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

melclarity
Member
9 years ago
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
nikkid
Member
9 years ago
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
Afraser
Member
9 years ago
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!

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Lymph nodes arm care

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