surgery needed on arm with lymphodema

redthread

I was recently diagnosed with skin cancer on my arm.  Of course it's on the same side I had lymph nodes removed and had lymphodema in.  I obviously must get the skin cancer removed.  Anyone have any experience with having surgery on an arm with lymphodema?  My lymphodema therapist hasn't had anyone with this issue in the past and couldn't offer much information other than she advised to wear a compression sleeve as soon as the incision site was healed enough.

hugz4u

So sorry you have skin Cancer. And wouldn't you know it that it would have to be on your LE arm. Yikes! So some girls here have had carpul tunnel surgery done on their LE hands also have broken, LE hands etc and I think some have had even shoulder surgery. I can't advise you as I am inexperienced in this but I know some girl will come on to answer your question. There are things you can do. 

I can help you with burns on LE arm though as I am now the "official burn queen" My burnt finger is wrapped with ointment as we speak.

If you haven't joined our threads yet then I am most happy you have posted your concerns here. Welcome and fire away any questions. Visit stepup-speakout.org for more great LE help. It should have a link about surgey with LE. Some of our experts made the site available and it is just the best for LE education.

KittyDog

I had hand surgery for tendon release in my middle finger and thumb and it was my LE arm. I did swell a good bit in the four weeks I wasn't allowed to wear my sleeve and gauntlet.  It did come back down with lots of TLC and MLD.  My hand still wants to puff in the thumb area but the surgery benefits have been well worth it.  Before surgery I couldn't pick up anything with out screaming or my fingers locking and me having to pry them open.  

Sorry about the cancer...wish you the best with your surgery.

Binney4

Hello, redthread, and welcome!

Really sorry for the reasons that brought you here, but glad you found us. Here are some guidelines for surgery on an arm (or chest, or breast, or whatever) with lymphedema:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Medical_Care_lymphedema.htm#GUIDELINES_FOR_SURGERY_ON_AN_ARM,_SHOULDER,_HAND_OR_BREAST_WITH_LYMPHEDEMA_

Your therapist can help by making sure the lymphedema is in excellent control beforehand, and also afterward she can help guide you as you gently do some self-MLD. So sorry about the skin cancer, but looking forward with you to smooth sailing to complete healing.

Be well!
Binney

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I had to have my implant out on my lymphedema side. No issues...thankfully. Headed for reconstruction #2.

Binney4

Maria, so glad the stupid LE stayed steady. Good for you for taking good care of yourself!

How soon is the next recon? Hope you get a real, healing break in between,Binney

BoobsinaBox

Redhead,



Hope I'm not too late seeing this, and that my experience is helpful. I had hand/wrist surgery eleven months ago. I have only very mild LE, bilaterally, but I was very worried. I kept my arm elevated pretty much all the time above my heart after surgery, did MLD on that arm frequently throughout the day, and if I woke in the night. I had a lot of swelling, but the MLD kept it from getting too bad. It took a few months for all the swelling to go down, but it has, and I am back to my normal.



I wish you the very best with your surgery and any follow-up treatment, and hope for a very un-swell time!



Dawn