Post Operative discomfort from Sentinel Node Biopsy

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darla - 04 Dec 2003 18:21 GMT

Hello all, I had a lumpectomy with a sentinel node biopsy and lymph
node removal on 11-19. I'm experiencing quite a bit of swelling and
discomfort under my arm. I have seen the doctor twice and he tells me
that draining the fluid would not do any good since more fluid would
just accumulate. The swelling is now to the point that I can't fully
put my arm at my side. I am using ice packs to help with the swelling
and pain relief. Are there any other home remedies that I'm not
thinking about? Has anyone else had this same experience? By the way
I start chemo on 12-8, I don't know if that is relevent to this or
not. Any help will be appreciated. Darla

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Sandy L - 05 Dec 2003 04:55 GMT

> Hello all, I had a lumpectomy with a sentinel node biopsy and lymph
> node removal on 11-19. I'm experiencing quite a bit of swelling and
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> I start chemo on 12-8, I don't know if that is relevent to this or
> not. Any help will be appreciated. Darla

This might be a reasonable time for a second opinion.

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darla - 06 Dec 2003 05:20 GMT

Thought I'd let you know that the site of the lymphectomy has drained
all by itself. Imagine my surprise when I got up this morning! It
feels 100% better.
I start chemo on Monday so I'm sure I'll be back often during this
time. I look forward to all your comforting answers and support.
Darla

> > Hello all, I had a lumpectomy with a sentinel node biopsy and lymph
> > node removal on 11-19. I'm experiencing quite a bit of swelling and
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> This might be a reasonable time for a second opinion.

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Kaye301 - 06 Dec 2003 15:41 GMT

<< Thought I'd let you know that the site of the lymphectomy has drained
all by itself. Imagine my surprise when I got up this morning! It
feels 100% better. >>

Fantastic!!!

<< I start chemo on Monday so I'm sure I'll be back often during this
time. I look forward to all your comforting answers and support.

Wishing you all the best--positive thoughts and prayers that you will have an
'easy' time with it. Take care and {{{hugs}}}

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*shaz^ - 05 Dec 2003 16:50 GMT

Hi Darla,
Sorry to hear of your obvious discomfort, due to the swelling which has
accumilated, from your Node Biopsy.
I had a Mastectomy instead of a Lumpectomy but I also had some nodes removed
9 of which only 1 was positive. I also had terrible swelling from this. It
got so unbearable that I went to see my G.P, who most kindly, drained the
fluid from underneath my arm. This happened about 3 times, after which, the
swelling subsided and settled down nicely.
I don't know where you live but I think that you should get a second
opinion. As it was possible for my doctor to do this minor procedure at his
local practice. So I don't see why your doctor couldn't do the same for you?
I do know that you would feel a great deal of relief after this procedure
was done for you, as I did!
Maybe you should contact your Breast care nurse for advice on this, or phone
your hospital who did your biopsy in the first place. I'm sure if you
explain your situation, they would drain it for you.

Good Luck with it and I hope you get it sorted soon.

Shaz x

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Glenfiddich - 05 Dec 2003 18:09 GMT

>Hello all, I had a lumpectomy with a sentinel node biopsy and lymph
>node removal on 11-19. I'm experiencing quite a bit of swelling and
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>I start chemo on 12-8, I don't know if that is relevent to this or
>not. Any help will be appreciated. Darla

When my wife had this (a tennisball-sized swelling),
her surgeon reduced the pressure by draining.
We had to repeat this the folllowing week.

The fact that more fluid will collect *later*
is no reason to remain in pain *now*.

BTW - were you fitted with a post-op drain tube?

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