Afraid of lymphadema

I had a great surgeon. He told me my risk was low because he only took level I nodes from one side and 4 sentinel from the other… but even if he just removed the breast there is a risk for lymphedema. My BS told me that they can't always predict who will get and who won't. It is a life time risk.

I was given a prescription for compression sleeves/gauntlets for flying several weeks after my surgery. There were some precautions listed on there too.

Check this link out on  how to protect against lymphedema.
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/riskreduction_for_lymphedema.htm

Also check out lymphnet.org, the national organization, for good info. 

I also highly recommend seeing a lymphedema PT -- their job is to know the details of LE and what you should and shouldn't do -- it was a huge  help to me and relieved my mind a lot.

I had 17 nodes removed with my lumpectomy a little over a year ago. I was told my risk is low but it's always there so I'm cautious. My surgeon had me raising my arm above my head shortly after surgery (spider walks up the wall with my fingers) to relieve the tightness. I now have full range of movement.  Two weeks isn't long -- give it time -- you should see improvement.

I was told never to lift anything over 30# but I've heard all kinds of ranges on that, seems everyone is told something different, so I use common sense. I have started using small weights because there's some good research that resistance exercise helps prevent LE. No guarantees, of course!

I don't use a sleeve when I fly (or any other time) because I don't have LE  but I use the common sense things my LE PT told me to follow when flying:  move around as much as possible, breath with your belly (it helps the lymph system flow properly), stay well-hydrated, stay away from salty snacks and caffeine.

I educated myself as much as possible to remove the fear of getting LE; knowledge is power, and when you know more about the possible triggers and what to do/not do, you'll probably feel a lot better.  I know I did.  Best of luck, and hang in there!

Poly - your PCP is wrong about "good" surgeons never creating LE - some patients with top breast surgeons get LE, while other patients who have their surgeries done by pretty inexperienced general surgeons don't get LE.  And your med onc is on the right track, but as the ladies here say, even just a simple mx with no node removal can lead to LE.  I echo what these ladies here have said - you definitely need to educate yourself, because sadly the medical profession is very undereducated about LE.  The websites they've referred you to are a great place to start.

See if your surgeon will give you a referral to a certified LE therapist - you can get evaluated and get valuable information about preventative measures you can take. Your instincts to ask questions about LE and to be pro-active are right on target.  If tightness turns out to be cording (feels like a cord running down your arm - in my case it ran from my armpit to my wrist) that is associated with an increased risk of LE, so you definitely want to check it out if you feel cording.  Otherwise, it is normal to still be somewhat tight after 2 weeks.