Hi Tazzy,
It is not a good idea to have blood taken from your arms if you have had lymph nodes removed -- best to avoid this scenario as it does increase your risk of developing lymphoedema.
Blood certainly can be drawn from other areas of your body including feet. Perhaps your doctor can talk to you about this in more detail.
If you don't want to have blood drawn from your arms I would encourage you to 'stick to your guns' and let your doctors/nurses know about your preference. As I mentioned above, blood can be taken from other areas of the body.
Good luck to you Tazzy
~Annie
Hey Taryn
I have a girlfriend who had a double mastectomy and they do blood tests through her foot.
I know that since I had a total axillary clearance on one side that they won't use that arm for bloods.
The advice about water is a good one Bella. I was never informed of that and they always have problems finding a vein so that may be the reason why??
All the very best Taryn.
Lots of love, Mich xoxoxo
Hey Taryn
I have a girlfriend who had a double mastectomy and they do blood tests through her foot.
I know that since I had a total axillary clearance on one side that they won't use that arm for bloods.
The advice about water is a good one Bella. I was never informed of that and they always have problems finding a vein so that may be the reason why??
All the very best Taryn.
Lots of love, Mich xoxoxo
For medical questions I turned to my Breast Care Nurse, the nurse who did my Chemo, the regional nurse, then next step the Oncologist if it was serious. They can take blood from other areas Im sure. I didnt learn until my last visit for blood tests that you need to drink max water for a couple of days before they use your veins. Its a waste of time skulling water in the car park before hand apparently. Its in relation to how long it takes for the process of hydration she said, and hydrated veins are easy to get blood out of.
It is correct that they can use your surgery arm for taking blood though.
cheer Bel
