What do you think my LE risk would be?

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Trisha-Anne
Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 2,112
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Hello all

I've been pretty lucky in that I only had my sentinal nodes out.  I've never had LE.

But - I have an absolutely HUGE ganglion on my wrist - I had it before bc, was going to have it operated on and then found out about the bc and it never got done.  It should be removed, it's the biggest one the surgeon had ever seen, he was actually quite excited by it!  It's not really one ganglion, but a cluster of about 6 of them, and it's slowly growing.

I'm wondering if having it removed might cause LE. 

Has anyone had surgery on their arm for something that had nothing to do with bc?

I should elaborate and say it is my left arm - same side as the mx.


Trish

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited November 2011

    Tricia-Anne, hello!

    I'm so sorry! Not sure getting your surgeon excited about multiple ganglions is what anybody wants, exactly.Tongue out <sigh!> So, what to do?

    It sure doesn't sound like this is optional. And if it's continuing to grow you really should do it now before it gets any more complicated.

    Happily, there are steps you can take to lower your risk and to stay ahead of any problems that may develop.

    Here's some information about surgery on an area with lymphedema or at risk for lymphedema:
    http://www.stepupspeakout.org/SURGERY_ON_AN_ARM_WITH_LYMPHEDEMA_

    You might want to request a pre-surgery visit to a well-trained lymphedema therapist for baseline arm measurements and personalized tips on risk management. Here's how to find one near you:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

    Staying alert to signs of infection or early-stage lymphedema and getting help promptly is your best defense. Please do keep us posted!

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 2,112
    edited November 2011

    Hi Binney


    Thanks for the advice and the links, that helps.  I really wish I'd had them out before the mx, I actually asked my bs if he could do both at the same time lol but he couldn't.

    I'm planning on having my port out in February sometime - my last Herceptin treatment is mid January (YAY!), if I'm really lucky, maybe I can have them done at the same time and cut down on the number of anaesthetics I have.  Now wouldn't that work out well if it were possible :-)

    Trish

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