Can lymphedema happen at anytime?
Leeza
Comments
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Leeza
Unfortunately, it can happen any time. Depending on how many lymph nodes were removed and weather or not underarm area was radiated the chances are lower or higher. Swelling is the sign, pain. This link could very useful http://www.lymphnet.org
How many were removed in your case?0 -
Hi New Flower! I had theNew Flower said:Leeza
Unfortunately, it can happen any time. Depending on how many lymph nodes were removed and weather or not underarm area was radiated the chances are lower or higher. Swelling is the sign, pain. This link could very useful http://www.lymphnet.org
How many were removed in your case?
Hi New Flower! I had the sentinel node biopsy, so, my PS only took the one node, and, since it was clear, he didn't take anymore. So, I was hoping since I only had that one removed that I would be ok and not have to worry about lymphedema. I did have rads to my underarm, as well as the breast area. Thanks for your feedback and the site information.
Leeza0 -
It was almost 2 months post
It was almost 2 months post surgery (Oct.09) before I had any problems with lymphadema. Have been working on it since (with lymphademologist) but still don't have the right glove/sleeve combo for day wear (night sleeve is fine) - so still doing a lot of wrapping. He just ordered another custom sleeve with different compression so hopefully it'll work and I should have it late this week or early next.
"It" can show up anytime - even years later.
For me - 'puffiness' is what I see. Also a 'hard' feeling to under the skin. No pain at all.0 -
Hi Leeza...
I developed lymphedema 17 months after surgery. All of my lymph nodes were removed. I was careful with my hand/arm, but still developed it. My symptoms were swelling in arm and hand. Also, my arm gets hard and warm to the touch.
Just trying to keep it from getting worse now.
CR0 -
13 Years Later
I have been told that it can happen at any time. Nurse sited one case...13 years later.
Nothing like feeling secure!!!
So....we all need to be careful and watch that arm.
Hugs,
Janelle0 -
Got a LONG lecture!Different Ballgame said:13 Years Later
I have been told that it can happen at any time. Nurse sited one case...13 years later.
Nothing like feeling secure!!!
So....we all need to be careful and watch that arm.
Hugs,
Janelle
Week before last I got a lecture for about 15 minutes from Kyle (Lymphademologist) about being sure not to allow anyone to use my right arm for anything - after he found out that I was having another nuclear bone scan and would have to be injected. I already knew that but to start with it was kinda funny to listen to how adament he was. That if they couldn't get one vein to work, there were others in left arm and hand and leg or they could use my port - etc. etc. etc. I finally told him to "SHUT UP! I know that and I have great veins everywhere so they will get a good one!" I've been told in the past by blood techs that I don't have 'women's veins' but 'men's veins' (LOL)
I thought it was funny anyway - maybe 'you' had to be there! LOL
Yes - you do always have to be very careful!
Susan0 -
I guess I will always justMarcia527 said:They removed 15 nodes from
They removed 15 nodes from me and, knock on wood, no lymphedema yet after seven years almost. But I did read there is no time limit so I take care of that arm.
I guess I will always just be very careful with that arm and keep an eye on any swelling that I might get. Thanks for the wealth of information. You guys are great!
Hugs, Leeza0 -
When I was in radiation, theRague said:Got a LONG lecture!
Week before last I got a lecture for about 15 minutes from Kyle (Lymphademologist) about being sure not to allow anyone to use my right arm for anything - after he found out that I was having another nuclear bone scan and would have to be injected. I already knew that but to start with it was kinda funny to listen to how adament he was. That if they couldn't get one vein to work, there were others in left arm and hand and leg or they could use my port - etc. etc. etc. I finally told him to "SHUT UP! I know that and I have great veins everywhere so they will get a good one!" I've been told in the past by blood techs that I don't have 'women's veins' but 'men's veins' (LOL)
I thought it was funny anyway - maybe 'you' had to be there! LOL
Yes - you do always have to be very careful!
