Long term lymphedema prevention practices

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Itzy
Itzy Member Posts: 46
edited August 2015 in Life After Breast Cancer
Long term lymphedema prevention practices
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  • Itzy
    Itzy Member Posts: 46
    edited August 2015

    With my BMX and bilateral SNBs, It's really been difficult for me to come to grips with the recommendations for LE prevention, and I'd really appreciate hearing from how others, to hear how you all deal with this. It's close to colonoscopy time for me, and I really don't want to have an IV in my foot or neck. Plus, my BS gave me a 3% risk of developing LE, with or without heeding the whole list of recommended practices. From what I have learned from the BS, as well as online, the thinking on this is all over the board. If it was one-sided, I imagine I would not resist at all.

    So bottom line, are most or all of you continuing the cautious route, and for how long? (I know the risk is lifelong).

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  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited August 2015


    Itzy: I would invite you over to the Lymphedema forum.  There is a wealth of information over there.  I think your question will see much more action if you post there too.

    LE is a pain. You have to weigh the risks. Some pick the arm that had less nodes removed on that side, others opt for the non-dominant arm,,, thinking that if they get it, it won't be on the dominant side. And some do choose to go the leg/foot route.

    StepUpSpeakOut.org is a great site with lots of information on it. Started by a couple of our ladies on here.

    My BS told me I had no risk at all,, cuz he only removed 6 nodes and I'm thin.  Well, here I am,, with it. Sucks!

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