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

I had four sentinal lymph nodes removed. My Physical Therapist, whom I saw as soon as I could after surgery, started measuring several points on my arm. She told me that I should have had pre- surgery measurements done, but they had forgotten to do it. I also was instructed how to do lymph node draining on myself. So yes, you absolutely can get lymphedema from sentinal lymph node removal, only.

I had seven notes removed and a right breast mastectomy and have lymphedema and the main cause it seems points toward letrozole that I’ve been taking apparently 23% of people who have issues with lymphedema have been taking tetrazole so you might want to check and see if it’s more due to the side effects of the drug that it is the surgery. I have lymphedema in my right arm and both by legs they double in size when I was on the drug now, they do swell slightly and when I travel, but I wear compression socks, I highly recommend a check side effects of your drug.

I have lymphedema in my breast and I did not have any lymph nodes removed.

I had a prophylactic DMX (Atypical hypertrophy and LCIS) and no lymphnodes removed. I saw a lymphedema specialist (LDX and measurments) pre -surgery and again at six weeks post-surgery. I had residual lymphedema of 9% in my right and left upper arm. So, it's not just lymph-node removal that creates problems; extensive surgery to the chest wall can contribute because the lymph needs to find new routes into the lymphatic system since small lymph vessels are damaged. Funny thing is (or maybe not so funny) I religiously did my lymphedema, and PT, exercises! At my postope appt. I told the specialists that I think my arms (and toros and thighs which they did not measure) are retaining fluid; these areas felt "heavier' than normal and were in opinion visibly swollen...and jiggly. I am thin and the retention is not unslightly, just annoying - and a little worrying. I am still in the "good range" and the specialist believes the condition is acute - not long term. I am going back in September 24th for 10 week assessment. We added a couple new exercises and more precisely targeted (for compression and massage) the parasternal and paravertebral lymphnodes...I think it's working but it the reduction is slooow. I can report back if people are interested. And yes, the specialist thought it was odd that I was retaining fluid when not having an axillary dissection. Maybe this was before the DMX I had a lumpectomy and the DMX was just over a month later. I teach and asked that the DMX be done asap just in case path came back with another diagnosis and I required further treatment. My goal was to be ready to go back to work -did do!

I only had three sentinal nodes removed and was told I was low risk for lympasima but got fitted for a compression sleeve when I fly anyway as a precaution. So far so good. I do for for lymphatic massages just to feel good and move the lymph system.

I am reporting the ad to a moderator for review--thanks for noting this.

The lymphedema 10 year prediction was due to radiation treatments. I had a medical alert bracelet which I stopped wearing as I don't feel that bracelets are the answer; they're easily ignored. I had a hospital provided alert bracelet put on before a surgery which still didn't stop trained medical personnel from attempting to put a BP cuff on that arm. Plus I'm a bit taken aback by this obvious attempt of advertising a product.

@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???

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

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