hey sisters!

Hi Ladies,   I too have had the surgery you are describing but mine was just over 3 years ago now.  So far i have not suffered with lymphoedema but I make sure i do my arm exercises twice a day as was shown to me in hospital. I also rub Vaseline Dry Skin Conditioning Lotion into my scars daily and don't use deodorant under that arm as it makes the skin feel funny.  I also don't perspire under that arm anymore or need to shave there as the hair doesn't grow there since the radium.   I had a left breast mastectomy and sentinal node biopsy which showed a tiny bit of cancer in 1 or the 4 nodes taken.  I then had to go back the next week and have a further 12 removed but all were clear.  I had a stage 2 Lobular carcinoma highly estrogen receptive which was very close to the chest wall so I had to have radiotherapy as well as chemo.  I am now on Femara after taking Tamoxifen for 1 year.  So far all is ok and I consider i am pretty lucky compared to some who have fared much worse than me with side effects from chemo and drugs.  I wish you both well with your treatments.  If I can be of any assistance with questions you might have don't hesitate to contact me.  Take Care   Jillxxx