Did you get sent home from sentinel node biopsy with exercises?

oceangirl654 · January 2015

Hi Everyone! Did you get sent home with exercises after lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy? I want to prevent lymphedema. Please tell me what they told you to do if you were given exercises! The nurse said just brush your hair etc like normal but I remember that some people got exercises. Are you supposed to do them right away, or start them days later? Also, do you brush your hair like normal right away or wait a while for healing?- it doesn't really feel like it would be a good idea to do too much with this arm right now, but I don't want to make any mistakes as far as lymphedema goes. Thanks so much! p.s. Surgery went well!! I was surprised how good I felt after! Got home at 8pm last night.

tgtg · January 2015

No. Just got the formulaic discharge instructions.

Developing lymphedema (or not developing it) depends on a lot of factors, especially on how many nodes were removed. Even if only one node was excised, precautionary care is still advised following snb--for instance, my surgeon said it would be wise to use my left arm for blood work, blood pressure, and IVs, to keep my risk at the lowest level for my right arm. Lymphedema can develop at any time, even months after snb surgery, so the old adage about the value of an ounce of prevention holds true here! .

SelenaWolf · January 2015

I was told not to lift anything heavier than five pounds for the first few days, but to ensure that I kept using my arm for regular tasks. Gentle stretching was recommended to ensure range-of-motion and flexibility remained intact.

I had seven nodes removed and, three years later, still do not have any problems with LE. But I do ensure that I don't carry my purse for long periods over that shoulder or do any really heavy lifting with that arm. And blood work/BP is always done on my other arm as a precaution.

gemmafromlondon · January 2015

No lifting, strong movement (hoovering, ironing etc) but maintain gentle movement of the arm as much as possible soon after you get home Rotate shoulder gently and raise arm a little more each day clenching and unclenching the fist when extended. Gently massage the top of the arm and down the back of it. Soreness can last quite a while but the pain recedes day by day. Best of luck.

lilmouse · January 2015

I'd check with your surgeon before starting any exercises. I was also told not to lift anything heavier than 5 pounds. When I saw the surgeon a week after the lumpectomy she said I could try gentle stretching, but didn't give me anything specific.

I developed cording that made it hard for me to raise my arm. I was able to get a referral to a physical therapist who is also a lymphedema therapist. She was very helpful. Three months out from surgery I have full range of motion, although the cord is still there.

Glad the surgery went well!

WinningSoFar · January 2015

My surgeon referred me to a physical therapist with lymphedema experience who massaged me and helped me keep full range of motion. No lymphedema ever developed although who knows if it would have anyway. I recommend PT if you can get it. It definitely feels good. I did have a tiny bit of cording, but the PT took care of that.

Nash54 · January 2015

I was given some exercises but didn't do them. They were weight lifting exercises using like 1 pound weights. So far I haven't had any problems. I went back to yoga about 3 weeks post op.

oceangirl654 · January 2015

Thanks for telling me about your instructions after surgery, everyone! Yes, Hopeful, the staff at my surgeon's office are beyond mean. But thank goodness I have his number so I can reach him directly mostly. Good luck, everyone, and good health!

Did you get sent home from sentinel node biopsy with exercises?

Comments

Categories