I had a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node removal over 7 years ago. I was told at the time not to have any blood tests, vaccinations, blood pressure taken etc on the arm that side. How essential is this if it was just the sentinel lymph node? I have some unrelated issues with my other arm, meaning that any of these procedures can cause/aggravate pain, so I'm wondering whether it would be safe to have them done on the side of the lymph node removal? I've just heard that someone else who had the same surgery at a different hospital wasn't told to avoid all these! I've already spoken to a MacMillan nurse, who tells me there's conflicting advice! Does anybody have any links to recent research please?
Hi CGranny and welcome to the Online Community Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type journey can help a lot.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you consider joining and posting in our dedicated Breast cancer support group. This group is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To join the group first click on the “Bold Link” I have created above then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
You can then put up your own post when you’re ready by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post. You can also scroll through other members posts and click “Reply” to get involved.
It’s a challenging time for you so you may want to use the Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, practical information or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
