Lymph node Question

[Guest guest]

Yes, her docotor was correct in informing her to buy her sleeve. Not only at

high elevations but also with temp. change can cause swelling.

Here are some early signs to be aware of:

Feeling of tightness in the arm

Pain, aching or heaviness in the arm

Swelling and redness of the arm

Less movement/flexibility in the arm, hand, wrist

Rings, bracelets or sleeves do not fit

Your friend might also find the area where the procedure was done to be

sensitive so I wouls suggest a small size pillow to keep under her arm when

need.

Also, using a chemical free deoderant such as TOM'S brand might be easier on the

body.

Yet, I can not stress enough encourage your friend to ask questions from her

doctor or join a on-line support group if one is not available in her area.

Good luck to both of you, she is lucky to have a friend that is helping her at

this time.

>

> I have a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer. I believe it was stage

I. Her doctor also tested to see if her breast cancer spread to the lymph node

by scraping the lymph node. Results showed it did not. She had the tumor removed

and opted for the radiation treatment. (Now cancer free!) Her doctor suggested

that she buy a sleeve used for compression to help control swelling in high

altitudes like when she travels in an airplane. My understanding is that you

only need the sleeve if you had your lymph node removed. Was her doctor correct

for her to buy the sleeve?

>

[Guest guest]

Hello eterrydotcom,

Usually you only get swelling when all the nodes are taken. These

days they nomally just take the sentinel nodes, the ones that are

first to drain the breast. Sentinel node surgery does not usually

result in problems with swelling.

Mike

Thursday, April 23, 2009, 9:04:04 AM, you wrote:

e> I have a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer. I believe it

e> was stage I. Her doctor also tested to see if her breast cancer

e> spread to the lymph node by scraping the lymph node. Results showed

e> it did not. She had the tumor removed and opted for the radiation

e> treatment. (Now cancer free!) Her doctor suggested that she buy a

e> sleeve used for compression to help control swelling in high

e> altitudes like when she travels in an airplane. My understanding

e> is that you only need the sleeve if you had your lymph node

e> removed. Was her doctor correct for her to buy the sleeve?

--

Best regards,

Mike mailto:goldenmike@...

[Guest guest]

Yes!  A compression sleeve is a good thing to do.  I only had a few lymph nodes

removed and I do have some swelling.  I always wear compression sleeves and

gauntlet on my hands when I fly.