Lymphedema three years after lumpectomy

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KimbytheSea
KimbytheSea Member Posts: 84
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

This did not happen to me, but to my friend, who had a 1cm Her2Neu positive breast cancer three years ago. She JUST developed lymphedema in her arm and needs to wear a sleeve. 

She had a lumpectomy--and so this was confusing to her. 

She had a tooth infection so this was apparently why it flared up. My friend said she is now wondering if post-lumpectomy patients should get a prophylactic sleeve to wear while exercising or flying.

Anybody heard anything like this? 

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited February 2013

    Anyone who has had breast surgery or lymph nodes removed is at permanent risk for developing lymphedema.  Generally speaking, more nodes removed equals increased risk, but there are certainly cases of lymphedema from all kinds of breast surgery and SNB.  Wearing prophylactic sleeves/gloves/gauntlets for flying or exercise is up to each individual and their tolerance for risk.  I had SNB on both sides when I had a BMX, and a later complete axillary lymph node dissection on the cancer side.  I have lymphedema on that side, but I do have bi-lat sleeves/gauntlets.  I wear the compression on the cancer side regularly but only wear the non-cancer side garments when flying or exercising.

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  • mimix3
    mimix3 Member Posts: 11
    edited February 2013

    This is my first time to post in the Lymphedema forum. Maybe my experience will help others. After I was 2 years post surgery (bilateral, modified radical mastectomy), I had a difficult dental extraction for which I had to be put to sleep. During the procedure my bp went very high. Never before or since have I had bp issues. When I woke up the next morning I, of course, had a very sore jaw. But the worse problem was that my right (cancer side) arm was over 40% larger than my left one. That began my lymphedema journey (which continues now - 6 months later). All this to say, with little or no lymphedema problems the first 2 years after chemo, surgery and radiation - I now have a significant, ongoing problem brought on by one high blood pressure event.

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