Wedding Rings

njpost
njpost Member Posts: 8
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had been wearing my wedding bands on my left hand since a mastectomy and lymph node removal in Sept. Thankfully I have had no lymphedema signs yet. When I saw the radiologist last week he was shocked that I still had them on. He said that they might have to be cut off if I would have any swelling.

I am just wondering what others have done after lymph nodes on the left side were removed. I started radiation today and after what the dr said I am afraid to wear them on the left and they don’t fit on the right.

Nancy
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Comments

  • mwallace1325
    mwallace1325 Member Posts: 806
    #2
    Wedding Rings
    I was told the same thing by one of my oncology nurses and hated taking them off. I kept them off for a couple of months (wear them on a chain so they're close to your heart) and the lymphedema has cleared. Try a surgical sleeve and glove if your doctor is OK with it. It shouldn't last forever and your rings will be back where they belong. Best of luck to you.
  • dyaneb123
    dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950
    #3
    mwallace1325 said:

    Wedding Rings
    I was told the same thing by one of my oncology nurses and hated taking them off. I kept them off for a couple of months (wear them on a chain so they're close to your heart) and the lymphedema has cleared. Try a surgical sleeve and glove if your doctor is OK with it. It shouldn't last forever and your rings will be back where they belong. Best of luck to you.

    I'm a year post mastecomy on
    I'm a year post mastecomy on the right side with lymph node removal and I've never had any swelling in my arm or hands..I do have some numbness...loss of feeling..but no swelling...They had me scared to death at first not do do anything with my right arm, and I'm still careful not to get injections etc. but not everyone is going to suffer from lymphodema...so if your hand isn't swollen..why remove your rings? I wear rings on my right hand and no one has ever suggested I remove them. So I guess just follow your own instincts on this.
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #4
    dyaneb123 said:

    I'm a year post mastecomy on
    I'm a year post mastecomy on the right side with lymph node removal and I've never had any swelling in my arm or hands..I do have some numbness...loss of feeling..but no swelling...They had me scared to death at first not do do anything with my right arm, and I'm still careful not to get injections etc. but not everyone is going to suffer from lymphodema...so if your hand isn't swollen..why remove your rings? I wear rings on my right hand and no one has ever suggested I remove them. So I guess just follow your own instincts on this.

    I never had any swelling in
    I never had any swelling in my hands at all, so, I can wear my wedding rings still just fine. I don't think everyone gets the swelling. From what I understand, if you don't have the swelling right away, you probably won't get it later. Do what you think is best for you and talk to your oncologist again and let him know.

    Sue :)
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #5
    lymphedema and rings
    Hi Nancy, I do have lymphedema in my left arm and hand which has resulted in my wedding band no longer fitting. I no longer wear it, it is tucked safely away. My Guy wears his and he knows why I do not wear mine. It is not a prob. On special occasions if it is not too swollen I will wear it for a short time (few hours) then tuck it away again.

    Hugs,

    RE
  • orangegirl
    orangegirl Member Posts: 3
    #6
    Nancy
    I have moderate to severe lymphedema in my left arm and have since a few days post-op 14 years ago. In the early months, I had my rings re-sized so I could wear them on the right. Since then, I have had them re-sized again so that I can wear them on the left.

    The key is that I know my arm and how it reacts to things so I know when to take them off. I never sleep in them anymore because I find that night is when most change happens - I will go to bed fine (well, fine for me, which means I can move my joints) and wake up more swollen, so I just don't sleep in them anymore.
    Just be sensitive to things that might lead to swelling, like salty food or lots of walking. If I eat chips and salsa, I will take my rings off earlier in the evening and if I am going walking or hiking, i just won't wear them. But to be without them ever again is not something I am willing to do.
    Hope that's helpful.
    E
  • meena1
    meena1 Member Posts: 1,003
    #7
    orangegirl said:

    Nancy
    I have moderate to severe lymphedema in my left arm and have since a few days post-op 14 years ago. In the early months, I had my rings re-sized so I could wear them on the right. Since then, I have had them re-sized again so that I can wear them on the left.

