More surgery, unrelated to BC, but on the MRM and node side

MuttsMom · Guest

I'm having surgery on my wrist on the 30th. It's on the same side I had my MRM and node disection. Is the only risk of lymphadema if it was to get infected? I know he's doing it with a scope and nothing tight around my wrist after, just bandage. Just wondering if anything I should know, besides obviously antiobiodics to try and prevent lymphadema. Almost 3 years without and I don't want to start now.
THanks
Nanyc

JM · Guest

Nancy,

You bring up an interesting question. I thought the lymphedema was not only due to infection but also fluid buildup. That is why no blood pressure cuffs on affected arm(s). I'm new to all this, just had double mast. Oct 20th, so I can't really answer your question. Just tossing out some info I learned at the hospital. I hope your surgery goes well and you feel better soon. Jan

Linda · Guest

Hey!
I do not have any insight, but I would recommend talking to your breast surgeon or someone at a lymphadema clinnic. I know that we have several (clinnics) available at a few of the major hospitals in my metro area.
Linda

leo · Contributor Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1575

Hello

Lymphedema may happen because you hav decrease lymphatic drainage on that site. This increases your risk for infection. I guess the most important thing is to make sure your care providers know about your mastectomy.

regards,
Leo
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Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

MuttsMOm · Guest

Jan,
Thanks for spelling my name right since I didn't do a very good job of it......ROFL
Nancy

MNlady13 · Guest

Nancy, good luck with the wrist surgery. Too bad it has to be one the same side that you had your breast surgery and node dissection. It is my understanging that any disturbance on the affected arm can result in lymphadema. But, that does not mean it WILL happen, just that it COULD. Let's hope all goes well. Hugs, Lauri (8 and 7)

penelopez · Senior User Joined: 11 Oct 2004 Posts: 165

Hi Nancy,

I just wanted to send you good wishes for your wrist surgery. Please post and let us know how it goes. I'm sure everything will be just fine!

Hugs,

Margie

MuttsMom · Guest

Thanks everyone for the info and well wishes. I'm just falling apart here.... lol I had "trigger fingers" last year and had to have surgery on one because it completely locked up on me and of course, it was on the MRM/node disection side and I had no problems. I don't know if it's the chemo or the Arimidex that seems to want to keep giving but I'm really tired of surgery. This will be #8 since my dx on 2/14/02, but at least 2 haven't been BC related, or directly related.
I doubt I'll be doing alot of typing for a little while after the 30th, but I'll peck with one hand to let you know I'm o.k. I hate being put under, I'm always afraid I won't wake up. Yes, I just turned 46, going on 2..... lol
Nancy

Binney · Guest

Hi, Nancy,
Sorry about the need for further surgery. Hope this is the last for a long, long time! I have a couple of ideas to consider for avoiding lymphedema (LE). The first is to keep careful track of your temperature for at least the first week post-surgery and let your doctor know right away if there's any rise in temp so he/she can stay on top of the possibility of infection. Don't wait until you feel feverish. Be alert for other indications of infection, too, like redness, swelling, or warmth at the site. Second, don't use hot compresses for post-surg pain, as that kind of heat can trigger LE. And thirdly, do you know any women with arm LE who can teach you limb massage? It's VERY different from other types of massage and both method and direction are critical, so it's not something I'd suggest trying without knowledgable help. But if you could get someone to teach you, LE massage after surgery might very well help prevent its development. In reports given at the recent National Lymphedema Network convention, a practitioner presented evidence that massage before-the-fact may actually prevent LE. In any case, LE massage, because it encourages the functioning of the lymph system which is the body's "garbage disposal" system, can aid healing. Just a thought.

Even aside from all the anxiety, I agree being knocked out for surgery gets old. All best wishes to you--you'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Binney

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