HOW TO DO LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE FOR BREAST SWELLING: Massage Technique for Breast Oedema / Lymphoedema

[@barnhousedesignspa9251]

Thank you for this! I'm 10 months post op for stage one DCIS tumor removal. Nothing spread to lymph nodes, thankfully, so I didn't lose any of them, but I still developed a lymphedema in my breast and underarm. I had multiple seromas that needed to be drained to the tune of around 200 cc's total. I was a former tanning bed user so I had horrible burns starting in week one of radiation. It stayed like that from April until June, and my incision reopened around Father's Day so I was treated at a wound center because it wasn't healing on its own. Ultimately, I had to pack it daily from June until December 4th, when it finally closed. Now, at my follow up with my breast surgeon at my one year mammogram, she diagnosed me with a lymphedema. She said I could to lymphedema therapy at their clinic or I could try it on my own for a few weeks and see if it's clearing up on it own or not. So thank you for this information. It was completely informational and everything I needed to get started. Just one question...do you suggest caster oil or vitamin e oil to use for the massage? Thank you again so much!

[@janinebrown1023]

Thank you Jen. I've just come home from my hospital appointment after being diagnosed with Oedema of the breast. 18 Months ago I had a lumpectomy and noticed recently some hardening of my scar but also tenderness in my right breast. I will follow your advice once a day so many thanks for your video. 🥰

[@cathydombrovske9235]

Thank you so much, Jen. I am in Montana, USA, and find your videos so informative and kind of comforting. Had a bilateral mastectomy last July 20, and have recently completed a round of instruction with a great physical therapist, with stretching exercises and massage. I still experience some breast swelling and discomfort, and am learning from your videos how I can take care of some of this myself. I've been having breast reconstruction, first with expanders (uncomfortable!) and then with implants and some fat grafting. I am scheduled to undergo a bit more fat grafting in another couple of months, when, as I'm told, the swelling has mostly gone down. Meanwhile, my plan is to follow your videos in order to be as ready for this as possible. Thanks again!

[@msb8287]

Thank you, I had Diep flap, double mastectomy and lots of lymph nodes removed. I am a month out and not one doctor mentioned to me what could happen post surgery (nerve damage, blood clots, lymphoma, numbness, harndess, etc.) nor what to look out for, what to do, not do or expect. I had a PT and OT visit me and both had zero knowledge of my post surgery needs.

[@laurahanley2396]

Just what I needed to see pop up in my need feed today. 11 months ago when this video was recorded, I was just getting my 3nd opinion on treatment options for breast cancer. Now I am through surgery and radiation and always find helpful information in Jen's videos. Thank you, Jen.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thank you so much for your positive feedback Laura! Really appreciate it. Jen x

[@debbieolagues5283]

Thank you, so much for your videos. I have been learning so much about how to treat my body after my lumpectomy in February of 2021. My doctors and oncologists haven't told me much about how to care for my affected arm, hand and breast. I have asked to be sent to a lymphoedema specialist but haven't received authorization yet. My medical oncologist has prescribed a sleeve and glove in the meantime. Only problem is they are too tight and seem to stop my circulation in my hand and the top band imprints the little dots onto my arm. I've asked for a new size but the lady remeasured me and said it was the correct size. She seemed to be refusing to reorder them. I called my health insurance company and they said to call my oncologist and have her request a second opinion so I can go to another supplier. In the meantime I am continuing to use lymphatic drainage massage as you have instructed in your videos and it helps to relieve the puffiness in my left breast and arm, and the feeling of a tight rubber ban around the top of my arm right under my armpit goes away. I know I am not the only one who feels like they have slipped through the cracks because they aren't being guided in what to do. Hopefully, when I finally get to see a lymphoedema specialist that feeling of being lost in the breast cancer jungle will go away. Again, thank you for all your wonderful, informative videos and being a torch bearer for so many trying to find their way through the darkness back to a healthy life after breast cancer treatments. God bless you.

