Re: Lymphedema

drizzellla · ‎03-14-2010

Before I had my mastectomy, lymphedema was discussed. My girlfriend had a mastectormy 25+ years ago and had 25 lymph nodes removed. Her one arm is huge, bigger than a leg. She went to physical theraphy for years.

I had 6 lymph nodes removed and also went to physical theraphy. I can notice a difference in my two arms. And I notice a difference in my legs. The Doctor said that removing 6 lymph nodes would not affect me - well it did.

I also use my right arm to do all the heavy lifting. And now my right arm hurts on occasion. Because I am using the one arm, instead or using both arms to lift and carry heavy items.

Helpful Hannah · ‎12-31-2018

If you're really interested in this, watch "Dr. Pimple Popper" (that rally is its name).

She recently had a segment that featured people with lymphodemias; some were severely afflicted and from one woman, she removed something like 50 lumps. That poor woman! It was high on the "ick" factor but she felt like a normal human being again and all the tugging, cutting, sewing up, etc., was worth it.

Financialgrl · ‎03-13-2010

Battled an aggressive cancer in 2011 - 27 lymph nodes removed (23 malignant). Had no problem till 4 years after surgery - I slipped on ice and came down hard on my arm, Now have lymphedema in my right arm. In the summer when it's hot it seems to be worse.

Was told not to put weight on that arm - bc I baby the arm with lymphedema my left arm has to do the work for both and it is beyond skinny now! Every once it awhile I get cellulitis and have to get an antibiotic to clear that up. I have to wear a compression sleeve on that arm.

kismet · ‎03-10-2010

Before I had my surgery my surgeon measured my arm. He did take out the sentinel node and I think 2 more. No change in my arm. Then before I went to radiation I was measured again and then again at the end. I had no swelling. I was told the same thing regarding BP and any other things on the affected side. One nurse told me that now it's only two years to wait and I told her which side I said. I always hold out my left arm for any tests or blood draws. Why take the chance? A friend that had female cancer had a problem with one leg but she never went for help. I think I had more discomfort from the nodes taken out than the breast surgery.

katiemichelle · ‎06-10-2015

@Helpful Hannah wrote:
If you're really interested in this, watch "Dr. Pimple Popper" (that rally is its name).

She recently had a segment that featured people with lymphodemias; some were severely afflicted and from one woman, she removed something like 50 lumps. That poor woman! It was high on the "ick" factor but she felt like a normal human being again and all the tugging, cutting, sewing up, etc., was worth it.

This was absolutely nothing like lymphedema related to removal of lymph nodes due to breast cancer! You are probably thinking of the woman with Nuerofibromatosis.