Sentinel lymph node removal, avoiding lymphedema and vaccinations

Posted by jojo22 @jojo22, Aug 16, 2023

Hello! I had a bilateral mastectomy and two lymph nodes removed on each side in January 2023. I didn’t have reconstruction so I’m fully recovered. I had some cording issues post surgery but worked with an OT and that has all been resolved since March. I didn’t have any lymphedema. Flu season is coming and I want to have a flu and Covid vaccination in the fall. My doctor said I don’t need to worry and to have the vaccinations. What do those of you who’ve had lymph nodes removal on both sides do? Do you ask to have the shots in the thigh? Go ahead and have them in the arm? Any issues?

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Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Aug 16, 2023

You can have a vaccine in any good muscle. My cousin always had them in her thigh for this very reason. I had one in my thigh when I was severely underweight due to treatments.
Neither of us ever had a reaction.
Have you always gotten them in the past?