Swelling armpits after Sentinel Node Dissection

Nancdancer

it is now 10 days after surgery and I still have swelling under my right armpit, normal?

Meadow

Yes Nance, normal...but maybe some lymphedema too, since you have had those nodes removed, the path that your lymph fluid takes has been disrupted, and has to find a new path or you get blocked up with fluid, and have swelling. Have you popped in on the lymphedema boards here on BCO? the sisters that post there are extremely knowlegdable about this topic, and canoffer some good advice. there are gentle massages you can do to stimulate the flow of fluid again. If you are have some Lymphedema (LE) you must stay on top of it as it can become quite serious, and chronic. Have you called the docs office and spoken to the nurse? Sometimes tis is a good idea.

Mommy2Six

that was the first sign of LE for me, right about the same time after surgery.

BarredOwl

Hi Nanc: swelling can linger for quite a while and can be normal. I had quite a bit, and it took weeks to go away. It was not lymphedema (LE) in my case (I was in a trial that monitored for LE and my physical therapist was a lymphedema specialist (LANA or whatever)). I did have a "shelf" under my arm that was a seroma or localized pocket of fluid. Some people describe it as an an egg in their armpit. It may go away or need to be drained (nurse practitioner did it with a syringe--I felt immediate relief from release of pressure!! Instant relief). Advice above to check in with the nurse is good. Wishes for a smooth recovery

Kicks

It could be swelling simply from the surgery, could be a seroma or infection or could be the start of LymphEdema. Have you seen a LymphEdema Therapist yet for a baseline evaluation and education? If not, request a referral to one - not just a PT (or OT) that claims to 'knowall about LE' but one who is a LymphEdema Therapist.

Unfortunately, many/most Drs are not educated about LE. LE is not limited to just ones who have had a lot of nodes removed, it can result from any surgery (even non-invasive when nodes are not removed) or traumatic injury to any area of the body - not just after breast surgery. Rather or not you are dealing with early LE, you should see an LET to get education on 'things' you can do to lower the risk of developing it. Also, if LE is presenting - the sooner in TX the better for managing it.

There are other possibilities than just LE for swelling but you (all) do need an evaluation and education sooner better than later

feathers56

i had a mastectomy on my right breast and the sentinel node dissection...blessed they got all the triple negative breast cancer. .yay but one week after surgery i am feeling a pocket in my back and underarm swelling r something else? Have called Dr. Waiting

Meadow

Feathers, I would say the same things apply to you too, as we discussed above. I am glad you called your doctor. Stay on top of any swelling, check out the above posts. Hugs to you!