How common is LE when no nodes are removed?

iammommy

I am having a preventative bmx due to LCIS and famile risk. I do not need to have any lymph nodes roved. Does this lessen my chances of LE. My surgery is this Wednesdaty and I'm really scared. Thanks. Nan

cookiegal

There are women who do get LE without nodes out. I don't know the stats. I am hoping kira or Binney can tell you a bit more. Good Luck!

Suzybelle

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but my understanding is that even with a simple mastectomy, they are going to have to take a couple of nodes.  No getting around it.

And with a couple of nodes removed, you can get LE - there are women who post on this board constantly who got LE as a result of having two nodes removed.

I also understand that it can happen based on how rough a surgeon is with the nodes...and now you know everything I know, which ain't much. 

Mommy, I wish you well and happy - it's stressful I know, but try not to worry.  The odds are in your favor that you won't get LE as long as you're careful.

kira66715

Mommy, it can happen--but it's quite rare. There are nodes removed with the breast--the inframammary nodes, but the risk of LE is very low for you.

Key points: have the surgeons handle the tissues gently, and you don't over do it for the first couple of weeks.

Any symptoms of achiness or swelling in the arm, let someone know.

 It's great that you're aware. The National Lymphedema Network is proposing arm measurements--both arms--for all women pre-op and post-op, but mostly with axillary surgery.

We'll be thinking of you on Wednesday.

Kira 

iammommy

Thanks ladides. And yes, he will only be removing the inframammary nodes. Thanks for the good wishes. Surgery is in 2 days and I'm getting really scared. Good luck to all of you, too!

Nan