Lymphedema---?

My mom in law has this- numbness swelling dr says its nerve damage- she can barley use that arm- what can she do with out going to the dr to help get rid of the numbness, pain, and swelling..that will help her be able to use that arm agian?(was a cancer complication)

You can usually control lymphedema by practicing good care and following basic guidelines.

breastcancer.org Info
Your doctor and nurse are more likely to take your symptoms seriously and be attentive to your progress if they regularly measure the circumference of your arm and compare it with your unaffected arm, documenting the measurements over time. The health care professionals who specialize in the management of arm lymphedema are physical medicine doctors (physiatrists), physical therapists, and occupational therapists. But don't assume that anyone in these specialties is an expert in treating lymphedema. Ask about experience and references before you let anyone work on your edema problem.


Most metropolitan areas have occupational or physical therapists with practices dedicated to managing the physical, psychological, and activity-related side effects of breast cancer treatment. If you can't find a therapist who specializes in breast cancer, look for a general occupational or physical therapist in a rehabilitation center or department who has experience taking care of women with breast cancer.

The National Lymphedema Network (NLN) has lists of specialists all over the world on its Web site at www.lymphnet.org. The NLN also has a lymphedema HOTLINE at 1-800-541-3259 or 510-208-3200.

Non-urgent care for lymphedema takes many forms. All therapies for chronic lymphedema require a commitment to a modified lifestyle.

There is no cure for lymphedema. She should keep it elevated when sitting and masage therapy can be helpful. Unless she has allergies Ibuprofen is a good pain medication which can be purchased without a doctors perscription.

Hi Dee b. :+)

My name around here is 'Trusoul', & I've gotten some much needed advice by asking my own cancer-related question.
Your Mom-inLaw has something that's actually very common among we BC patients.
However---knowing that doesn't make it any less uncomfortable for her (or You), does it?:+)

There are some physical therapies that can help ease some of her symptoms.
But the reality is that lymphedema is something she's going to be dealing with.
You didn't say what stage your mom-in-law's at; whether she had the prostetic implant surgery; or whether she just wears a special bra that holds her prosthesis.

I know a number of other women (myself included) who also have lymphedema.
We all have learned to figure out what works best to bring relief to our own bodies.
For instance, it's not uncommon for any of us to wear a sling when the arm's just too 'weary'... Not wearing our prosthesis (non-implant Patients).
I'm a stage-4 Hospice Patient; so I & my Team make sure we keep the lymphedema as much to a minimum as possible.
My Survivor-Sisters who've returned to work have no problems whatsoever wearing their sling---& Not wearing their prosthesis.

Just be there for Your Mom-in-law, like You are here.
You'll both be learning together; & that in itself will help Her become a Strong Survivor--- no matter what stage she is, on paper. :+)
My Heart & Prayers are with All of You.
Good Luck, Dee b!
~ Trusoul

Could it be she was misdignosed? Reflex Dystrophy is commonly mistaken for lymphedema. Reflex Dystrophy also cause sevre pain and numbness. Maybe get a second opinion. I was told I had lyphedema but, i am going back to get retested because of the pain I experience.