Lymph damage risk.

TerryD

I have DCIS and have just had mastectomy with reconstruction on my left breast. There were involved margins after surgery. They found very extensive intermediate to high grade DCIS in the lower outer quadrant of my breast, it is high grade, I am 44. Because of all of this and the spread of DCIS I have been recommended radiotherapy. They want to radiate my LB and armpit.

I have many worries about the radiotherapy, but my main one at the moment is the apparent hight risk of developing lymphedema because of where they are radiating. Both oncologists failed to mention the risk of lymph damage.

Is there a risk to the lymph nodes if you are radiated in your 'lower axilla' ( armpit) as they aim to do? Has anyone developed lymphedema as a result of radiation, especially if they had not had any lymph node problems beforehand