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Msterling
Msterling Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Hello everyone I just found this site and for the first time I decided to join a breast cancer group-even though it is online, reading everyone's thoughts and responses has really encouraged me to open up....something I've done with very few ppl.

I was diagnosed with dcis 1 year ago. I had a double mastectomy and got my implants in June 2012. They removed 1 lymph node from my left arm back in December of 2011. Well 3 days ago I had blood drawn from my left arm. I totally forgot I wasn't suppose to allow blood to be drawn from there. So far I have no swelling but I'm worried I could have caused some damage. Are there any signs I should be looking for? I read somewhere this could trigger lymphedemia...

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  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited December 2012

    Hi, you have joined the right group. We might be a little slow on response because it's the weekend and some of us are crazy busy but you will get replys. The best place to go right now is the website created by some of the girls on this board. It is: stepupspeakout then look for the words lymphedma. That is the website you want. Everything you need to know is there.

    As for your risk, yes, you are at risk but it probably is very low, with 1 node out. However some girls here have had LE (lymphedema ) from only 1 node out. Some signs of early LE is heaviness, tingling. just a plain ole tired out arm and maybe some slight swelling.  Others such as me only developed LE after about 5 yr post BC. I had 11 nodes out if I can remember right.

    Don't panic, I think you will be OK, just watch for signs. You are the smartest to be proactive.

    Stick with us even though you might not have LE and learn as much as you canCool

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  • Msterling
    Msterling Member Posts: 2
    edited December 2012

    Wow! That was fast! Thanks so much. The thing is, that now that I am aware of some of the symptoms like the tingling I start to feel it. I don't know if its in my head or if its real. It comes and goes.Lately anything unusual freaks me out and it's not like me. I know I'll end up calling my doctor on Monday just to make sure. My guard is always up lately....I need to relax I guess...and stay busy- keep my mind off wayward thoughts....

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2012

    Msterling, welcome to BCO! As well as many other topics, you'll find information about lymphedema here at the main Breastcancer.org site, in the Lymphedema section.

    • The Mods

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  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited December 2012

    Mastering. Have you found any relief? I am bringing your thread to the top. Hopefully the girls will see it. Did you go to doc?

    Most docs have no clue or in denial to LE. I hope yours is educated to lymphedema. Or docs have the picture in their head that lymphedema is a hugh arm or leg that is distorted and dismiss you.  Not so. It can start out gradual.

    Ps Don't worry, more than likely you are safe instead put the energy into education of LE.Wink

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  • purple32
    purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
    edited December 2012

    Msterling


    This site is a great resource while you are waiting for more replies :
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/What_%20is%20_Lymphedema.htm

    In the meantime, no more blood draws (oops) and do not lift anything heavy with that arm.

    Pls let us know how you do.  Hopefully, you will be just fine.


    Good Luck!

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