Susan
When I was in radiation, the rad nurse gave me the lymphadema talk and said to use the arm but don't abuse it. She has seen lymphadema when only one node was removed so it can happen to all of us at any time. No blood pressure cuffs, blood draws, etc. to be done on that arm.0 -
My lymphedema started after
My lymphedema started after 2 weeks of surgery, even before the radiation, almost 3.5 years ago. Its not painful, But you have to keep it in order. The most important thing is to watch for infections (even insect bites and gardening) on the side where the nodes were removed, front and back and from the neck to mid torso. When you travel by plain, need some protection, bandaging. The most important, is to get to the doctor on time, if god forbid the arm is swollen. They would start antibiotics and, in some cases, it might be reversible with the elevated hand for a while. Best side is www.lymphedemapeople.com.
I am sure nothing would happen to you, just have positive attitude and be aware. All the best0 -
13 years later? Wow IDifferent Ballgame said:13 Years Later
I have been told that it can happen at any time. Nurse sited one case...13 years later.
Nothing like feeling secure!!!
So....we all need to be careful and watch that arm.
Hugs,
Janelle
13 years later? Wow I guess it does happen at anytime. I will continue to be careful with that arm and just keep an eye on it. Thank you.0 -
Lymphedema and air travel
Has anyone heard about wearing a sleeve for air travel to prevent lymphedema? A friend at the chemo clinic told me that a sleeve is suggested when traveling by air to prevent any problems. I had 4 lymph nodes removed.
Thanks in advance for feed back.
BL0 -
I don't have lymphedema,Different Ballgame said:13 Years Later
I have been told that it can happen at any time. Nurse sited one case...13 years later.
Nothing like feeling secure!!!
So....we all need to be careful and watch that arm.
Hugs,
Janelle
I don't have lymphedema, and, am hoping that I don't Leeza. But, I was also told that it can happen anytime. So, always be very careful with your arm. I pray you never get it.
Sue
0 -
it's possible
I had a conversation with a Breast Cancer Navigator RN about lymphedema precautions. Yes, it can happen anytime. It sounds like they don't exactly know what to tell people who had limited nodes removed. I had 3 removed on one side and 1 removed on the other. According to the "standard precautions" I'm supposed to have everything done in/on my feet and legs. Well, that opens the door to another set of problems, the biggest being thrombophlebitis (inflamation of the veins with clot formation). That can kill you! So, we decided I should have sticks and single BP's in the side with only 1 node removed. If I need multiple BP's (like during surgery or procedures) they should be done on my calf.
One of the things we can do to help prevent lymphedema is to not restrict circulation in the arm. So, avoid tight cuffs on clothing, tight bracelets, etc. The hardest thing for me to avoid is hanging a bag or purse from my forearm. It makes bringing in the groceries take a lot more trips to the car .
You've already gotten good descriptions of what to look for so, I won't repeat it. I would avoid using the affected arm for sticks and BP's whenever possible and be careful to avoid restricting circulation.
Congratulations on the negative node!
Hugs, El0 -
I got a big lecture tooRague said:Got a LONG lecture!
Week before last I got a lecture for about 15 minutes from Kyle (Lymphademologist) about being sure not to allow anyone to use my right arm for anything - after he found out that I was having another nuclear bone scan and would have to be injected. I already knew that but to start with it was kinda funny to listen to how adament he was. That if they couldn't get one vein to work, there were others in left arm and hand and leg or they could use my port - etc. etc. etc. I finally told him to "SHUT UP! I know that and I have great veins everywhere so they will get a good one!" I've been told in the past by blood techs that I don't have 'women's veins' but 'men's veins' (LOL)
I thought it was funny anyway - maybe 'you' had to be there! LOL
Yes - you do always have to be very careful!
