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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
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.
Replies to "Hi @sarahmh I had two sentinel nodes removed. The breast surgeon said that he had to..."
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So we are in the 1%? I sure wish it was the financial 1%; I’d pay everyone’s medical bills! It’s such a slap to not only get cancer but have to pay tens of thousands for the privilege.
Hey, I have “sensitivity” to Vicryl sutures as well! My OB first recognized it, when the 40 stitches I got after delivering my first baby didn’t dissolve, and the tear took 4 months to heal, and hurt and itched and was swollen. I mentioned the suture sensitivity to my breast surgeon and IR doc who inserted/removed my chemo port. They didn’t seem to have heard of this and I don’t think they took it seriously, and I had the same issues (but much less severe) at my armpit and port incisions. My skin would also “spit out” little pieces of suture material for months. The breast incision, which curved right around my areola, was pretty much fine, except for the visible knotted end which took forever to disappear/fall off/dissolve. I had my port removed 1.5 years ago, and I think I currently have one of those bumps encasing a stitch that you’re talking about!