10 nodes removed and Poison Ivy

You are still in the throws of concerns over lymphedema, but your poison ivy attack will not produce surgery-induced lymphedema UNLESS you don't go see a doc to get the rash cleared up ASAP.  Your general doc should give you a shot to ramp down the itching, maybe antibiotics to prevent infection, and if he doesn't give you a lotion, you should stop at a drugstore and get some anti-itch calamine spray, Bandaid used to make a very good one, used to stop my itching for hours.  When you get home, after you thoroughly wash your arm and leg, spray that stuff over the entire area.  Repeat whenever it itches again, takes about a week to look better and not itch so much.  But if you haven't already, your poison ivy invasion is so bad, you must see a physician.  And use a calamine type anti-itch lotion to cover the skin invaded parts.  Poison ivy is the worst, but it's in no way connected to getting lymphedema from your surgery, unless you get poison-induced lymphedema, which is not very likely unless you don't get it treated NOW.

Oh, Rianne, bummer! I'm so sorry.

You're right to be concerned, and for sure get all the help you can treating the poison ivy. Be watchful for infection, which is a risk with any skin break  on a lymph-compromised area. Early symptoms of lymphedema include heaviness, aching, or just "feeling funny," usually well before any swelling appears. (But impossible to judge with the poison ivy, for sure!)

Once it's cleared up you might want a referral for a visit with a well-trained lymphedema therapist. S/he can do baseline arm measurements, give you personalized risk-reduction tips, and fit you for compression garments to wear prophylactically for exercise or travel. Here's how to find one near you:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

The good news is that even poison ivy is not guaranteed to result in lymphedema! Wishing you quick healing and nothing "swell" about it -- keep us posted!
Binney