No LE but I have a question...

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Snoopsmom
Snoopsmom Member Posts: 119
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema
No LE but I have a question...
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  • Snoopsmom
    Snoopsmom Member Posts: 119
    edited January 2012

    Last week I had a lumpectomy with 2 sentinal lobes removed, none under the armpit. I don't have any indication of LE but I read that you shouldn't have pressure cuffs or needles in the arm where nodes have been removed. Is this true only if you actually have LE, or do I need to heed this even though I don't have it and no nodes were removed from my armpit? (I forgot to ask my BS yesterday at my follow-up exam.) Sorry.....I couldn't find an answer to this anywhere.

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited January 2012

    Snoopsmom, the sentinel nodes were removed from the axilla/arm pit. There are lymphedema risk reduction guidelines, and they're on the National Lymphedema Network

    http://www.lymphnet.org/lymphedemaFAQs/positionPapers.htm

    Here's a good handout from Livestrong:

    http://www.livestrong.org/Get-Help/Learn-About-Cancer/Cancer-Support-Topics/Physical-Effects-of-Cancer/Lymphedema 

    Hope you never join the "sisterhood of swell" but it's good to know how to protect yourself

    Kira

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  • Snoopsmom
    Snoopsmom Member Posts: 119
    edited January 2012

    Thank you Kira, for the very informative links.I didn't know that even sentinal lobe removal puts one at risk for joining the "sisterhood of swell". Unfortunately, my left arm, although not my dominant side, is much stronger than my right and that's the side where I had my surgery. I guess I'd better start building up my right arm more!

    The hospital where I had my surgery has a Lymphedema Surveillance Program and I'm supposed to be contacted one month after my surgery for my second bioimpedence measurement and an evaulation. However, I'm going to have a blood test next week and I didn't know if I should insist they use the opposite arm. I think I will advise them to use the other arm just to be sure.

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited January 2012

    Snoopsmom, as someone who got LE with "just a SNB"--best to avoid trouble.

    You can still exercise the left arm--just slow and steady, and if you're heading into rads, take it really easy while you're going through rads.

    Although the women on this forum are great, we don't want any new members. 

    Kira

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