Vitamin E and Pentoxifylline in Treating Women With Lymphedema After Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Prior diagnosis of breast cancer T1-3, N0-1, M0 Prior radiotherapy to breast/chest wall plus axilla and/or supraclavicular fossa At least 2 years since prior radiotherapy No disease recurrence Arm lymphedema due to prior radiotherapy Reduced shoulder movement, induration in breast/chest wall, radiation-induced brachial plexopathy, symptomatic lung fibrosis, or non-healing wounds (including fractures) allowed as evidence of disability in addition to arm lymphedema Hormone receptor status: Not specified

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Not specified Sex: Female or male Menopausal status: Not specified Performance status: Not specified Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: No liver failure Renal: No renal failure Cardiovascular: No ischemic heart disease No hypertension No hypotension No acute myocardial infarction No prior cerebral hemorrhage No prior retinal hemorrhage Other: Not pregnant Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No allergy to coconut oil

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: Not specified Endocrine therapy: No concurrent insulin Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics Surgery: No prior axillary surgery Lower axillary sampling allowed Other: At least 3 months since prior daily vitamin E supplementation of more than 30 mg/day No prior pentoxifylline after radiotherapy No concurrent ketorolac or vitamin K No other concurrent vitamin E supplementation