Question about possible node.

Luvmydobies

Question about possible node.

Luvmydobies

Hi ladies! I posted yesterday in the not diagnosed with recurrence or metastasis but concerned thread and the Triple Neg thread, but I have a question for you guys. I feel something in the bend of my right arm closest to the truncal area. My question is IF this is a node I feel and they have to biopsy it, does that automatically mean I'll get LE in my arm since this is my cancer side? They only took out my two sentinel nodes but I know that doesn't mean much. My head is spinning with all the what if's right now! I'm terrified it's mets of course but am scared of worsening my possible truncal LE also and making it go to the arm! UGH!!! I know you aren't doctor's and can't give me a definite yes or no, but I know they tell us not to get needle sticks or blood pressure taken from our side where we had nodes taken out, so it's like what the heck do I do, you know?Any tips, prayers, etc are appreciated.

glennie19

well, sometimes we have to have procedures done,, my LE therapist told me that whenever I need surgery,, I should schedule an appt with her for MLD right before surg and as soon as possible afterwards. Do your MLD at home and wear your garments as soon as possible afterwards. Drink lots of water and do all the things you usually do to keep your lymph moving.   I don't think you will automatically get LE in your arm if you have a procedure done. But it is a risk,,,, Damn LE!  

This is just my uneducated opinion,,, hopefully someone who is more knowledgable will check in soon.   When are you having it checked out?

Luvmydobies

Glennie, I'm calling my PCP's office in the morning but have no idea when I'll get in . They usually see me quickly, so hopefully tomorrow or Tuesday. I don't even know if I'll need a biopsy.I'm more concerned with what I'm feeling right now, but the risk of LE scares me too! They aren't even sure I have it in my truncal area because compression and MLD don't make a difference in the puffInness and honestly it's more comfortable not using compression. The puffiness has remained the same ever since surgery to take my tissue expanders out.

Binney4

Luv, I can just taste that sort of kick-in-the-gut feeling that comes with yet another cancer scare--ugh! I'm so sorry. Wishing you reassuring answers and a quick fix!

Of course nodes can be enlarged for lots of harmless reasons--they are, after all, supposed to fight off infections of all kinds, which normally results in their temporary enlargement. Hopefully that's all you're dealing with. As for a possible biopsy "automatically" dooming you to arm LE--nah! There's nothing automatic about LE, so try to let that fear go and take this one step at a time. Chocolate helps!

Gentle hugs,
Binney

Luvmydobies

Right Binney! It's a kick in the gut. While I would rather have an infection of some sort, those scare me too due to fear of antibiotics because of my C Diff history! But I keep telling myself you don't always need antibiotics since every infection isn't bacterial. My doc has told me in the past that inflammation/irritation can cause nodes to swell. I do have a couple of small bruises and a small mosquito bite on that arm. I also swell slightly more in the hot humid weather. If it is a node I feel, it's not big at least! I may email my LE therapist and see if I can get in with her for some therapy sessions. I always feel more sore on that side even after doing light lifting or pulling, etc. I've had that for a long time though and nobody is ever concerned about it. I'm holding off on wearing any compression and MLD until I find out for sure what I'm dealing with, if anything. I'm hoping not obviously! I just don't know how long "it" had been there. It's not a place where they feel during my routine checkups! I've had some chocolate. Yummy! Thanks again!

Luvmydobies

Well I just hit my right elbow really hard on our end table! The pain shot thru my chest and shoulder. It cut it a little so I washed it with soap and water and used peroxide. I'm icing it. But now I'm scared it'll cause cellulitis or actual lymphedema! Anyone know if an injury will cause either of these??!

Binney4

Luv, what a bummer! You handled the cut just right by washing it promptly and applying something to kill bacteria, so the likelihood of further repercussions is minimal. Use a towel between your skin and the ice and limit icing to 15 minutes at a time. If you see your doctor tomorrow you can have him/her check that too, just for reassurance.

Hang in there! Gentle hugs (and more chocolate!),
Binney

Luvmydobies

Thanks Binney! It's only a tiny cut so at least I didn't have to go for stitches or anything. Haha. I used a towel and only iced it for a little bit. I don't think it's swollen. Thanks again