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Has anyone had breast lymphedema which then spread to the arm?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Dec 25, 2023 | Replies (39)Comment receiving replies
I assume you had lymph nodes removed; may I ask how many? I had four removed and developed breast lymphedema shortly after. I keep it under control with a Swell Spot and a weekly lymphedema-focused exercise class (it helps your entire lymphatic system). I do worry about developing lymphedema in my arm, since my doc told me it can appear even years after surgery. I make sure to get all blood draws and pressures taken on the “good” side so as not to invite lymphedema in the arm. I also wear a compression sleeve if flying.
Replies to "I assume you had lymph nodes removed; may I ask how many? I had four removed..."
Hi @sarahmh
I had two sentinel nodes removed. The breast surgeon said that he had to “dig” out the smaller sentinel node under the bigger one.
Since the 11/21/22 surgery, I had pain at sentinel node site, middle of armpit and top of armpit. That lasted until lumpectomy PT massaged that in November 2023. Also, had an
allergic reaction to the dissolving stitches all along bat wing stitch area and at sentinel node. My body encased each stitch in small bumps instead of dissolving them so I had perhaps 40 bumps which took at least 6 months to finally dissolve. One bump
lasted 9 months.
Plus, radiation therapy gave me fibrosis and scar tissue.
Only 1% of those with only sentinel node removal get lymphedema.
The lymphedema PT had me get this product that fitted into the bra area all the way to the bra hooks in the back. It was hug and unwieldy and difficult to get in the bra. (It was like a gigantic swell spot. Lol.)
Could not use.She made me a bag to fit in the bra with different size sponges which fits.
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5 lymph nodes removed for my reoccurrence but my breast lymphedema started with my original breast cancer ( only 3 removed then) is your lymphedema class online? I wear a swell spot too. No problems with my arm.