Lymph nodes removed from both arms.

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Shelly1359
Shelly1359 Member Posts: 6
edited July 2017 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Hello, first time poster here, so don't really know how this all goes.

2013 I had IDC stage 2. Chose lumpectomy, had chemo and rad. 

2017 DCIS. Don't know the stage right now, but I decided to have double Mastectomy with no Recon.

Surgery is set for July 19.

My question here is about the lymph nodes. They took 2 on the right side in 2013. They will be taking some on my left side.

So after this has been done where can my BP and blood draws for annual test be done?

Thank you in advance for your help.

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  • Jelson
    Jelson Member Posts: 1,535
    edited July 2017

    Hi Shelly, sorry that you are back here with DCIS. I think you would get more info if you were to read posts in the Lymphedema Topic. I just tried searching BMX Precautions for all time on that board and got several threads on blood draws as well as blood pressure.. This is an important topic and has engendered discussion.

    If you have DCIS only your stage is 0, but your grade might be 1, 2 or 3. One thing to look into is the current guidelines for SNB for DCIS - it might be something you can avoid.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited July 2017

    Shelly - yes there are some very active LE threads on BCO and lots of good advice. Attached is an outslde website that was created with some of our own BCO members.

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/

    Personally I don't allow any blood draws or sticks in either arm. Blood draws were from my port for 2-1/2 years. Now that the port is gone. I have draws from my foot.


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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited July 2017

    If one side is node-negative, that may be the side recommended. If both are node negative, you may be told to use the DCIS side. Talk with your surgeon and a lymphedema-trained nurse or therapist.

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited July 2017

    I had one node taken on the left and 22 on the right. I have mild lymphedema on the side with the 22 nodes. Initially I made quite a fuss for them to use my foot for blood draws. However, they were always reluctant. When I asked my onc, he said it is because there is a risk of blood clots with the foot draws. So, for the last 5 years , they have used the arm where only one node was taken. Not ideal, but no problems so far. I have not had my blood pressure taken at any point in the last 5 years. Not sure why.

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  • melmcbee
    melmcbee Member Posts: 1,119
    edited July 2017

    Blood pressure can be done on ankle or lower legs. Im not sure about needle sticks but i would be cautious about getting any contrast injected in an arm that has had lymphnodes removed. Im referring to catscan contrast. If it was to infiltrate into the tissues instead of staying in the vein it can cause compartment syndrome. Im a ct tech And would never use an arm where lymphnodes were removed. Ask your doctor what he suggests. Oh and the lymphedema firum is great. Go there and im sure they will have the answer. Hugs.

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  • Shelly1359
    Shelly1359 Member Posts: 6
    edited July 2017

    Thanks everyone for the advice. I will go checkout those suggestions you made.

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  • livebig
    livebig Member Posts: 86
    edited July 2017

    Hi Shelly -

    I'm like you in that I had nodes taken out of both axilla - a lot actually. 13 in one and I think 9 in the other.

    So, I've educated myself and now only have my blood pressure taken from my calf or my ankle. I have never had any health care worker give me a hard time about it yet, especially when I offer the reasons why.

    I also have a port that I use for chemo, but I also now insist on having it accessed and used for all scans - ct or MRI or even lab draws.

    Do you have a port? Wishing you the best as you navigate all of it. I do not have lymphedema, but have educated myself to know what precautions to take if they can be avoided. All the bes

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  • SummerAngel
    SummerAngel Member Posts: 1,006
    edited July 2017

    I had nodes removed from both sides as well. I use the side that had fewer nodes removed for blood draws and blood pressure. I have the nurse use the smallest needle and no tourniquet for the blood draws (I have large veins so it works well). I started out asking for blood pressure readings on my leg, but so many nurses have little to no experience taking a BP there that I was unable to get accurate readings. I have injections done on another area (my thigh) and IVs in my foot.

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