Let's Talk About Chemotherapy - Swelling in the arm towards end of Chemo

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Swelling in the arm towards end of Chemo

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Category: TNBC Forums
Forum Name: Let's Talk About Chemotherapy
Forum Description: A place to discuss Chemotherapy
URL: http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=12221
Printed Date: Mar 26 2026 at 9:22pm
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Topic: Swelling in the arm towards end of Chemo

Posted By: ram
Subject: Swelling in the arm towards end of Chemo
Date Posted: Oct 02 2014 at 5:53am

Hi All,

My mother has completed five rounds of chemo and waiting for the sixth. She has recently started noticing a swelling in the left arm, the same side where masectomy was done. Could this be lymphodema? I have heard that lymphodema normally occurs immediately after surgery, but in this case she is noticing the swelling five months after surgery.

The doctor has said that it could be a side effect of chemo. Has anyone had such symptoms during their chemo? How to know if it is just a side effect of chemo that or if its lymphedema?

Regards

Ram

Replies:

Posted By: littleradish
Date Posted: Oct 02 2014 at 11:55am

I am not sure if it is lymphodema but if lymph nodes are removed it can happen anytime. It can happen years down the line that is why we can not have blood pressure taken from that arm or blood drawn.

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Diagnosed March 2013, TC chemo from April-July 4 rounds. Double mastectomy Aug of 2013 clear margins and no lymph nodes involved. 4 rounds of gemzar and cisplatin September to October