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Can’t get lymphedema if you only had sentinel node removed??????
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.
My surgeon told me I shouldn’t worry, I won’t get Lymphedema; so when I did, I showed him and he sent me to a physical therapist who specializes in our condition. 2 years later, physical therapy, a compression vest with a sleeve, arm wraps & sleeves, it is under control.
Never let anyone do anything (take blood, blood pressure, anything) with or to your effected arm! If a tech does not listen to you, tell him to STOP & request to talk to someone in charge. I’m so sorry for your experience. Don’t be afraid to say NO and stand your ground.
Did I answer your question or just prattle on?
I have had bilateral breast cancer and NO ONE CARES. When I say I want stuff done in my foot, they do not want to. I have found two people that will draw from my foot, but what do I do if I need surgery? It seems no one in the NJ area cares. If I say anything, they all look at me and either do not answer or say “so”. The oncologist that fired me as a patient the other day (because I had questions for her) would not answer me when I told her of my concern and said that she did not seem to be concerned. I am glad she walked out of the room on me because I was not liking her. That is why I have an appointment with the head of oncology for the whole health network early next month. I am going to wait to talk to him before I make any decisions.
@cindylb I didn't have full mastectomies, just greatly reduced and reshaped so they're about a size "A" now…compared to F++ feels like I'm flat. Don't have to wear bras anymore AND in our pool I get on a float without top so I can sunbathe and get an even tan!!!!
I am on my fourth oncologist now (one time was because of an insurance change) but two were because it just wasn't a good fit. Keep working until you find someone you trust and who listens. Its too important not to do that.
Press for what you feel comfortable with for blood pressure checks and blood work sticks and such. Doctors haven't all caught up with the lymphedema risk yet.
Hugs
trixie1313 – isn't it great not wearing bras. That and I lost some weight I needed to drop through the whole ordeal….that's the only good thing I can say about cancer, ha ha!
LOL – I was hoping to lose weight, but with the Taxol chemo, I gained (which oncologist thought would happen) and with Femara (letrozole) my weight is holding. Phooey!!! Maybe after a while I can start losing some poundage.
trixie1313 – If it makes you feel any better…….several years into this all I have to do is look at a donut and I gain 2 pounds…ha ha
It makes me feel better that you have made the choice of finding the right oncologist for you. My first one was a good doctor I think, but he was unreasonable when he would not get a second reading on my diagnostic mamo….the report was full of errors and I asked for a second reading by a different radiologist and he said NO….WE HAVE GOOD DRs….who don’t know their left from their right and what years the two different cancers happened in and even more. He also yelled at me and told me the reason why I had anxiety was because I wouldn’t pay out of pocket for psychological counseling…WTH? Maybe I had anxiety because it was my second cancer and a radiologist had misdiagnosed it twice even though it clearly showed up on mamo and ultrasound…also I have great insurance so why would I even think of paying out of pocket…I still don’t get it, him throwing this in my face. The second was a woman that did not want to answer my questions and huffed out of the room when I pointed out she was wrong about a test report I had with me. Who needs someone who does not want to relate and who has you in a slot that says if this then that. Running out of the room was very unprofessional…she would not admit she was wrong. I think some of these doctors do not want us to read and understand our reports. Now I am looking for number 3. I sure hope I make a better choice this time.
Sandy – My husband was diagnosed with a Stage 4 cancer of unknown primary about a year and a half ago. They said he would die in a few months. Thankfully they have been wrong but we still struggle with what the heck is going on. During our oncology visit to discuss options for treatment and getting the thin diagnosis of 'we just don't know'………the oncologist got up and said she had to see another patient (15 minutes in to the appointment). She said the patient she needed to see was 'really sick'………..like a terminal man isn't. She was also my oncologist. We changed immediately. I was taking notes for my husband and holding a ball point pen. I was so angry when she got up and left I looked down and I had cracked that pen in half. Trust me, I'm not that strong, ha ha.
We now have a doctor who listens, who is compassionate and never scoffs at our questions or concerns. It's too important not to have a doctor who will work with you.
Hugs
Can lymphedema be caused by rabid racoon bite and/or rabies vaccine? I queried the L Society but no reply.
I don’t exactly know the answer but I know it is technically a buildup of lymph fluid, it might be possible.