Always remember these doctors work for you. You do not work for them. Ask every question you can think of. Write it down so you remember lol.

Last year when my cancer came back they removed 16 lymph nodes from my armpit and did the lymph vessel to blood vessel surgery. I haven't had any problems with lymphedema. Prior to that I had gone through 9 chest surgeries and was constantly told I was at major risk of lymphedema, so I was relieved that they included the vessel surgery. One of my doctors told me if you are at risk of or have lymphedema that when your blood pressure is taken the cuff should be placed around your wrist, not your upper arm. She also told me that my right side was at higher risk of developing lymphedema so my blood pressure should be taken on my left side.

Hey sue,
Thanks for your response and support,
I have been working with a lymphedema therapist for the last four months . I called my surgeon and requested for a referral. She has referred me to be seen by a plastic surgeon.
Am waiting for that appointment. I feel like I have done enough therapy, but it’s not working. I am very uncomfortable. I use compression garments, exercises, I don’t know what to do now . I have voiced my concerns that I cannot leave like this, how long? I asked her, how do I get the strength to fight cancer and live with this discomfort?.
While there is so much we talk about treatments, I wish someone had prepared me or taught me something about the side effects.

@A MyBCTeam Member

Call your oncologist and ask to have someone check this out.
If you do have lymphedema, you will need to sign up with a referral with a certified lymphedema PT.
Appointment wait can be at least 6 weeks.

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A MyBCTea...

Speak to your oncologist