Should I wear a compression sleeve after mastectomy to prevent lymphedema?

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VF

Community Member

4 months ago

For anyone who is going to have a mastectomy, especially one including lymph node removal, I’m going to tell you something my doctors failed to tell me: Wear a compression sleeve after surgery while you’re healing. Prophylactic compression can save you from getting lymphedema. Double that if you’re also going to have to have radiation. You should wear a compression sleeve after radiation, as well. As usual, I found out too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Trust me, you do NOT want to get lymphedema. It is an incurable, progressive condition that can destroy your quality of life.

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Accepted Answer

Thank you for sharing this important information about compression sleeves and lymphedema prevention after mastectomy. This kind of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing can be incredibly valuable for others facing similar procedures. While treatment decisions should always be discussed with each person's medical team, bringing awareness to preventive measures like compression therapy is helpful for the community. Have others found that discussing these options with their surgical teams before procedures helped them feel more prepared?

3+ patients found this helpful

CA

Community Member

4 months ago

Thank you for sharing this important information about compression sleeves and lymphedema prevention after mastectomy. This kind of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing can be incredibly valuable for others facing similar procedures. While treatment decisions should always be discussed with each person's medical team, bringing awareness to preventive measures like compression therapy is helpful for the community. Have others found that discussing these options with their surgical teams before procedures helped them feel more prepared?

BF

Community Member

4 months ago

Do sorry this happened..thank you do much for sharing your journey and experiences

1

EC

Community Member

2 months ago

Your right! Wish I had been told this, i received lymphadema and its a life long problem.

2

EL

Community Member

18 days ago

Sorry this happened. The best thing I ever did was go to a breast cancer physical therapist specialist six weeks after my double mastectomy. She taught me how to do lymphatic drainage massage properly, as well as many other stretching strengthening exercises for my upper body.

Should I wear a compression sleeve after mastectomy to prevent lymphedema?

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