Lymph node clearance

Hi, I have had a bilateral mastectomies and lymph node clearance so far I have been luck and had no side effects. I am very active with that arm and I don’t know if that makes a difference, everybody is different the way I thought about it was I would prefer lymphodema than the cancer return. 

Thank you. Yes I’ve been told exercise helps.

And you’re right, I definitely don’t want the cancer back once it’s gone. 
take care x

Hi Sazbar, I had bilateral lymph node clearance with lumpectomy on one side, and mastectomy on the other. This was 13 years ago. I am very lucky in that I am NED and have not so far developed lymphoedema,. I exercised normally, was very careful with insect bites and other threats. When on hospital with bowel cancer I had to have drips in my arms and was really worried I would get lymphoedema, but didn’t. I did ask to be measured for compression sleeves at the outset, and used them wheneverI could after such incidents. Good luck x

Hi Sazbar,

I had all my lymph nodes removed on my right hand side 5 weeks ago. Unfortunately I do have a bit of lymphoedema, but not sure if that’s because I had a lumpectomy at the same time and my drain had to be taken out early due to infection.

It’s uncomfortable, im having my armpit and breast aspirated again tomorrow but despite that I dont regret having the lymph nodes out. It’s just part of my journey to reaching cancer free. 

Wishing you all the best with your surgery and recovery.