Hi, I was wondering if i can get some advice. I have had a full axillary clearance so I had all my lymph nodes taken out from my armpit area. Thankfully I haven’t had Lymphadema but I am at risk of it. Now what I wanted to ask is I am going to a spa tomorrow and should i be going in the sauna or steam room. Please if someone can shed some light on this matter i would really appreciate it.
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Hi I’m not sure the nurses are here at the weekend. Try the Macmillan helpline as you need to know quickly 08088080000
I had full node clearance 6 years ago - have had plenty of spa days and haven’t had any problems. I understand you need to protect yourself getting cut.
I only had 1 node removed but I went in a sauna about 18 months ago and I don’t think the people near the water were putting enough steam on .I kept feeling like I was burning just below my right shoulder which was the operated side . I didn’t think much of it but afterwards I had a red mark that lasted 2 days . I still go but put a towel over that area xx.
Hi @ned14,
Thanks for posting,
It’s understandable that you’d like to know if it is ok to use a sauna or steam room after having had an axillary node clearance. It sounds like you will have already visited the spa now, and I hope you were able to find some helpful information before you attended. For future spa breaks you may find the Safe Hands For Cancer website helpful.
As you mention, having an axillary node clearance does increase the risk of developing lymphoedema, however there are many things you can do to reduce this risk. Although saunas can increase swelling in the body, there is currently no evidence to say that using a sauna or steam room will increase the risk of lymphoedema. However, the experience can vary between individuals, as you can see from @YV4820 and @JoanneN’s replies.
If you haven’t already, you may find it helpful to contact your breast care nurse or treatment team who can advise when it would be appropriate and how often to use saunas or steam rooms based on your individual situation.
We offer a range of free supportive services that may be of interest for you.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
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