[@DV-1972]

Good showered his blessings on me by showing me this video. God bless you too

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thank you for your lovely comment DV! I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@deanjones168]

I’ve been on antibiotics for 34 days 3 days in hospital on IV antibiotics for what started as a seroma which was drained 3 times no puss, then infection red, hard, swollen, I have been back and forth to hospital team and still have now apparently cellulitis and oedema, it’s not getting better, and this is the first I have heard about any massage so thanks I will try this and let you know how it goes . I had a lumpectomy but no lumph nodes removed

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Dean, sorry to hear about your situation. I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@ruthpollard5776]

Excellent practical info. Thanks Jen! 🌷

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thankyou Ruth! Much appreciated! Jen x

[@risitosdeoro7390]

Jen, should I be doing the massage sitting or laying down?

[@ariellaares9100]

Hello, thank you for the information. Should I be stimulating my lymph nodes with some kind of pumping movement before stimulating lymph fluid flow in vessels? Again, thanks for the info.

[@vegrunner6688]

Thank you for your helpful videos. I am wondering if I should still attempt to drain toward the collarbone if I've had the supraclavicular lymph node removed. (I've also had all of the axillary LN's removed)

[@heidicatlett6532]

Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU, JEN!!! I'm in good hands!!!

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

My pleasure Heidi! Thanks for your feedback! Jen x

[@tracycartwright978]

Thank you Jen for your helpful advice, I have swelling under my armpit, its a seroma, it feels like a golf ball and is so uncomfortable. x

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

They can be very uncomfortable Tracy. Typically if my patients are in pain with a seroma I encourage them to discuss aspiration (drainage) with their Medical Team. It just has to be timed around other treatments so you're at lower risk of infection.

[@tracycartwright978]

@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thanks Jen for your help, I will contact the medical team if it gets worse. x

[@Brandiejade]

Thank you Jen, great advice there once again.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thanks Trish!! Jen x

[@MelindaGrey-dg9pu]

Hello Jen! Your video are invaluable! How long should I do the breast massage each day? Thank you for all you do.

[@MelindaGrey-dg9pu]

Sorry I found what you said !….5 to 10 minutes😊

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

@@MelindaGrey-dg9pu hehe all good! I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@lisaalbert7103]

Thank you for your wonderful videos. Greatly appreciated! A question for you…. Six weeks ago I had lumpectomy and lymph dissection on right breast. Three weeks ago I had breast conservation surgery( reduction and lift on both breasts). Finally the nerve pain from lymph dissection is dissipating but my challenge now is the edema in both breasts. They are full and tight, no infection, and I have nerve pain across both breasts from the edema. Should I do this massage you illustrate in the video? Also, does this seem normal three weeks out? Thank you very much for your time. 🙏

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hey Lisa! This can be completely normal 3 weeks out from this surgery. I am soon to launch a video on a compression garment called the Haddenham Comfiwave Breast Band that may be very beneficial for you to use for the breast swelling. Jen x

[@ritabridges4778]

I love your videos 💗. So massage my arm and hand edema to the same side as lymph node removal is ok. But massaging swollen breast still do towards another area. Like clavicle or other armpit?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Rita, sorry for my slow reply. Yes, when performing to lymphatic drainage on your arm - massage towards same side armpit. When performing lymphatic drainage of the breast massage towards collarbone and / or middle of body. I now have a Private Facebook Group called The Compass Community. I have weekly live Breast Cancer Education Sessions for this group. Here is the link if you'd like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@MariaHernandez-dt2iy]

Hi, thank you for your videos. I am six weeks post surgery for breast cancer. My breast is swollen, I presume this is oedema and not lymphoedema? I want to do the massage technique as you shown in the video but my breast is sore even to just massage it gently.. Firm pressure seems impossible for me to do? Is there anything else I can do?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Maria, it is possible you are still recovering from treatment and your breast swelling is oedema. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@biankakamber6174]

