Lymph nodes arm care
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 m...
Forum Discussion
Lymphoedema is a shit of a thing. Unfortunately, it can raise its nasty head years after surgery. Rose thorns, insect bites, scratches, knocks and bruises... Phhffft. With my lifestyle? Really?
I'm in an awkward position as I've had nodes out both sides. The upper part of my left arm is still numbish and creepy 7 months after surgery so any squeezing procedures happen on the right. As far as bloods are concerned, if I can't get someone to access my port I usually insist they use my feet or ankles. Don't freak, it is not nearly as bad as it sounds and they are the only veins that have not been affected by my previous chemo. I take my own hot pack to pathology because most companies don't have the time or couldn't give a shit about details like that.
I've had a few discussions about taking blood from arms that have lymphoedema risks. It seems the concern is not the procedure itself, but the risk of infection. I'd say that is a pretty low probability of happening if proper care is taken. So, I'll let them use the 'good' vein in my left arm on occasions (sometimes I'm to exhausted to have discussions about alternatives)if I am absolutely confident that there is a good sterile field and the operator is scrupulous about cleanliness. Some places I've been in that is a definite 'No, talk to the foot.'
I'm in an awkward position as I've had nodes out both sides. The upper part of my left arm is still numbish and creepy 7 months after surgery so any squeezing procedures happen on the right. As far as bloods are concerned, if I can't get someone to access my port I usually insist they use my feet or ankles. Don't freak, it is not nearly as bad as it sounds and they are the only veins that have not been affected by my previous chemo. I take my own hot pack to pathology because most companies don't have the time or couldn't give a shit about details like that.
I've had a few discussions about taking blood from arms that have lymphoedema risks. It seems the concern is not the procedure itself, but the risk of infection. I'd say that is a pretty low probability of happening if proper care is taken. So, I'll let them use the 'good' vein in my left arm on occasions (sometimes I'm to exhausted to have discussions about alternatives)if I am absolutely confident that there is a good sterile field and the operator is scrupulous about cleanliness. Some places I've been in that is a definite 'No, talk to the foot.'