Hi Unfortunately it's for good, as the risk of lymphedema remains for many years. You skills try to about cutting or scratching that arm, and if you do, wash it. I carry savlon, and despite quite a few cuts from gardening etc am fine so far after level 3 clearance (touch wood!)
“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Stephen Hawking,
Afraid it's for good but as Londonmum said it's just a matter of taking more care of yourself. Up til now (1 year in) I've found that I always get asked which arm whenever I've had bloods taken or when having chemo.
As far as everyday stuff goes, I bought several bottles of TCP and now have one beside each sink and when I cut myself or catch myself I have a good wash with it. I've always been a bit of a tomboy and would normally do all gardening, wood chopping etc without gloves but now try to wear gloves where I can.
Biggest sacrifice was my beloved cat, she lived on my left shoulder and unfortunately used her claws to hang on which often left my shoulder looking like it had been dragged through a hawthorn hedge. Plus she used to play fight scratch and bite quite ruthlessly. After my op we made the very sad decision to rehome her and I miss her dreadfully.
The good news is that I now have a pet Robin who follows me around the garden constantly, he'd not have stood a chance with my cat, perhaps he senses my need for animal contact.
Also, it's a good idea to keep the exercises going, they're a bind if you're not an exercise person like me but it's worth it.
Hi all, thank for your posts. I got my blood pressure took from operating arm right after my op to get some lymph nodes out ( as well as my lump) thanks for the warning re the blood tests I will make sure it’s the other arm and to keep wipes handy x
14 years ago I had full node clearance on my right side. I was told no blood pressure, blood tests etc at that side. Now I've had eight nodes removed from my left side. So the theory is I have blood pressure, blood tests etc on my legs and feet. However last time the nurse decided the left arm was less at risk than right arm and went for the blood pressure on my left. When I had my flu jab after discussion,I informed them before hand of the issue, the nurse went for my bum.
I don't worry too much about scratches etc but I do try to avoid insect bites. I react badly to them so I do everything I can to avoid them. I have a fine linen cardigan that rolls up to nothing that I keep in my bag for emergencies when on holiday. Strong insect repellent in my motorhome and in the house.
Just a word of warning once open TPC can become affected by bacteria so perhaps sachets of single use wipes might be a better idea. And as shown by C19 soap and water as good as anything.
