & having issues.

So, not sure who will get effected and why we do.....

Laurie/S.Fl.
DX@ age: 46 on 8/17/09
IDC Stage 1, Grade 3, Node Neg. Hert2-
Lumpectomy R.B. 1.08 CM.  Er+ & PR+
Onca score:  "24"          BRCA-Negitive!
Chemo-(8) C.M.F...   DONE final 3/17/10
Rads x 36..............   DONE final 6/04/10
1200 UI Vitamin D    & Tamoxifen 5 yrs.

Just wanted to add some information about proper fitting of lymphedema garments:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/proper_fitting_of_lymphedema_garments.htm

And about wearing hand protection (gauntlet or glove) whenever you wear a compression sleeve:
http://lymphedivas.com/lymphedema/gauntletandsleeve/

Sure hope you can get the garment fit you need!
B4

B4,

Thanks for that information.  I do wear a gauntlet and sounds like they recommend that we all do. 

Alison, 45. Woodland, WA.
DX 08/14/06, Left Mast, Nodes13-/1+, 4-AC/1-Taxol/3-Taxotere, Rads, BRCA neg.,Tram flap. Medullary carcinoma, triple negative.

I was told not to wear a gauntlet because the fluid can collect in your fingers- I was told this by my physical therapist- BUT she had me wear kinestic - I don't think I spelled that right- tape before I got my sleeve and my fingers didn't swell at all and the tape stopped at the base of my finger. I am going to request a gauntlet when I go back to be fitted again because I think it will help.

Laurie
I wish there was an easy answer to this one for you. We do know that there is truly a pivotal node that if removed there will be issues with swelling. The issue is we cannot pin point which node that will be. One of my partners in care works extensively with women with lymphedema, she has seen issues with one or 25 nodes no real rhyme or reason. One interesting thing she tells me it that exercise will not hurt you. I think you may want to seek out a nurse who is a specialist in this. She will evaluate you and get you the proper garments that will work the best for you. I will contact Chris to see if she has any thoughts on how to get you in-touch with someone in your area if you would like. She is in Detroit but very well connected in this matter. Laurie  

Laurie

NP- Breast Oncology
Doctoral Candidate- U of M- Go Blue
University Prof
Impacted on by beautiful women survivors of Breast Cancer everyday.

"Live Life to the Fullest Everyday! One never knows what Tomorrow will bring! Don't miss a Thing."

Hi Laurie and thank you for taking the time to help!! First let me say I like your name:-)!!! Second, I am originally from the Detroit are (6th mile & Lasher) so I thought that was cool & had to share!!

I have been working with a Lymphedema specialist. I have been measured for a sleeve and a compression insert for my bra which was specifically (bra to) measured and ordered just for me and I was told to continue to go to the gym and carry on with my work outs. However I have to play a trial and error at the gym on what is bringing on the arm/breast issue. I have found that "for me" it seems to be a "pressure issue"....So as long as I do not cause added pressure to my hand, wrist or arm during any type of excerise on that effected side, again just hand, wrist & arm I'm fine.

So I can still run on the eliptical which I so enjoy...I now rest the effected arm on the rail of the machine where before I would move it back and forth in a swinging motion(which I was told as a pre caution I may not want to do on the affected side). I also try to swim after working out no matter what since the "natural" copression from the water seems to help so much! I was also taught "brushing techniques" by the Lymphedema speacialist in order to "re direct" the fluid and it's working out great!!

Trial and error, having the correct compression garments (bra, compression insert for bra and sleeve with brushing techniques I have learned to do for myself)....I'm doing great and can continue to excercise!!!

Thank you again for the info and interest in helping me! Laurie XO

Laurie/S.Fl.
DX@ age: 46 on 8/17/09
IDC Stage 1, Grade 3, Node Neg. Hert2-
Lumpectomy R.B. 1.08 CM.  Er+ & PR+
Onca score:  "24"          BRCA-Negitive!
Chemo-(8) C.M.F...   DONE final 3/17/10
Rads x 36..............   DONE final 6/04/10
1200 UI Vitamin D    & Tamoxifen 5 yrs.

Posting on this because I just read my 2/28/11 Advance for Occupational Therapist Magazine.  On page 25 there is an article titled "Got Lymphedema? Be a LympheDiva!' 
In 2005 Rachel Troxell received the Dx of BC.  She got lymphedema and hated the compression garments because they looked and felt awful.  So in 2006 she founded LympheDivas. Currently the company has more than 25 patterns, 3 solid colors and 2 natural colors as well as 30 shades of skin tone. They add 2 new patterns twice a year.
Unfortunately rachel lost her battle to BC in2008.  But her products live on.  They can be seen at http://lymphedivas.com.
Hope this gives you all some options!
--Peggy