Radiation after ALND: your experiences?

mellee · February 2019

Hi everyone. I had a BMX back in late 2016, along with an ALND with 32 lymph nodes removed. I have lymphedema, but I've been able to manage it. It's only in my upper arm and I'd like to keep it that way.

However, now I'm facing radiation after a recurrence. My RO intends to radiate the axilla, and he says the risk of my lymphedema getting worse is 30-40%. Yikes!

I would love to hear from others who underwent both treatments. How are you doing? Any recommendations?

CaliKelly · February 2019

Hi Mellee, well, I had ALND, 20 nodes removed, and radiation, including the axilla, 25 sessions. I did not have lymphedema to begin with, although I did get axillary cording, which is tight cordlike bands extending from armpit to wrist.Took a lot of stretching exercises to get that to be bearable. The radiation did worsen that condition temporarily, but did not cause lymphedema. The only thing I did to prevent l.e. which I think really helped, was weight training. I've always lifted weights, not like a body builder, but pretty heavy( for a girl😉) so I just continued through all my treatments. There have been studies that weight training can help prevent or improve l.e. And you'll look pretty awesome too, give it a try! Best wishes💗

mellee · February 2019

I had horrible cording after surgery, so I know what that's like! I couldn't straighten my arm for months.

Yes, I've heard about the weight training research. It's very encouraging! I was doing a pretty intensive HIIT class before my recurrence, and was swelling up a bit even with light kettle bells. But I was hoping that would improve over time. My PT believes that various therapies and exercises can help reform pathways for your lymphatic system.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm so glad you didn't get LE and it makes me hopeful that I may avoid mine getting worse.

Radiation after ALND: your experiences?

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