Need sleeve advice

Charlotte10

   Question: I am one year out from a lumpectomy with no lymph node involvement found in a sentinel procedure with two checked. (Had chemo and rads due to grade and family history). Surgeon said I should not get lymphedema and mentioned nothing about sleeve, glove, etc. Have had no symptoms so far.

   I am planning a flight to Europe this summer and wondered if i should get some compression devices to wear on the long plane trip as a precaution. What do you all recommend?  Is there an over-the-counter basic type I can order, rather than having to get an expert involved in measuring, etc? Seems like my typical XL would be the size to order. Any advice? Brands/companies/styles? What for the hand? All info appreciated.

    

Anonymous

Hi Charlotte10, well unfortunately it does not seem to make a difference if you have one node out or all nodes out when it comes to lymphedema.  There are women who have had one node out and developed lymphadema and there are other women who have had multiple nodes out and don't develop it.  I read on this board somewhere that there is a theory that perhaps women who do develop lymphedema already had somewhat compromised lymph systems even if they did not know it.  So having said all of this your best option is to find yourself a good lymphedema therapist. Check out the website www.stepup-speakout.org  There is lots of good information on that site.  

I had 10 nodes removed & had chemo and rads.  After I finished treatment hubby and I went to Vegas for a celebration and then 6 months later we went to Aruba for vacation.  In January of 2010 my arm was swollen. I did not have a sleeve or glove/guantlet for either flight.  Would having a sleeve & glove made a difference, I'll never know.  In hindsight I wish I had known to go to a therapist before I went on either trip & had been fitted for a sleeve.

I would definitely recommend a sleeve and glove or gauntlet for flying and please go to an LE therapist first.

Best wishes 

Charlotte10

Thanks for the info/recs, PurpleMe. There is always more to these things than the doctors tell you, and this is such a good source! I'll check the Speakup site too. -- charlotte10