Really struggling

FormerMember over 4 years ago

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Hi everyone. I would really like to hear from anybody who has had total lymph node clearance from under both arms. Have you had blood samples taken etc., from either arm and avoided developing lymphedema?

I've discussed my worries about lymphedema with my consultant, my Oncologist and my breast care nurses. None of them seems to fully understand my anxiety over this.

Bluebell Woods over 4 years ago

Hi DiLiz,

Sorry, I can't answer your question as I’m just starting my treatment journey. I do know that my cancer has spread to my local (maybe regional) lymph nodes.

This is something that worries me too. Though I’m trying not to get ahead of myself!

Bluebell xx

FormerMember over 4 years ago

I don't think taking blood samples is a cause of lymphoedema. The reason they say not to take blood from an arm where lymph nodes have been removed is in case an infection is introduced into the arm and there are no lymph nodes to fight it off. This is probably why your medical team cannot understand your anxiety but they should have explained this to you. Were you not given the Breast Cancer Care leaflet - Reducing the Risk of Lymphoedema, it explains on Page 5 what causes lymphoedema. You can download the leaflet from the Breast Cancer Care web site. breastcancernow.org/.../reducing the risk of lymphoedema

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