Can you get lymphedema if you only had sentinel node removed?

I had sentinel node biopsies in the pelvic region. I've had two vaccinations and two boosters all in my upper arm and did not get lymphedema. Maybe it depends on where the lymph nodes were biopsied?

I am scheduled for dissection. of axillary mode as one has cancer in it...enlarged.... Had IDC in 2016 so this is recurrence. Am really scared. Can anyone who had this surgery tell me your experience...and how did you handle the tube drain...??? My lumpectomy was easy .

cindylb...
That is such a good idea. I wish I had thought of that before I received both my 5th covid vaccine and my high dose flu shot in the same arm. My arm was sore for 3 days.
I have had full breast radiation so I stay away from the radiation side for vaccines, blood draws and blood pressure checks.
Thanks.... I will remember your suggestion.
Katrina

Hi Catherine,
I might be totally misunderstanding your question but I had a sentinel lymph node excised when I had a lumpectomy and had no drainage tube or any healing issues. The residual scar, a year later, is nearly invisible and looks like a fading kitty scratch.

If you are only having one or a few nodes removed, it might be a relatively easy procedure? If you're having all the nodes removed in that area, ask the surgeon or oncologist for as much support as is available, including post-surgery physical therapy. That can make a big difference and potentially the chances of edema and discomfort while you recover. Sending best wishes to you and, really, all of us in the frontlines.

Thank you...surgeon doing limited dissection... Not complete one but still need drain.

My understanding from my surgeon is that the procedure is to remove 1 - 3 sentinel nodes during the surgery ( at the beginning). In the case they find those positive, then she will remove all 20 - 30 axillary lymph nodes during the surgery. I think lymphedema for sentinel nodes has a small percentage. She told me that the percentage of getting lymphedema after removing 20-30 axillary nodes is 20 - 30% percentage. Please let me know if this is a normal procedure. The surgeon is from Mount Sinai hospital.

You need a physical therapist who works with lymphedema. I found out that my right arm, with three lymph nodes removed, is a bit bigger than my left upper arm. I am gonna follow up and learn the exercises.
My problem is my youngest dog keeps scratching me
And yesterday got me on the right arm. I’m tired of getting shots in the derrière. So I bought some long baseball type sleeves.

Breast Lymphedema.......

You can get lymphedema without having a lymph node biopsy or removal. I had full breast radiation with a boost in April of 2020 and I now have transient breast lymphedema. I had never even heard of lymphedema in the breast before.
I would be interested to know if anyone else has experienced breast lymphedema and what the progression was like.
Thanks
Katrina

I am experiening the same thing. I was getting it undercontrol but had a flare up recently. PT thought it might have been stress and/or travel (which I have had both). She gave me a pad to compress the breast to force the fluid out. She also suggested wearing a compression tank top. I'm in the process of getting one. I need some suggestions from women who use them and what brands.

Hi, had the same issue, My oncologist told me to keep my whole arm straight up lifted above my head as much as possible. This simple procedure helps to drain liquid accumulated. I did this 3 x a day for 2hr each time. In about 2 week, my swelling subsided. Hope this helps