Underarm shaving after node removal

I was told the same.  However, since I've hardly ever cut myself shaving before, I just carried on.  Not had a problem.  I had Mx and SNB, and no problem with lymphodema though.

I do have a small battery operated shaver, which if I encounter any problems, I could use, I guess.  I think it's a Ladyshave - I've had it forever!

I just waxed underarm as that is what I am used to - only thing I did differently was put antispetic on immediately afterwards.......no problems.  I had MX and ANC

PLEASE be careful ladies - any breakage in the skin can lead to lymphodema.  And you really don't want to experience that! There was a member of this site whose life was made a complete misery with lymphodema but she was always there helping and advising others. It is extremely painful and difficult to treat.

The hospital I attended, The Royal Marsden, a specialist cancer hospital, gave all patients a lecture on the 'does and don'ts'. As well as not shaving you should especially protect the arm where the node(s) were removed. Don't do anything that might break the skin. This includes gardening without using thick gloves, getting sunburned, having injections, blood-pressure cuffs, blood tests and especially shaving. Guard your arm with your life!

You can use depilatory creams as an alternative. Sorry, if I'm banging on but it is something noi to be taken lightly.

Best wishes to you all,

KateG

Hi All

I too had a MX and Axillary clearance in March so have no feeling under my right arm at all or around my MX scar. When i went to see my BCN for my weighted prosthesis i asked her about shaving. Her reply was do not use any bic like razors as you can't feel if you have cut yourself, plus never have waxing done or use an epilator as these can all cause lymphoedema.

So i said well i will go and buy an electric shaver and she replied " you won't need it during chemo as it will fall out" Oh Yea DOH!!! So i haven't bought one yet as i am as smooth as a baby in all the right places so will look for one when chemo finishes.

Good luck to everyone who has had all their lymph nodes removed as it does feel weird and cording is a nightmare but getting physio for that as it will be with us for life as there is no cure, just like lymphoedema. So we must all take care of our precious bodies from now on XXXX

Take care and BIG HUGS xxx

Hey, Saxxy - just to let you know, although I understand the cording CAN come back, I had it really bad, so bad that my physio was quite shocked, and he got rid and so far no problems.  I don't know what might make it come back, but I horse ride and do a lot of physical stuff, so I'm not exactly a lady of leisure.  

ME AGAIN.... banging on again but I forgot to mention 'insect bites'! These bites are another breakage in the skin so please slap on the insect repellent or, alternatively, Avon do a SKIN SO SOFT spray which is a nice sented spray which also keeps the bugs at bay. It seems even the troops serving overseas are using the SKIN SO SOFT spray.

On a slightly down-beat note - after nearly five years of hormone therapy... I no longer have any under-arm or leg hair.

KateG

Hi, I just saw this thread and wondered why are you not to shave?

I had a lumpectomy and one sentinel lymph node removed on Tuesday and none of the nurses told me not to shave. Granted I have finished chemo on the 11th May so I don't have to shave anyway, my dressing and therefore my scar when I have one isn't in my armpit as the surgeon used the same incision for both the node removal and lump so it is lower than my armpit. 

I've not been using deodorant either while the skin is still sensitive from the op.

Thanks.

It's not about your scar, it's to do with the risk of developing lymphedema - although it's less with sentinel node biopsy than when all the lymph nodes taken, you need to take care of the arm on the affected side as lymph drainage may not be as proficient as it was before - so avoiding cuts and infections is important - i.e. gloves when washing up, gardening etc. and prompt attention/disinfection when you do get them.  It's easier to try and prevent lymphedema than deal with it once it's set in.  :)

thanks for that, assume maybe no one mentioned it as I've only had the one sentinel one removed so less likely.