Susan
I got a big lecture too about being very careful with that arm. I don't have lymphedema, but, was also told that you can get it years and years later. The bc survivors here have given you good advice Leeza. Good luck to you!0 -
Thanks for all of this goodms_independent said:it's possible
I had a conversation with a Breast Cancer Navigator RN about lymphedema precautions. Yes, it can happen anytime. It sounds like they don't exactly know what to tell people who had limited nodes removed. I had 3 removed on one side and 1 removed on the other. According to the "standard precautions" I'm supposed to have everything done in/on my feet and legs. Well, that opens the door to another set of problems, the biggest being thrombophlebitis (inflamation of the veins with clot formation). That can kill you! So, we decided I should have sticks and single BP's in the side with only 1 node removed. If I need multiple BP's (like during surgery or procedures) they should be done on my calf.
One of the things we can do to help prevent lymphedema is to not restrict circulation in the arm. So, avoid tight cuffs on clothing, tight bracelets, etc. The hardest thing for me to avoid is hanging a bag or purse from my forearm. It makes bringing in the groceries take a lot more trips to the car .
You've already gotten good descriptions of what to look for so, I won't repeat it. I would avoid using the affected arm for sticks and BP's whenever possible and be careful to avoid restricting circulation.
Congratulations on the negative node!
Hugs, El
Thanks for all of this good advice. And, thanks El on congratulating me on the negative node. I was so happy, to say the least! Good luck to you!
Hugs, Leeza0 -
Never Even Considered the 2nd Paragraph for Avoidancems_independent said:it's possible
I had a conversation with a Breast Cancer Navigator RN about lymphedema precautions. Yes, it can happen anytime. It sounds like they don't exactly know what to tell people who had limited nodes removed. I had 3 removed on one side and 1 removed on the other. According to the "standard precautions" I'm supposed to have everything done in/on my feet and legs. Well, that opens the door to another set of problems, the biggest being thrombophlebitis (inflamation of the veins with clot formation). That can kill you! So, we decided I should have sticks and single BP's in the side with only 1 node removed. If I need multiple BP's (like during surgery or procedures) they should be done on my calf.
One of the things we can do to help prevent lymphedema is to not restrict circulation in the arm. So, avoid tight cuffs on clothing, tight bracelets, etc. The hardest thing for me to avoid is hanging a bag or purse from my forearm. It makes bringing in the groceries take a lot more trips to the car .
You've already gotten good descriptions of what to look for so, I won't repeat it. I would avoid using the affected arm for sticks and BP's whenever possible and be careful to avoid restricting circulation.
Congratulations on the negative node!
Hugs, El
Dear El,
Tnaks for advising all to avoid that was stated in your 2nd paragraph. I never considered a hanging bag or purchase on the forearm and bringing in the groceries. Also, never thought about tight cuffs on clothing and tight bracelets.
These postings are what make us smarter!!!!
Lots of Hugs,
Janelle0 -
glad to helpDifferent Ballgame said:Never Even Considered the 2nd Paragraph for Avoidance
Dear El,
Tnaks for advising all to avoid that was stated in your 2nd paragraph. I never considered a hanging bag or purchase on the forearm and bringing in the groceries. Also, never thought about tight cuffs on clothing and tight bracelets.
These postings are what make us smarter!!!!
Lots of Hugs,
Janelle
Leeza and Janelle,
Glad I could help.
El0 -
I appreciate thisms_independent said:glad to help
Leeza and Janelle,
Glad I could help.
El
I appreciate this information too! Thanks!0 -
I have flown on airplane andmeira40 said:My lymphedema started after
My lymphedema started after 2 weeks of surgery, even before the radiation, almost 3.5 years ago. Its not painful, But you have to keep it in order. The most important thing is to watch for infections (even insect bites and gardening) on the side where the nodes were removed, front and back and from the neck to mid torso. When you travel by plain, need some protection, bandaging. The most important, is to get to the doctor on time, if god forbid the arm is swollen. They would start antibiotics and, in some cases, it might be reversible with the elevated hand for a while. Best side is www.lymphedemapeople.com.
I am sure nothing would happen to you, just have positive attitude and be aware. All the best
I have flown on airplane and never had a problem. Should I use something even if I don't have lymphedema?0
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