Lymph nodes to be removed on both sides

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Jennj99738
Jennj99738 Member Posts: 34
edited September 2016 in Lymphedema

I am scheduled for BMX on October 12th. More than the mastectomy, I am extremely worried about developing lymphedema. Originally, my BS did an aspirate of a suspected lymph node on the left where the cancer was thought to be. It came back negative but an MRI showed potentially more affected lymph nodes. A PET scan showed one suspected node on the left. The MRI showed something suspicious in the right breast but the PET scan did not light up on the right. My BS advised that she would have to biopsy the right breast unless I decided on a BMX. I had already decided on a BMX because the cancer was very aggressive and the tumor on the left was over 7 cm. Fast forward after neoadjuvant chemo, the lump is gone and the PET scan came back with nothing lighting up.

Because of the suspicious finding on the right breast, she has advised me she plans to remove the sentinel lymph nodes on both sides. This scares me very much because now I don't have a "good arm." I have a port currently but eventually I will need to have it out and most labs draw blood from the arm. So what am I supposed to do when it comes to lab draws or future IVs to try to protect myself? Any advice appreciated!

Jennifer

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  • SummerAngel
    SummerAngel Member Posts: 1,006
    edited September 2016

    I have no "good arm" either. I have had quite a few blood draws since surgery. I have them use the right arm as the right had fewer nodes removed. I don't let them use a tourniquet, which works for me because I have large veins. For IVs I always have them use a foot. Not super pleasant but it works.

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  • Jennj99738
    Jennj99738 Member Posts: 34
    edited September 2016

    A foot? Oh my. I've never heard of doing that. Thanks for the information, though!

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited September 2016

    JennJ, a foot can be used for blood draws too, but the ordering physician MUST write "Draw from foot only" on the order. If you call the lab ahead of time they may tell you they don't do foot draws, but if you show up and the doctor has ordered it, they'll do the draw from the foot. I make sure I'm well hydrated when I go in, as that makes the draw easier.

    Wishing you smooth sailing and quick healing for your surgery, and no "swell" side effects ever!

    Hugs,
    Binney

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