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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Lymphedema
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Lymphedema
by carpsmom, Nov 02, 2005 12:00AM
I am 37 and a 3 year breast cancer survivor. 12 dayse ago,I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand. In January I will be having it done to my left hand. I have mild lymphedema in my left arm due to nodes being removed 3 years ago during my mastectomy. We believe the swelling in my left arm has actually made my carpal tunnel on that side hurt more, due to the added compression from the fluid. The right got worse because I was babying the left. I am worried about my arm blowing up due to the trauma of the carpal tunnel surgery, especially with them using a turnoquet. My surgeon is not overly concerned. I trust him explicitly. He is my plastic surgeon & a micro-hand surgeon who did my reconstruction. I have a compression sleeve & hand gauntlet I wear when it acts up. Would it be beneficial to bring it with me & have them put it on my arm while they are doing the surgery? after they are done with the surgery? I would have to leave it on for 4-5 days until they take the dressing off, or cut it off, because the dressing is huge. I am also concerned about my hand swelling, because the fluid does tend to pool in the top of my hand as well. I don't know if they could put that on too if it would help. Any suggestions to help me through this with out ending up with a "club" for a left arm would be greatly appreciated. The surgery is necessary. Both of my hands have been asleep and pretty much usless for the last year 1/2. I did the right first to make it stronger for when I do the left. I also have a bone cyst in my left wrist. We will tackle that another day.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Nov 02, 2005 12:00AM
Dear carpsmom: In terms of compression sleeves after surgery, this is a question that only your surgeon can answer. There is no easy answer in terms of predicting whether the lymphedema could become worse. Assuming your surgeon is aware of all your concerns, it may be wise to have this conversation with him/her and discuss what kind of post op care will be provided to minimize the lymphedema.