    The key is that I know my arm and how it reacts to things so I know when to take them off. I never sleep in them anymore because I find that night is when most change happens - I will go to bed fine (well, fine for me, which means I can move my joints) and wake up more swollen, so I just don't sleep in them anymore.
    Just be sensitive to things that might lead to swelling, like salty food or lots of walking. If I eat chips and salsa, I will take my rings off earlier in the evening and if I am going walking or hiking, i just won't wear them. But to be without them ever again is not something I am willing to do.
    Hope that's helpful.
    E

    I Had lymph nodes removed on
    I Had lymph nodes removed on my Right side and my right hand did swell a little and is still swollen. So, I would not wear any rings on my left hand if i were you.
  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729
    #8
    I don't have problems with
    I don't have problems with lymphedema but put on weight a few years ago and stopped wearing the rings then. I gained 20 lbs on chemo. It was just too difficult to get them off. For the past two years I'm having trouble with a rash on my hands and rings would be painful. I had right lymph nodes removed but still can't wear the rings.
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #9
    orangegirl said:

    Nancy
    I have moderate to severe lymphedema in my left arm and have since a few days post-op 14 years ago. In the early months, I had my rings re-sized so I could wear them on the right. Since then, I have had them re-sized again so that I can wear them on the left.

    The key is that I know my arm and how it reacts to things so I know when to take them off. I never sleep in them anymore because I find that night is when most change happens - I will go to bed fine (well, fine for me, which means I can move my joints) and wake up more swollen, so I just don't sleep in them anymore.
    Just be sensitive to things that might lead to swelling, like salty food or lots of walking. If I eat chips and salsa, I will take my rings off earlier in the evening and if I am going walking or hiking, i just won't wear them. But to be without them ever again is not something I am willing to do.
    Hope that's helpful.
    E

    I had my lymph nodes
    I had my lymph nodes removed, and, have had no swelling. My arm is a little numb from the elbow up, but, I can wear my wedding rings on my finger with no problem.

    HUGS
  • Wolfi
    Wolfi Member Posts: 425
    #10
    Cut off
    Nancy,

    My lymph nodes were removed from my right side, but I had to have my wedding rings cut off before surgery because they were afraid my left arm may have swollen up and affected the circulation in my finger. I had never taken them off in the 14 years we have been married so it was difficult for me to have them removed. It's been 7 months and I still haven't gotten them fixed. I wear another ring on my left hand until my wedding rings get back from the jewler.

    Pay attention to your hand and take your rings off at the first sign of swelling so you don't have to get them cut off. The warmer weather in the summer will also make your hands swell a little more because of the heat.

    Take care!
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #11
    Wolfi said:

    Cut off
    Nancy,

    My lymph nodes were removed from my right side, but I had to have my wedding rings cut off before surgery because they were afraid my left arm may have swollen up and affected the circulation in my finger. I had never taken them off in the 14 years we have been married so it was difficult for me to have them removed. It's been 7 months and I still haven't gotten them fixed. I wear another ring on my left hand until my wedding rings get back from the jewler.

    Pay attention to your hand and take your rings off at the first sign of swelling so you don't have to get them cut off. The warmer weather in the summer will also make your hands swell a little more because of the heat.

    Take care!

    I don't have a problem with
    I don't have a problem with lymphedema, so, I can wear my wedding rings just fine. If you haven't gotten any swelling yet, I doubt that you will.
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #12
    dyaneb123 said:

    I'm a year post mastecomy on
    I'm a year post mastecomy on the right side with lymph node removal and I've never had any swelling in my arm or hands..I do have some numbness...loss of feeling..but no swelling...They had me scared to death at first not do do anything with my right arm, and I'm still careful not to get injections etc. but not everyone is going to suffer from lymphodema...so if your hand isn't swollen..why remove your rings? I wear rings on my right hand and no one has ever suggested I remove them. So I guess just follow your own instincts on this.

    My hands are fine, so, I
    My hands are fine, so, I have been able to wear my rings. Hoping that you have no swelling.
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    #13
    Marcia527 said:

    I don't have problems with
    I don't have problems with lymphedema but put on weight a few years ago and stopped wearing the rings then. I gained 20 lbs on chemo. It was just too difficult to get them off. For the past two years I'm having trouble with a rash on my hands and rings would be painful. I had right lymph nodes removed but still can't wear the rings.

    I never got lympedema, which
    I never got lympedema, which I am thankful for, so no problem with my wedding rings, bracelets or anything.
  • step@atime
    step@atime Member Posts: 17
    #14
    My "Special"Rings
    I had the lymph nodes out of my right side, but both hands swelled and got larger as I gained weight through chemo. I still can't get my wedding set on, but I go through phases of being able to wear just the wedding ring and having to let it rest a little. What my husband and I decided was to get another ring, something beautiful, to wear in its place while I can't wear my "real" one. When my hand is back to her normal size or at least the size has stabilized, I will have my original wedding set resized. I will then move my VICTORY ring to the right hand. In addition, I had a plain band that we bought when I was pregnant with my son in a larger size. I have worn the band with the new ring and it makes a gorgeous set. I had planned on having his birthdate engraved on the inside and giving it to his wife (when he starts to like girls--he's only 8--no rush!!!) Now I am going to put his birthdate and my survivor date in the ring. I will still give him the band to do with as he pleases and the victory ring will be an outward sign on the right with my original set on the left that my husband has been with me from the east to the west in our relationship and he is still my "shining prince charming."

    Any decision you make is the right one. I always admired that my grandmother wore her wedding ring for the entire 52 years my grandparents were married and the 11 years since my grandfather's death. One time she had to have the ring cut off and it was more painful to her than if they had removed the finger! Not because of actual pain, but because that was such a part of who she was. My grandfather immediately had it resized for her. At that point, I made up my mind what I would ever do if I had to remove my wedding band. I was about 20 and VERY single at the time. Never did I think I would actually have to use the decision I made! Boy am I glad I did. How much the rings cost is irrelevant. It is the symbolism.

    Prayers and good luck. This is a long road, sometimes with bumps, but oh, so many beautiful areas of scenery along the way.
  • Flakey_Flake
    Flakey_Flake Member Posts: 130
    #15
    step@atime said:

    My "Special"Rings
    I had the lymph nodes out of my right side, but both hands swelled and got larger as I gained weight through chemo. I still can't get my wedding set on, but I go through phases of being able to wear just the wedding ring and having to let it rest a little. What my husband and I decided was to get another ring, something beautiful, to wear in its place while I can't wear my "real" one. When my hand is back to her normal size or at least the size has stabilized, I will have my original wedding set resized. I will then move my VICTORY ring to the right hand. In addition, I had a plain band that we bought when I was pregnant with my son in a larger size. I have worn the band with the new ring and it makes a gorgeous set. I had planned on having his birthdate engraved on the inside and giving it to his wife (when he starts to like girls--he's only 8--no rush!!!) Now I am going to put his birthdate and my survivor date in the ring. I will still give him the band to do with as he pleases and the victory ring will be an outward sign on the right with my original set on the left that my husband has been with me from the east to the west in our relationship and he is still my "shining prince charming."

    Any decision you make is the right one. I always admired that my grandmother wore her wedding ring for the entire 52 years my grandparents were married and the 11 years since my grandfather's death. One time she had to have the ring cut off and it was more painful to her than if they had removed the finger! Not because of actual pain, but because that was such a part of who she was. My grandfather immediately had it resized for her. At that point, I made up my mind what I would ever do if I had to remove my wedding band. I was about 20 and VERY single at the time. Never did I think I would actually have to use the decision I made! Boy am I glad I did. How much the rings cost is irrelevant. It is the symbolism.

    Prayers and good luck. This is a long road, sometimes with bumps, but oh, so many beautiful areas of scenery along the way.

    My Ring Will Wait for Me
    Very well put. I like the part about beautiful areas of scenery along the way.

    I had left lymph nodes removed, and havn't worn my engagement ring since surgery, except for a couple days between chemo and rads. It still fits on my left hand, but don't want to risk getting a "surprise" lymphedema. I've had enough surprises for a while. I figure once I am done with rads, and feel kind of recovered I might try wearing it again. I havn't had any swelling in my left had so far, but you never know.
    Sharon
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #16
    Flakey_Flake said:

    My Ring Will Wait for Me
    Very well put. I like the part about beautiful areas of scenery along the way.

    I had left lymph nodes removed, and havn't worn my engagement ring since surgery, except for a couple days between chemo and rads. It still fits on my left hand, but don't want to risk getting a "surprise" lymphedema. I've had enough surprises for a while. I figure once I am done with rads, and feel kind of recovered I might try wearing it again. I havn't had any swelling in my left had so far, but you never know.
    Sharon

    I had lymph nodes removed,
    I had lymph nodes removed, and, never got the swelling. I know some do, as posted, and, some of us don't. I would think that if you aren't swollen by now that you should be alright. Just keep an eye on it.

    Hugs, Angie
  • martysuek
    martysuek Member Posts: 3
    #17
    wedding rings
    So what did you decide on your rings? I haven't been able to get mine off for 11 years(since swelling joints after baby). My GP said it was OK if my finger was still getting circulation. Then I was diagnosed with BC. The radiologis wanted to take it off for MRI but we didn't & I was OK. They wanted to take it off for biopsy but we didn't & I was OK. They wanted to get it off for bilateral mast, but we didn't & I was OK. I had 1 lymph node removed (ONE!!!) and cancer was contained, so no rad or chemo, and now I'm having problems with lymphedema! They say it's a 5% or less chance that would happen. I'm wearing a compression sleeve and doing massage and don't currently have any hand swelling, but...I REALLY don't want to take my ring off!! I would have to have it cut off. At this point it just feels like giving in!

    What did you decide?
  • Mama G
    Mama G Member Posts: 762
    #18
    martysuek said:

    wedding rings
    So what did you decide on your rings? I haven't been able to get mine off for 11 years(since swelling joints after baby). My GP said it was OK if my finger was still getting circulation. Then I was diagnosed with BC. The radiologis wanted to take it off for MRI but we didn't & I was OK. They wanted to take it off for biopsy but we didn't & I was OK. They wanted to get it off for bilateral mast, but we didn't & I was OK. I had 1 lymph node removed (ONE!!!) and cancer was contained, so no rad or chemo, and now I'm having problems with lymphedema! They say it's a 5% or less chance that would happen. I'm wearing a compression sleeve and doing massage and don't currently have any hand swelling, but...I REALLY don't want to take my ring off!! I would have to have it cut off. At this point it just feels like giving in!

    What did you decide?

    I wore mine on a necklace for a while
    then they had me take it off every time I had radiation, so I just put it away til this is all done.
  • njpost
    njpost Member Posts: 8
    #19
    martysuek said:

    wedding rings
    So what did you decide on your rings? I haven't been able to get mine off for 11 years(since swelling joints after baby). My GP said it was OK if my finger was still getting circulation. Then I was diagnosed with BC. The radiologis wanted to take it off for MRI but we didn't & I was OK. They wanted to take it off for biopsy but we didn't & I was OK. They wanted to get it off for bilateral mast, but we didn't & I was OK. I had 1 lymph node removed (ONE!!!) and cancer was contained, so no rad or chemo, and now I'm having problems with lymphedema! They say it's a 5% or less chance that would happen. I'm wearing a compression sleeve and doing massage and don't currently have any hand swelling, but...I REALLY don't want to take my ring off!! I would have to have it cut off. At this point it just feels like giving in!

    What did you decide?

    Leaving them off for now
    I only have 5 radiation treatments left! I have taken my rings off for now. I did put them on for a couple of hours yesterday for church. I had them on a chain but my husband gave me a beautiful diamond necklace in the shape of the cancer ribbon so I have opted to wear it instead.

    After radiation I think I will wear them again. I have always removed them at night so I will just keep an eye on them during the day.

    Thanks to everyone for all the great suggestions.
  • pinkflutterby
    pinkflutterby Member Posts: 615 Member
    #20
    njpost said:

    Leaving them off for now
    I only have 5 radiation treatments left! I have taken my rings off for now. I did put them on for a couple of hours yesterday for church. I had them on a chain but my husband gave me a beautiful diamond necklace in the shape of the cancer ribbon so I have opted to wear it instead.

    After radiation I think I will wear them again. I have always removed them at night so I will just keep an eye on them during the day.

    Thanks to everyone for all the great suggestions.

    well.......................
    not a problem for me :) I sold my first one in a garage sale for $20.00 it was a 1k diamond haha and my 2nd ex pawned ours. hahahaaa
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    #21
    pinkflutterby said:

    well.......................
    not a problem for me :) I sold my first one in a garage sale for $20.00 it was a 1k diamond haha and my 2nd ex pawned ours. hahahaaa

    LOL Thanks for the laugh
    LOL Thanks for the laugh pinkflutterby!

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