What is risky to arm with removed lymph glands?

Public Archive
1

Hi

I know after having 9 glands removed that I am at risk of lymphoema, and that I must avoid blood pressure and needles in that arm. I am also aware of cut, burns etc.

What I am not sure about is -

  1. is it risky to fly?
  2. is it ok to sleep on that side/arm?
  3. can I lift much with that arm? (have 2 young kids to pick up)

Thanks in advance

Lolly

2

Hi Lolly,

I had all my lymph glands removed in 2006 and have flown twice since. I did actually use a sleeve once which i requested from the b.c. nurse, purely as a preventative measure, but i think they recommend this on a long flight anyway. I also wear flight socks since i had my glands out with my mastectomy. I was advised not to carry anything or lift anything too heavy. Consequently, i now get out of doing the hoovering, hey, there has to be some perks!! Husband also brings heavy items from the supermarket for me.
I also sleep on either side, but never my stomach anymore since the op.
Hope this helps.
Rosy x

3

Hi Lolly,

I have put for you below the link to BCC’s publication regarding Lymphodema which you may find useful to read.

breastcancercare.org.uk/server/show/nav.718/changeTemplate/PublicationDisplay/publicationId/103

Kind regards,
Jo, Facilitator

4

Hi Lolly

I’m still quite new to all this so my knowlege isnt great. After 9 nodes removed I got lymphoedema at the end of radiotherapy last summer.

I think we have to take all those precautions like taking care with arm when flying, avoid heavy lifting, bp monitor, injections/blood tests, sunburn etc to try to avoid the condition in the first place.

Once we have the condition I think we are trying to avoid getting an infection called cellulitis which can be serious. If we get cuts, bites, burns etc we have to take antibiotics. I flew long haul in January and wore the sleeve with no increase in swelling at all. My conditions is mild at present, I have had a splinter, couple of cuts and one mosquito bite and have avoided the antibiotics so far. Its just a case of keeping a very close eye for any redness to wounds.

I hope you dont develop the condition and all your treatment goes well.

Love Judy

5

I had 14 lymph glands removed during my mastectomy 3 years ago. Since then I have taken good care of my “at risk” arm however I continued going to the gym doing weights and cardio, carrying the shopping, doing the hoovering/ironing etc (which my BC nurse told me is good exercise for your arm) and riding my motorbike. I’ve lost a bit of strength and grip so have to ask my husband to do more than I previously would have but otherwise it’s business as usual. You have to be able to live your life as well so I use a bit of common sense and jsut get on with it. Oh, and I’ve flown since surgery with no problems- been snorkelling, swimming etc too.
Geraldine

6

Thankfully I haven’t had any problems with my arm.I had aux clearance and radio to the underarm 5+yrs ago.In those days we were told to do light exercises and lift nothing heavy.But circumstancally I had to get on with things - like moving flats during chemo and houseclearing almost singlehandedly not long after radiotheraphy.I didn’t have time to think about the risks- my arm certainly didnt feel bad else I wouldnt have done it! My job involves lifting heavy things and I’ve carried on as normal.
I’ve also cut my finger quite badly,It was a clean cut but after two days it was still painful and not healing so I went to my local A&E,and was put on a 2wk course of antibiotics which soon sorted it.Maybe I’ve just been lucky- or maybe lymphoedema is not inevitable.
Josie x