Had mastectomy thurs 20th april for grade 3 idc. Was meant to have the mastectomy and sentinel node checked. When i saw surgeon next morning i asked about the incision as it went much further under my armpit. He said that he ended up taking several as they looked suspicious? Anyway thats not my real question. The physio gave me a booklet about arm care for the side that some auxillary nodes were taken and i was stunned. It referred to LONG TERM care of the arm eg no blood tests, no blood pressure cuffs, avoid mosquito bites!!, use a thimble when sewing. Avoid dry skin in case it cracks and creates an opening, dont wear tight bra straps and on and on. Surely this is overkill??? Is this for real???

Don't panic, it's not as difficult as it sounds. The intention is not to put too much pressure on your lymphatic system - it's a bit damaged around the surgery, harder to combat infection and you don't want lymphoedema. Use your other arm for tests - some people wear a bracelet or something similar to remind them. Once in awhile is unlikely to do any harm but best avoidedGood basic hygiene if you get a cut or a bite. A bit of moisturiser from time to time, or a moisturising soap. I have lymphoedema and in 4 years have never had an infection, cracked skin or anything of the sort. You don't need this but then none of us need cancer at all. Oh and if you find out how to avoid mosquito bites (they LOVE me!) without being draped in netting, do let me know!

Hey @bevvzy, we all get this info...it's pretty easy to follow...I don't ever had blood taken from my left arm any more nor do I have blood pressure taken from that arm. Other than that, it's fine. Nx

Bevvsy Afraser is right, its not as bad as it seems. I have a massive scar under my arm as obviously same thing, took more nodes than I thought, but honestly I don't care, makes no difference 1 or a 100 LOL. I dont generally get blood pressure done on my affected side, however my TEAM made it clear that it really isnt a big deal at all...so depends who you talk to. I only worry about the things that present as most dont happen but they have to warn and pre empt. M x

Hi @bevvzy, I was told the same thing. I wonder what women do who have had lymph nodes removed from under both arms. How do they have blood pressure taken or give blood?? They have to tell us all the possibilities however unlikely. I was a plasma donor until my breast cancer diagnosis and have a great vein in my left arm which theoretically I can no longer use for blood tests. But having no usable vein in my right arm I have no choice. For my last blood test the nurse used a very fine needle and a syringe to draw blood and it was fine. She said it was more about guarding against any infection at the needle site.I just find myself being a bit more mindful of cuts and scrapes though as a knife wielding lefty I am more likely to cause danger to my right hand!Hope you are doing OK. Jane xx

Hey Jane @"Hopes and Dreams" the next target area for blood pressure and taking blood if arms are no good can be ankles.

Lymph nodes arm care | BCNA Online Network

43 Replies

sandramj
Member
9 years ago
I did order two more as these little silicone ones will probably get a bit worn and maybe nosey after swimming and exercising etc in them. I find gold makes me sweat in summer and so don't wear my jewellery much any more. But I just leave the pink Medialert band on and know that if I forget the person "attending" to me wherever will see its clearly a medialert. Each to their own. :). Thats why there's so many choices. :) <3
Harlee
Member
9 years ago

bevvzy said:

Very pretty but i had a look and wondered, as they are so lively and jewelry like, if an ambo etc would realise what they were and read/look?

This ultimately influenced my final choice. The cuffs I selected look like jewellery except when you roll the arm over and look at the inner wrist - where a distal pulse is taken. From that angle the only thing you can see are the Medic alert symbols.
I figure if I'm unconscious they will be checking my pulse and hopefully it will be noticed. Certainly in all my First Aid training I was always taught to look for Medic alert bracelets and my final year paramedic student daughter confirmed they are taught to check wrists and necks for Medic alert bracelets and necklaces.
As I posted earlier she also suggested a card for my wallet to be kept next to my drivers licence and there is also the app on iPhones.
To be honest I doubt I would wear a traditional Medic alert bracelet so something that I will wear has to be better than nothing. This was mainly for my peace of mind. Once I'm all set with this the chance of me actually ever being unconscious is almost nil so that's got to be a good thing!!
bevvzy
Member
9 years ago
Yes i looked at them and my first thought was that i doubt an ambo etc would take a second look. Really pretty though but the whole idea behind the original medi alert was to be easily recognised by health care etc
primek
Member
9 years ago
@bevvzy Yes I wondered the same thing.
bevvzy
Member
9 years ago
Very pretty but i had a look and wondered, as they are so lively and jewelry like, if an ambo etc would realise what they were and read/look?
bevvzy
Member
9 years ago
Will have to look as im also on warfarin
bevvzy
Member
9 years ago
I think theyre great. I bought two. As it warns others eg in an emergency but more so its a visual reminder for yourself to take extra care
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Too good and will look forward to seeing those pictures ;)
Harlee
Member
9 years ago
Haha @socoda I've just ordered 2 from Laurenshope.com - the rose gold filigree cuff and the rose sea turtle cuff. I couldn't decide and then I thought I'd buy one for Mothers day and the other for my birthday.
DONE!
I'll try to remember to post a picture when they arrive. I'm looking forward to wearing them as they exactly the type of jewelry I like to wear anyway. Hopefully the medical ID stuff is not too subtle but my paramedic daughter said that they are trained to look at all bracelets and necklaces for the Medic ID symbol. She also mentioned that I should get a card printed for my wallet and keep it near my drivers licence.
It's awesome when your kids can teach you stuff...
socoda
Member
9 years ago
@"Harley B" just get whatever one makes you happy and that you know you'll get the wear out of. ;)