Does axillary clearance always result in Lymphodema?

Ruby, MOST women who have node clearance surgery do not develop lymphedema. That said, though, it's impossible to know beforehand who will and who won't. There is a risk of arm lymphedema with any breast/chest surgery, and the risk does rise with node removal, but it is still true that a majority of women will not develop lymphedema.

It's always wise to see a well-qualified lymphedema therapist before surgery for baseline arm measurements, personalized tips on lymphedema risk reduction, and possibly fitting for a compression sleeve and glove to use prophylactically for travel and exercise. Your surgeon, medical oncologist or PCP can write you a referral. Here's how to find a well-trained therapist near you:

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

I'm hoping you'll never have to join our Swell Sisterhood, but knowing your risk and getting good care promptly if you run into trouble can make this much easier to manage. Wishing you smooth sailing and quick healing as you move forward!

Gentle hugs,
Binney

Ruby, you really have had a lot thrown at you, and it must all be such a shock and so scary. And of course you can't deal with it all, at least not all at once. You've faced off with this before, and you CAN do this--you've already proven that. It sounds like you have a good team already in place, ready to be aggressive about conquering the beast again. But dealing with the cancer treatment ahead is MORE than enough to cope with right now. Please don't take on the fear of lymphedema as well, because that really is something you may very well never have to worry about. (And if you ever do, believe me, we're here for you, and we've got your back. This all gets better, honest!)

You can do this, and we're rooting for you all the way. Please keep us posted as you move forward. And do tell us, please, how we can help. There is still every reason to look for those amazing moments of joy in every single day.

Hugs, and prayers,
Binney

Living in fear robs from the pleasures of living. Using common sense preventive measures (weight lifting restrictions, avoiding needle sticks, BP cuffs, sunburns, insect bites and cuts & scrapes—and treating them promptly) is all you need to do for now. (The one thing I should have done differently was lose weight as soon as I was diagnosed with bc and continue to lose until starting my AI, because adipose tissue is more susceptible to have lymph fluid pool & stagnate).

Rubyredslippers: I had my surgery 2 months after diagnosis. Since they are removing lymph nodes this will be major surgery and you won't be able to drive yourself because if the narcotics they give you for pain. It was recommended not to drive for 2 weeks or until you get range of motion back. I don't think it's a bad thing if you don't have anyone to care for you, it just makes life easier. You will most likely have drains to deal with also, and will give you limited range of motion. So it's good to have someone around to help for at least 2 weeks.

Ruby, did your doctors explain exactly what "a lymph node had some cancer in it" means in your case (e.g. isolated tumor cells, a micrometastasis, or a macrometastasis)? Have they explained to your satisfaction why complete ALND is required in your case? Depending on exactly what is found in the sentinel node(s), and other aspects of the pathology report, complete axillary node dissection is not always recommended. In certain situations, radiotherapy following the lumpectomy may be considered sufficient.

For example, see

http://www.ascopost.com/issues/april-15-2012/sideb...

Ruby we are in your back pocket don't give up. Two step backwards for now but one step forward and you'll get there eventually. We're flagging you ahead girl

I had 21 nodes removed and have not developed lymphedema. I have been very careful and continue to exercise, do stretches, keep my weight down.

Cmlor it's a crapshoot. Some get it day one others 30 yrs later some never!