Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Surgery Myths Explained - Part 1: Blood Draws, Exercise, and Bras

[@isabellep6119]

Sometimes I get to worry about the risk to develop lymphedema. I had 14 lymphs nodes removed from my right armpit. Then, I watch your videos, and get to know what I can do to help in my situation, and always feel much better and encouraged to continue to exercise and walk. Thank you so much for your excellent information, Kelly, I am so glad that you are here for persons like me! ☺️

[@CancerRehabPT]

I am so happy to help! Sending you my very best!

[@maryrose6302]

Hi Isabella, I had my whole lymph sac removed last summer, 23 nodes. I do Kelly's massage and so far so good. Good luck.

[@isabellep6119]

@@maryrose6302 thanks so much Mary Rose! It is so encouraging for me! Sometimes, I get to worry more, but most of the time I feel that what is important is to make the best of the present time instead of worrying about what can happen. Wishing you health and staying positive, thanks again for taking the time to message me ☺️

[@marybethwestbrook6870]

Thank you so much. I just had a lumpectomy and several lymph nodes removed under my arm. I had read so much about lymphodema, including all of these myths, and it was pretty scary. I definitely will do anything to keep from developing it. Thanks for clearing it up and easing my mind!

[@JS-ed2hg]

Hello and thank you for this video. My mother had a double bilateral mastectomy as well as 11 lymph nodes between both underarm areas removed. Her surgery was on October 11th she was discharged the next day October 12th so it's been practically two weeks now. 4 days after surgery I noticed swelling in her ankles and both feet considered severe versus the swelling in her armpits and no swelling in her arms hands or fingers. The research I've done including John Hopkins says lymphedema can occur in the legs because of damage or removal of lymph nodes during breast cancer surgery. But her surgeon who is good but difficult especially if you tried to even ask questions claims it had nothing to do with the operation and her oncologist today said it was not lymphedema it was from the fluids she received during and after surgery which again was less than 48 hours no more than 1-2 bags of fluids but again that was two weeks ago. Would you say this is lymphedema? It's hard for me to believe it's from the fluids she received especially since she's been on lasix now 10 days and everything I've researched points to lymphedema. Thank you

[@katcorona3553]

Love you 💕. Your soooo SWEET, and SO helpful. Thank you, Sweet young LADY. God bless you 😘🙏

[@CancerRehabPT]

thank you so much for your kindness! It made my day!

[@michaelcarver8373]

Thank you for this information. I haven’t been on a plane since surgery. Do you recommend wearing an arm sleeve or is that another myth?

[@paulathornton1359]

I’m a 21 year breast cancer survivor and have always worn a hand and sleeve compression garment when flying. Two weeks ago, out of nowhere, I have lymphedema in my hand and arm (side where lymph nodes were removed and radiation). Be safe and wear a sleeve when flying.

[@kdunk1287]

Oh my goodness, I’m so glad I happened upon your video. I had 14 lymph nodes removed on left arm in 2015 and I learned all those myths you discussed here to prevent lymphedema. I have been diligent to follow them, but it’s been difficult getting all my blood draws on my right arm because the vein is not very visible for the phlebotomist to access. My left arm has a fantastic easily seen blood vessel and I have considered getting draws from it over the last couple years. Thank you for this video! I suppose it’s ok to get shots in that arm as well? Is it ok to have blood pressure readings on that arm?

[@sarahcharlesworth8240]

This was so helpful thank you!

[@tamecabrown3962]

Why does it burn like in your arm where they took lymph nodes out of your arm and when your lymphedema swells up and it causes so much pain?

[@kbrunnion5862]

Hello. After a unilateral mastectomy and radiation, I have a very easily irritated scar that runs right next to the sternum (left side). It seems every recommended bra has a front closure, which irritates the scar that much more. While I’m working on desensitizing the scar, is there a back closure bra that you would recommend? The prosthetics group was less than helpful. Thank you for all your videos. They are packed full of information and they have definitely helped me when talking to my doctors and physical therapist.

[@CancerRehabPT]

yes, we talk a lot about front closures, but AnaOno also makes post-mastectomy and radiation bras that are back closures or even pull-on. there are options! Here is a video that shares a few and more about them :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKXHk5-vqqp0m8k

[@ardiffley-zipkin9539]

Well done, thank you

[@textradcath8564]

How long after surgery are theses recommendations for? Forever? After 5 years are the risks less?

[@Lovelyone1]

Forever.

[@isabelramires6332]

Hi, i have lymphedema on my left arm and hand ( wich is very dificult to manage). The question is i have a high risk profession for cuts, scratches and infection - i am a veterinarian surgeon. Any sugestion regarding compression gloves for sterile procedures? Advice in safety aproaching risks, that don’t require a change of profession?

[@KS-op5hb]

are there any links between lifting weights and cording? I was fine w no big issues post cancer treatments (surgery, rads , chemo 1 year ago) but then I started w/ dumbbells and barbells to help w/ weight loss an boom my under arm and side of my breast ar now so dang tight and borderline painful/tender. my mri is clear but i think I feel/felt a little cord. now I'm wondering on that side if I should limit my dumbells to very light amt like 3-5 pounds max? (when I was doing those numbers I was fine , it wasn't until I graduated to 10 lbs that the issue started

[@isabelramires6332]

What is your opinion on the mobiderm compression system for daily use?

[@bjl4165]

What about having blood pressure taken in the arm that had a mastectomy ? I had 3 nodes removed in 2010.

[@lascuba]

I developed lymphedema earlier this year seemingly out of nowhere. I was treated for breast cancer 5 years ago and hadn't had any lymphedema symptoms since. Your videos have been so helpful...thank you. Do you have any experience with the Circaid reduction kit? I'd like an easier alternative to wrapping--the last thing I want to do after a long day is deal with all those layers of wrapping.

[@CancerRehabPT]

I’m happy to help. Yes, I do have experience with Velcro wraps. Everyone has their own needs, so I can’t recommend on here who would be best, but it’s an option for some. I have a video on Velcro wraps on my channel 🙂

[@phoenixburns4441]

Hi, I've just watched a few of your videos, and wondered if it's safe to have cupping done on mastectomy scars where underarm lymph nodes have been removed. I'm 10 years post surgery but still have painful scars. Thanks in advance :)

[@patriciapennell5505]

Lots of information out there about the risks of getting lymphedema; there is next to no information on dealing with it once you have it. Plenty of myths there, too. There's a lot more to worry about if you've got it than if you don't have it.

[@maryrose6302]

Hi Kelly. I have heard not to have your cuticles cut? True or false? Thanks Mary

[@CancerRehabPT]

My opinion is that they can be cut very carefully, if needed. We want to avoid openings in the skin to limit the risk of infection. That’s the concern of getting the cut and potentially cutting too close. It’s also based on someone’s level or risk. 🙂

[@maryrose6302]

@@CancerRehabPT thanks for the info. I am 9 months post surgery. My arm has not swollen up to this point even after airplane flights. Feel like I have an area on the side of my chest that I work on as well as my upper arm. Thanks again.

[@shaiknasira8817]

Hi, which bra to wear for single mastectomy please can you tell which is good and the best bras to wear

[@CancerRehabPT]

i love Ana Ono for bras. here is a video about them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKXHk5-vqqp0m8k

[@elytistaako]

I just hit the subscribe button. Thank you I stumbled on your Channel

[@CancerRehabPT]

Welcome! Thank you for being here

[@elytistaako]

@@CancerRehabPT I just want to know if how many cycle can we do it as much as we can or there will be a certain limitation like 3 cycle day?