Many nodes removed and you didn't developed lymphedema?

I had 24 nodes out. I havent developed lymphedema. I am 4 years from surgery.

Feel free to put questions on the LE forum. There are many with unique knowledge who read those threads.

Our lymph systems have been compared to roads on which we drive - some people are constructed like 8 lane super highways: they can have lots of nodes taken out with no ill effects. Others, like me, are more like a dirt track and live with chronic swelling. Impossible to predict where any given individual might find themselves...

A person can remain at risk even after years without symptoms. It's good to get baseline measurements done prior to surgery, read about precautions and have an action plan ready to put in place should this ailment occur.

I had 8 lymph nodes removed and have not had any sign of lymphedema. I also had node radiation which increases my chances of developing it.

I had 11 nodes removed and nothing so far, knock wood. I'm careful never to let techs take blood, run i.v.s or do b.p. checks on my right arm. I heard that (no judgment on anyone, please know) being overweight can increase chances of getting lymphedema.

Claire in AZ

I only had a few nodes removed on each side so I Can't speak directly to your question. I later found out that when they remove the nodes there is a vessel that is left behind. It can gum up and affect lymphatic circulation. I had some chording down both of my arms that caused significant restriction and loss of ROM. It was eventually resoved by going to a pt who was lymphodemia trained and used a myofascial release technique ( the barns method) I think that is important to find out if available in your area.

Also try to make sure your doc only removes nodes that are essential.

I have lymphedema in my left leg. Went to a specialist who preformed the myofascial release technique and wrapped my leg in bandages, after that a custom compression sleeve was made for my leg.

I am really concerned about getting it in my arms. You can hide lymp in your legs with long pants and maxi dresses, not sure you can hide it when lymphedema reaches your finger tips.

My BS wanted me to have L-Dex test done, but it's not covered under Medicare.

I had 11 lymph nodes removed (12 years ago), so lymphedema has always been an area of real concern and mindfulness for me. When I had my surgery, there was no one around here to go to for advice, so I did a lot of studying on my own. Here are some thoughts & tips I came up with.

First, I think that whether or not you are prone to LE has mostly to do with how your lymph system handles trauma. I would say most cases (unless you are in a horrible accident or are doing really extreme activities) are neither through any virtue or fault of your own; just a matter of good or bad 'luck'.

That being said, there are many 'little' things that we can do that may reduce the risk of developing LE or minimize flares (these are for people with SNB too):

• No BP, IVs, needles, shots etc. in that arm....consider getting a medical ID bracelet (to wear when traveling anyway). There are some really pretty ones out there that look like jewelry
• Wear gloves when doing yard work, gardening etc.
• Wear sunscreen when out in the sun, bug spray when out with the bugs
• If you get a cut, scrap, bite...wash it with soap/water and slap on a bandage. If you see any sign of infection, get to the Dr. & on antibiotics ASAP
• Be sure to switch arms when carrying your purse, hauling around anything heavy, dragging luggage etc.
• Be careful about saunas, I avoid them, and also manicures and massages (on that quadrant of my body anyway).....not everyone does this, but that's just me
• Keep a healthy weight
• Keep hydrated, limit alcohol
• Don't wear tight rings, watches, bracelets on that arm (when flying, I put my rings on my other hand & leave them on that side fro a couple hours after I land)
• Also, be sure to keep well hydrated when flying, move your arm around a lot, make fists etc. get up & walk around the cabin (which won't be a problem if you are well-hydrated because you will have to go to the bathroom!), if someone wants to help you hoist your carry on & off the overhead, let them.....maybe think of checking a heavy bag (that's what I do)
• When exercising that arm; start very slowly, take your time...build up weights very slowly...don't skip levels...don't do too many reps in one session. Mix up your exercises, don't work the same muscle groups every day. You may want to work with an experienced trainer (or PT) to help you construct a balanced program.
• One thing I do want to add; after my surgery I was scared to start doing upper body. Neither my surgeon nor my oncologist could give me any good solid advice, so I talked to my GP. What he said was that I DID want to exercise my upper body, that it was important to do so as it would actually build up the lymph system, and although, of course, I should be careful and notice if my arm felt heavy/swollen etc. that I shouldn't be afraid to have it feel a little 'normal' soreness...because anytime you exercise a part of your body that you haven't been using for awhile, of course, it will feel sore. That made sense to me, and gave me 'permission' to get moving.

Yndorian I got lymphedema in my leg few months after having a total hip replacement. Few years later under went a total knee replacement which got the lymphedema under control. Have flare ups once in a while now.

My BMX is scheduled May 6th.

Its nice hearing others - they haven't experienced lymphedema.

I had 39 nodes removed, 2.5 years ago. I also did radiation. I did physical therapy after surgery and have worn compression sleeves at night (although not so much anymore), but haven't had any issues thus far (knock on wood). I do qigong and yoga on a regular basis, and have kept my weight down, which I think helps. I could also just be lucky.