Hospital Alert Systems for Lymphodema Arms

Hi , I had a right sided lumpectomy..12 nodes removed.. one had cancer..so chemo and radiation in 1998.

 I had a left lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy in 2003,  and am  wary of overusing my right arm. ( it does swell a bit when I overuse it ). I have had laser also and it helped a lot to help settle things down as quick as possible. I do manual lymphatic drainage daily and " pace" myself, not doing too much in one day etc.  I think it is better to go " gently, carefully, slowly ".. initially, err on the side of caution. Let the body heal after treatments and surgery, for 6 to 12 months etc.

It is an awful shock to have a diagnosis of BC. It can take time to adjust, especially with all the treatments etc.

When I travel on a plane, I take time to get to the airport, and try not to rush, plus use a bag with wheels, so I do not have to lift for extended periods of time.

After chemo and early menopause,( with flushing and vasodilation several times a day,) my veins are a bit more distended in my arms. I am extra careful now.. but I did have a period of  DENIAL and not knowing HOW much was too much..when using my arms. Listen to your body, and rest when you have to.

I prefer to  have MANUAL BP taken on my left arm, and not on my right side at all. 

I did have an armband and on my right arm when I had surgey post BC, but I  forget what colour it was. I think I also had written on my right arm: NO BP. Kathy.