swollen left arm, lumpectamy of right side

Hi,
I had a lumpectamy in November on my right breast. I had 12 lumph nodes removed for testing. They were clear.
I just finished radiation therapy two weeks ago.
Today my LEFT arm is swollen and numbish. Could it still be
lymphadema?

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear desertbitch:  Lymphedema can occur when there is damage to the lymph nodes that drain a part of the body.  For example, lymph node damage in the Right arm pit could cause lymphedema in the right arm.  Removing the lymph nodes in the right arm is unlikely to cause lymphedema in the left arm.  Lymphedema can rarely occur for other reasons.  You should see your doctor if the arm is swollen, there could be many possible explanations but it needs to be examined in order to assist in determining the cause and recommended treatment.