Protect your arms after surgery

Apaugh
Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
in Breast Cancer #1

I had a bilateral masectomy.  Nodes taken out of the right side only.  Because of this, the surgeon said it was ok to have my blood pressure taken in the left arm and it was ok to have an IV and blood test as well.  Even though I kept telling him, my arm hurts.  I think something is wrong.  He said it was impossible to develop lymphedema in the arm where no nodes were removed. 

Now here I am with severe lymphedema in both arms.  I have to do physical therapy and will have to wear compression sleeves and gloves the rest of my life.  I tell you this to say, Ladies, protect your arms.  Dont let them do this too you.  Lymphedema is painful and it is very real.  Dont take a chance with your arms. 

Comments

  • Mariangel43
    Mariangel43 Member Posts: 79
    edited October 2016 #2
    Lymphedema

    Thanks for the advice.  That's the first thing I said to the breast surgeon (BS).  He couldn't take out all lymph nodes.  He took only three and I have slight swelling in my right arm (the side of the mastectomy).  I am sorry you have to deal with that.  I have not been radiated yet.  One of my conditions for the RO is no radiation to my armpit and the nodes in the axilla.  I read that some people have developed trunk lymphedema. I have my right side swollen and it doesn't go down. 

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #3
    hugs

    hugs

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