Can this be good for pre natal

[@sallysmith2467]

Thank you I found the massage video very helpful. Essex England

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thankyou for your comment Sally! Very glad you found the video helpful! Jen x

[@NataliyaShchesnyak]

Hi. Thank you very much for all you do. Can you please provide a video for lymphatic drainage massage after double mastectomy with edema in both breasts. Thank you

[@CSCISME]

Hi, Thank you so much for these helpful videos. I have a question - in the "what has changed" video you mention it's been found that the affected-side armpit can be used to clear lymph from the affected arm...but in this video you mention that for an affected breast, lymph is processed by the sternum and collarbone etc. Can one not drain the affect breast into the same-side armpit? Maybe not? Just making sure I understand...since for me, it's the breast area I'm concerned about. :)

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Susan! Good question. Once you have even just one lymph node removed from the armpit the drainage pattern of the breast changes to the sternum / collarbone region. The upper limb can still drain to the same-side armpit. So you do have it correct! Jen

[@LuciSadlo-fh4sb]

I’ve had lymph nodes removed in both armpits, what’s the best way to get rid of drainage for myself?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi, so sorry for my delayed reply. Can I first clarify, have you got swelling in your breast/s, or arms? If you don't have any swelling then there is no requirement to perform lymphatic drainage. Let me know if there is swelling in either your breast/s or arms and I can let you know the drainage pathways. Jen Also, I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@chriswalton1523]

I was doing fine post deip flap reconstruction with lymph node axillia clearance. Then I had bad fall landing on my under arm on the affected side. The bruising spread from elbow to armpit. Not surprisingly my arm has developed early stage lymphoedema and the under arm to breast area is swollen. I am massaging to drain but oddly there are three or four large pea size free moving lumps close to the arm pit?? No one seems to know what they are. Have you seen anything like this.?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Chris, so sorry again for my delayed response. Have you had the lumps ultrasounded? That would be the first best thing to do to confirm there isn't anything nasty going on. They may be a collection of thickened lymphatic fluid. I've launched a new Private Group on Facebook - The Compass Community - a Global Online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions. I will be able to provide more interaction with everyone on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@ayhantokcaer8404]

Which direction shall I massage?

[@terrafrance8308]

If we have healthy lymph nodes in our armpits, should we massage towards those instead?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Terra, thanks for your question. Can you help me understand your question a bit more. Do you mean healthy lymph nodes on the opposite armpit? Jen

[@hannahstonehousehudson5506]

Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

My pleasure Hannah!! Thanks for your lovely feedback! Where are you from? I'm super keen to hear what parts of the world people are being affected by the side effects of Breast Cancer. (Ignore this message if you're not comfortable replying by the way) Jen x

[@mmcalpine1]

Hi Jen, I know you said to do once a day but How long does my wife do the breast massage for? Thank you for your videos 🙏🏼

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Michael, depending on the Breast tissue, a minimum of 5 mins a day. If you accumulate 5mins daily that is a lot of massage over a few weeks, and I don't want the task to become so long it becomes overwhelming. Hope this helps! Jen

[@aumur4671]

Hii.. I don't know if I have any problem relating breasts or around it.. but I wish to do this... should I do it or not? Please reply

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi, Sorry for my slow reply. I'm sorry but I don't understand your question. Can you send more information?

[@aumur4671]

I mean.. can anyone and everyone do it?

