Had lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy done on right side on 3/2010 (6 nodes removed - one pre-cancerous), Stage 1 IDC, chemo and external beam radiation - finished all by 11/2010. Right wrist needs major surgery (possibly wrist fusion) due to RA. Hand surgeon wants to do surgery in a few weeks. Breast surgeon doesn't see a problem with that - but I am very concened about having surgery in that arm. Could the surgery cause lymphedema which I do not have now? Should I wait hopefully for a year or more to allow better healing from the sentinel node surgery before I undergo more surgery on that side?
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Q: Wrist surgery in same arm that had sentinel node biopsy.
Answers (2)
3/ 9/11 4:17pm
Judy, so long as your surgeon is aware of the possibility of lymphedema, and understands what it is, I think you should be fine. There's really no "healing" that's going to happen that would help prevent lymphedema; your lymph nodes are gone, and that's what helps bring it on; that situation won't change in a year. If it makes no difference whether you have wrist surgery now vs. waiting (i.e., it's not affecting your day-to-day life), then you might as well wait as not; but I wouldn't suffer for a year in hopes that you'd have less chance of getting lymphedema next year at this time, because that's not how it works. You're always at risk, from now on. FYI, I had major shoulder surgery on my lymphedema side, and didn't see a flare-up of the lymphedema I have that comes and goes... So it's not a given that trauma will bring it on. Hope things go well for you- PJH
3/10/11 5:47am
Judy, I had to have a tumor removed on my affected side, and I was really concerned about a lymphedema flare-up. But, I came through surgery fine without any immediate lymphedema. The tumor turned out to be benign, and getting it out removed a worry. You might ask about learning to massage your arm to keep the lymph fluid moving. The basic idea is a feathery light touch that moves fluid up the arm. It's a harmless, non-invasive technique that doesn't take long, and doing it before and after your surgery would help you feel confident that you are doing everything possible to prevent lymphedema while your arm is under the stress of healing.
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By Judy— Last Modified: 03/10/11, First Published: 03/09/11
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Thanks Pat. I turned to you when deciding on chemo or no chemo with an onco score of 20. It was your complete and knowledgeable answer that helped me make the decision to do the chemo - and I never regretted that decision.
Once again you have helped me to go forward with this surgery. Thank you for helping me so much and I wish you well.
Judy