IV and BP during procedures

viewfinder - yes, I have used my left arm for that reason, and this is the solution that has worked for me - I'm not recommending it to anyone else though as it could have different results. My lymphedema has been very stable and well controlled. Lymphedema is usually a progressive disease, but mine has remained much as it was when first diagnosed seven years ago. My port was removed after six years at the direction of my oncologist, due to the clot risk, so I don't have it available for blood draws but I'm an easy stick and usually they use a tiny butterfly needle. I ask to have BP done manually, which is far more gentle, and during my many surgeries - when BP will be taken much more frequently - my leg has been used. Everyone has their acceptable risk level - for some that is no risk, but this approach has worked for me so far. I am relatively cautious with my cancer side arm, but as I said, I’ve had wide excision surgery and MOHS surgery for recurrent skin cancer on it without incident.

Thanks again for the additional information. I appreciate that none of you have made this overly complicated (ie difficult for a newbie to understand).

My sister has her next appointment to discuss this stuff in about two weeks, so I won't know much more until after that time. While I didn't overwhelm her with questions to ask her therapist, she said the ones I sent her were very helpful. Several of the suggestions were from this thread.