Confused about SN biopsy

mudd

I had bmx with sentinel node biopsy and the surgeon said 2 nodes were removed, both clean and I was not a risk for lymphedema. I thought any node involvement puts you at risk. I only had the sn biopsy, not dissection. Should I be concerned

Mucki1991

my lymphedema lady said it is but obviously the less you have removed the better. I had 7 nodes removed and I have it on both arms and trunk area. Its not too severe and for that I'm thankful hoping that after I'm done with treatment it will not be as bothersome.

Georgia1

I think the risks for you are low. Do ask about when you can start the stretching exercises, which may also help reduce the risk.

NotVeryBrave

I was told that the removal of any lymph nodes puts you at risk. It's obviously much less for a SNB than for a full dissection, though.

I avoid BP checks, blood draws, and IV's on the left arm where the SNB was done. So far it hasn't really been hard to do and I'd rather not risk a problem.

hugz4u

Yesu can get le from sentinel biopsy. Anything that disturbs the lymph system can trigger le. That includes surgery or accidents to the body.

Your so smart to ask. Education is knowledge. Most docs and your trusted surgeons know zip about le because they only spend about 15 min learning about it in med sch. What can one learn in 15 min and it's the 2nd largest circulatory system in our body. Sad but true that most doc know less than us.

Keep asking questions and dopoke around these threads.

houmom

I had SNB on both sides, my BS mentioned that I had a 5% risk of LE but that was it and now I’m reading about avoiding IVs etc on the affected arm, I had both done! Should I be talking to a specialist about this?