I had 14 nodes removed a little over 3 years ago. My PT told me NOT to have have a sleeve made unless I have symptoms of lymphedema. One reason is that if you gain ANY weight, the sleeve would be too tight and could actually cause lymphedema. She told me in her 20+ years of treating it, that it typically occurs in the first couple of years after surgery OR after some trauma to the arm. She also told me that a person could get it many years after surgery. She went on to tell me never to wear anything tight around my chest (bra, clothing, etc), no tight rings, watches, bracelets. Wear gloves when working in dirt. Be careful not to cut or burn that arm/hand. All of these things can cause lymphedema. As soon as I could after treatment, I begain a medically supervised exercise program to build that arm up. I lift weights (both arms the same weight). I am about to take a 14 hour flight and will not have a sleeve. I was told to do specific exercises and move around whenever possible.

I'm not sure there is a right or wrong answer.

It's always best to be PROACTIVE!! Get examined BEFORE surgery, BEFORE any symptoms and BEFORE you do any therapy, exercise, life changes!
Getting measured BEFORE any problems may arise allows a lymphadema therapist the ability to make a correct diagnosis, and plan for treatment while PREVENTING problems from EVER occurring!
Like most things, an ounce of prevention beats of pound of cure! Blessings to you and keep the questions, answers coming! ((hugs))

Please make sure your sleeve is fitted properly. Have it checked by your certified therapist, because my first sleeves were fit at a surgical/medical supply by a supposed certified fitter, to a smooth knit sleeve. A year later my arm and hand began to get worse. My therapist sent me to a new fitter at an Out patient PT. I was developing Arterial Insufficiency.Now wear a custom, vertical knit. I wear sleeve to fly. This may seem humorous, but I was pulled aside by a TSA and wanded. She had never seen a sleeve before. I don't know what she thought I could hide under it.

I just saw the lymphedema specialist at Memorial Slian Kettering. I was told just do preventative exercises. Get a slevee for air travel only. I had 15 nodes removed. No lymphedema yet. There is a sight called lymphadivas.com cute sleeves

Good for you! My PT suggested I get them as a preventative measure (for my travels), and my surgeon agrees. You can get them from medical supply shops. Check the yellow pages for listings. Ask your cancer care center for a list of their resources too. You will need to be measured very carefully; and these should be a part of your medical record as a baseline, if at all possible.

Once you have a copy of your measurements, check out lymphedivas.com for some really fun options!