Hi, please can you advise. I’ve had a double mastectomy and SLNB on both sides.
On the left side, they made a separate incision where they removed the nodes.
On the right side, they went through the mastectomy scar. I’ve just finished radiotherapy to the right auxiliary.
I’ve just had a further OP due to implant issues, and they have constantly been using my right arm as the leg didn’t give an accurate reading.
I dont like to be awkward, but I am now worried that I wasn’t more assertive in saying no to it being taken on my arm.
Is the risk of lymphodeama greatly increased if they take you BP on the arm?
Where would be best to take it, Thank you
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Hello.
I had the same - double mastectomy and SLNB in July - I’ve been getting blood pressure, injections, blood tests in my right arm (one node removed) instead of the left (three nodes) and I’ve had no problems whatsoever.
I’m also having acupuncture with needles in chest and arms and no issues at all.
They did do blood pressure on my leg while in hospital after my op but I really didn’t like it.
I asked similar question a while ago
The nurses advised me at the time that it isn’t clear why some people develop lymphoedema and others do not. However it does seem that the risk is lower where only a sentinel node has been taken. The nurses will be here tomorrow with some further advice for you I am sure.
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Hi springer5
Thanks for posting.
Information about injections, taking blood or a blood pressure reading following treatment to the lymph nodes under the arm can be confusing particularly if you have had surgery on both sides. You’re not being awkward wanting to understand more about the risk of developing lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema is swelling caused by a build-up of lymph fluid in the surface tissues of the body. This can happen as a result of damage to the lymphatic system following surgery and/or radiotherapy to the breast or armpit (axilla). Sometimes it can be caused by cancer cells in the lymph system or when having chemotherapy. Other risk factors include being overweight and infection in the arm or hand.
It’s not clear why some people develop lymphoedema and others do not, but lymphoedema can develop soon after treatment or may occur many years later. The risk is greatest for those who have both surgery and radiotherapy to the axilla (armpit). People who have had a sentinel lymph node biopsy only, have a reduced risk of developing lymphoedema compared to people who have had a number of lymph nodes removed.
As @scientistamafier has posted, there’s no strong evidence that having injections, taking blood, or a blood pressure reading or having intravenous fluids in an ‘at risk’ arm will cause lymphoedema. As you have had treatment on both sides your breast care nurse is best placed to advise you whether it would be preferable to have your blood pressure taken on the left or right arm.
There are ways in which to help reduce the risk of lymphoedema developing. Try to use your arm normally as you’re more likely to increase your risk of lymphoedema by overly protecting your arm and not using it enough. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising (as able) will reduce the burden on the lymphatic system. Infection in your ‘at risk’ arm can cause swelling and may damage the lymphatic system leading to lymphoedema. It’s important to keep the skin clean and well moisturised to reduce the risk of skin damage and infection. Tips on how to help reduce the risk of infection can be found in the link above.
You may find it helpful to watch our YouTube videos on lymphoedema and breast cancer and managing lymphoedema and reducing your risk.
You may also be interested in our Moving Forward services which include our Moving forward booklet and Moving courses that feature a session on lymphoedema. The course is open to people who have had a primary breast cancer diagnosis and have finished their hospital-based treatment within the last two years. You can find out more and register for the programme on our website.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
You are welcome to 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 more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Val
Breast Care Nurse
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