[@sallysmith2467]

Jen I would really like to order the breast massage sponge. Please let me know how much and postage. How I can pay for them. Thank you Sally

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Sally! Certainly, can you email me your postal address: [e-mail]

[@lanad8826]

Loved it. Jen you are amazing. Do you see patients virtzally? Greetings from Canada

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Lana! Thank you for your lovely feedback! Sorry for my slow reply. I am having issues with Professional Indemnity insurance so I can consult internationally. Trying to resolve this issue so I will keep you posted. Jen

[@biswa004]

thank you

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi, I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@zouzou6424]

thanks

[@caf9191]

Thank you for doing these very helpful videos! I have a question for you: I am 3 weeks post surgery (bi-lateral mastectomy, no reconstruction.) I had two drains, one on each side, and four lymph nodes removed on my left side. My health care so far has been from my surgeon, and ‘home care’ (I had to go to their clinic) for dressing changes and wound care. When the home care nurse removed my drains (at 13 days, both sides draining less than 10 ml for two days) I experienced considerable pain. They seemed to have stuck. The day after I got swelling all along the path that the drains took, running beneath my main incisions. My surgeon examined me and thought that the drains came out too soon or weren’t working. He aspirated from one of these areas of fluid that was straw coloured. He massaged the areas first with fingers digging in me, (more like pummeling) saying I had to do this myself along with my daily exercises. A week later of me doing gentle massage has shown no improvement. My left breast area is still very swollen in three areas beneath my scar, and this is worse after I awake in a morning after sleep (I sleep raised up on pillows). It gradually eases a bit by about noon, but never goes away. I’m afraid to go back to my surgeon as I found his treatment very rough and I’ve heard there’s a risk of infection each time I get an aspiration of the fluid. I would like to find breast cancer physio but it’s proving to be difficult to find someone in my area (I live in Canada) Would these self massage techniques you describe in this video help me?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hello, thanks for watching and commenting. It sounds like you have a seroma or seromas. Massage, particularly hard massage, will not help a seroma. In my clinical experience, hard massage on a seroma will only make it painful - as you have experienced as well. I would seek a second opinion from another Breast Surgeon. It is not the job of a Breast Surgeon to perform massage. Their role - in context of a seroma - is to assess it and potentially aspirate it. What part of Canada are you in? Depending on where you live I may be able to put you in touch with a Breast Cancer Physio. You are welcome to email me [e-mail]

[@caf9191]

Thank you so much for your speedy reply! I was just on line and did manage to find a bc physio therapist but they’re booked up until middle March. I live near Toronto in Ontario. I will keep on looking. I will also try to get a second opinion from another surgeon, although with Covid there’s a surge in back dated procedures right now so it might prove difficult. Sometimes one can feel so alone while on this journey, and your excellent videos and quick response mean so much. Many thanks!

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

I have a wonderful colleague - Beth Hoag who is a Breast Cancer Physiotherapist. Beth does very similar work to me and is based in Ontario. This is her contact page on her website. If she is booked up she may be able to put you in contact with another Physiotherapist. I can let Beth know you might reach out to her? bethhoagphysio.ca/contact-us/ Regarding the seroma - if you can't get into a Breast Surgeon, it may be worthwhile discussing a referral to a good Radiologist with you GP. Radiologists (at least in Australia) are able to perform aspirations on seromas. But please double check this information with your doctor as I'm not sure if the system is the same in Canada. I hope this helps! Jen

[@caf9191]

yes thank you! You’ve been a tremendous help ☺️ and I so much appreciate it

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

@@caf9191 I've let Beth Hoag know you may contact her. Let me know if you struggle to find Physios or Surgeons. Jen

[@NataliyaShchesnyak]

I mean lymphedema in both breasts. Thank you.

[@greenjeans7504]

Self MLD visuals as well as verbal would be more helpful.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi, thanks for your feedback - I agree re more visuals. When I was doing the KZbin Videos I wasn't very tech savvy! I've since launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@juditha5442]

Lots of great chat. Technique was too rushed for me. I kept stopping and starting video as too quickly explained.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Judith, thanks for your feedback. I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@RanaMann1]

Thanks but too much explanation and finally when you show the exercise, it is only twice. PLEASE show at least five strokes at a time.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Rana, thanks for your feedback. I'm about to launch a new Private Group on Facebook - The Compass Community - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions. I will be able to provide more interaction with everyone on this platform including treatment demonstrations. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity