stage 0 and lymphedema

moonlady13

I am so upset! I knew about lymphedema prior to surgery, but I got mixed messages as to whether I was or was not at risk. Both doctors said that since I didn't have radiation therapy, I wasn't at risk and I could go back to the gym for my workouts four months after surgery. My prosthesis fitter, however, felt anyone with breast surgery is at risk, but I decided to go with the doctors' advice. Well, here I am, one year later, and I have the beginnings of lymphedema. Now the doctors are telling me that any time the lymph nodes are involved (I had 11 removed; someone told me I would be okay since the other remaining nodes would compensate)lymphedema is a risk. HEY! If they told me that before, I would've been more careful with my arm! This is going to involve major lifestyle change, and I don't know how I'm going to do it! I'm an active person--and now I'm not supposed to lift more than 15 pounds!? I should've listened to my prosthesis fitter--after all, she sees women with all types of breast cancer conditions and she would know better.... I'm so upset I could spit (spit! spit! spit!)