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

Posted by sandyjr @sandyjr, Jun 25, 2019

I was speaking to the director of the cancer center where I am getting treatment and expressed my concern about getting lymphedema. I had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed. She says you do not get lymphedema from only having the sentinel nodes removed. If that is true I am going to kiss the ground. Please comment.

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Gail | @gail2206 | Jun 18, 2023
In reply to @maggieb892 "I am experiening the same thing. I was getting it undercontrol but had a flare up..." + (show)
@maggieb892

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.

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I had a bilateral mastectomy five years ago and ended up with lymphedema in both breasts. My breast care nurse gave me a soft foam ball to place in my armpit. I bend my elbow towards my chest and then lower my arm to squeeze the ball. It gives me instant relief.
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1 reply
drummergirl | @drummergirl | Jun 18, 2023

Hi Sandy- I missed some of the posts, so maybe someone else has already passed this info on to you. I had the minimal (sentinel and 2 others) removed on left side. They give you exercises to do and be sure to do them. I got some mild lymphedema anyway. Don’t wait, go to therapist with expertise in lymphatic message. If they catch it early enough, they can reverse. My therapist made a big difference. She can also show you how to do it yourself. Best of luck.

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dick61 | @dick61 | Jun 19, 2023

And you had a skilled surgeon like I did. Fingers crossed for you!!!

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timely | @timely | Dec 8, 2023
In reply to @yani2023 "Hi, had the same issue, My oncologist told me to keep my whole arm straight up..." + (show)
@yani2023

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

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How were you able to do this? 6 hours a day????

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timely | @timely | Dec 8, 2023

That is not true. 1% of those will h only sentinel node removed get breast lymphedema…

I am one.

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timely | @timely | Dec 8, 2023
In reply to @gail2206 "I had a bilateral mastectomy five years ago and ended up with lymphedema in both breasts...." + (show)
@gail2206

I had a bilateral mastectomy five years ago and ended up with lymphedema in both breasts. My breast care nurse gave me a soft foam ball to place in my armpit. I bend my elbow towards my chest and then lower my arm to squeeze the ball. It gives me instant relief.

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What is the size any any idea wher to get one?

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katrina123 | @katrina123 | Dec 8, 2023

I had no lymph nodes removed and I have breast lymphedema. I had a lumpectomy with 4 weeks of radiation.

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1 reply
timely | @timely | Dec 9, 2023
In reply to @katrina123 "I had no lymph nodes removed and I have breast lymphedema. I had a lumpectomy with..." + (show)
@katrina123

I had no lymph nodes removed and I have breast lymphedema. I had a lumpectomy with 4 weeks of radiation.

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@katrina132

Are you doing manual massage and how long does it take?

Or did you get one of those vests to use? How long does that take?

At what point did you find out you had this and how???

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