How Can I Prevent Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Treatment?

Do you mind me asking why they removed so many? What type of breast cancer did you have?

Hi Linda, That is a huge amount! Do you know why so many were removed, as Judy asked? I had two removed almost 4 years ago and now have lymphedema on my right breast and arm. I knew nothing about lymphedema until then. I began lymphatic massage several years into my recovery. Have to find the right person, I went through 2 until I found the right one (my 3rd). It got better through manual massage from the specialist and from myself when I was home. It's definitely a process. I also bought a small trampoline, which is now being called a rebounder. It's excellent for the lymphatic system. Also, compression sleaves and / or bra. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed again in April of this year, so I haven't continued on the rebounder or much massage because I did get a masectomy on June 12th. This time around, I told them they were not allowed to take any lymph nodes to test at all. They didn't. But it may depend on what is going on with your own body and circumstances. I had an MRI of the chest and breast, and that entire area shows the lymph nodes and under my arms. It's the one where you are lying down on your chest. It's a hard one. That test showed my lymph nodes were not affected. Hope this helps. The best of luck to you! I will keep you in my prayers. Hope this is not a lot.

I’m shocked Nil that with just 2 of your lymph nodes removed you got lymphedema. I had 1 removed. Now I’ll look into lymphatic massage. Thank you for sharing.

I am so glad I could help ☺️

I had 1 lymph node that was positive so I guess the surgeon took out that many because of that. The results came back negative for all the rest. He did warn me of the possibility of getting lymphedema but never heard of it before that. I’ve only went to physical therapy and she only did 1 session of massaging and told me that lymphedema massage is consisted of lightly rubbing my skin there really is no massaging to it and that is recommended that I don’t get any type of massages. I can’t seem to find anyone in the local area to get a sleeve.

Your doctor can write a script for it. The physical therapy place could have them or order for you. I got mine through the physical therapy office. I also bought another from Amazon. Look for compression sleeve. Good luck.

Wow, your surgeon is very thorough Linda my surgeon only took one sentinel node and that was positive and she didn’t take any more For all I know I have cancer throughout my body, but they never did any more surgery. I feel fine. It’s been over a year and a couple of months since I had my surgery my oncologist and my surgeon didn’t think that their were any more positive lymph nodes. I’m just curious how much cancer was found in your lymph node Linda was it macro, micro, or a scant amount

Managing anxiety about lymphedema risk is completely understandable, especially after extensive lymph node removal and radiation treatment. While it's natural to be vigilant, focusing on gentle prevention strategies like staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy weight, doing recommended exercises, and protecting the at-risk arm from cuts or extreme temperatures can be more helpful than constant worry. Consider discussing your concerns with your care team, as they can provide personalized guidance and help you recognize what normal variation looks like versus concerning changes.