Canulla after lymph node clearance

Hi, they couldn't get a vein in my “good” hand for my Zometa a few months ago, so only 12 months after surgery, and my oncologist also said it was ok to put a cannula in my hand on the side that I had 1 lymph node removed. I have lymphoedema in the breast, not in the arm.  She seemed very relaxed about it. Hope this reassures you that ylu're not alone. Best wishes 

That's interesting, I wonder why they don't like the Picc line,? I suppose they consider Lymphoedema to be the least of the two evils. My friend got Lymphoedema, had to wear the support on the hand and arm for 2.5 yrs then it went. 

Hi Shiny, how odd, I haven’t heard anything like that, but others seem to have had experiences like this too and have said they were told the same thing. Maybe after a while it’s not a problem. I agree with the blood pressure as the pressure from the cuff creates pressure that moves fluid and if you have no lymph nodes then there is nothing to move the fluid away or around. Strange your oncologist doesn’t like picc lines, how about other options ? Maybe Portacath in arm or chest ? 
Wishing you luck and hope all goes well.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi All, 

My MacMillan Nurse said the capillaries can take some of the fluid away from the tissues. It's happening constantly, the circulation to the muscles and veins must help. Exercising the arm increases blood flow. I do know what you mean, infection maybe is more of a risk. Treat any infection proactively. Xxx

Thanks everybody - i feel much better now and I've got a whole arm with decent veins so no more digging around