They removed 35 lymph nodes 11 cancerous (only 3 months ago 0 were and progressed on chemo).
The range of motion on that arm is limited but everyday I'm using that arm and seeing improvement (I don't have much of a choice because I'm not surrounded by anyone who can help me with basic tasks- initially bathroom and bath was challenging but I just went slow and didn't let pain deter me). I'm just grateful to still have both arms lol ❤ a lesson I've learned is to keep moving. The diagnose of cancer makes me want to baby myself but without a car, I have to walk. I have to carry my groceries. I have to make dinner. And I'm glad I have to!
I'm young (37) but I imagine this would be much harder being older, with more illness and less energy.

Thank you! I appreciate how thorough this video is!

I was diagnosed with stage 3c breast cancer and had a double mastectomy w/lymph node dissection. 14 out of the 23 nodes were cancer positive. Within the 1st 6 months post surgery I developed stage 1 axillary (armpit area) lymphedema. A year and a half out, I wear a compression camisole aka tank top everyday which helps decrease the discomfort and fullness feeling from the edema. Sometimes I insert a swell spot in my left armpit area. I perform manual lymphatic drainage every day in the shower. I have monthly oncology massage and have done numerous physiotherapy sessions. Recently, my occupational therapist ordered a home device that will do torso and arm lymphatic massage for an hour a day. I have found daily stretching and walking to be essential. Now I am able to do Qi Gong, Tai Chi, bicycle 🚲 and have even begun playing pickleball. It is not easy but I will myself to get up and get going and keep going. Dr. Liz's channel has been an invaluable source of encouragement thru shared experience and to the point truth telling. Thank you!

Thank you so much.  I have breast lymphedema and your video prompted me to contact my cancer team and inform them.  Since I try to be positive and minimize any discomfort I have been ignoring this even though it's very obviously swollen.  Now I will address the problem before it gets worse.  You are the only person on the web that I listen to about breast cancer.  Really appreciate your videos!

REBOUND ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️  REBOUND REBOUND‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️

My risk was 100%. It showed up 4 weeks after surgery.

Mine started before treatment. I was 41. I noticed a breast lump and the arm on the same side was swelling. I waited a month to bring it up with my primary provider. She suggested a mammogram. After the ultrasound and biopsy I found out I had a 5.1 cm lump and triple negative breast cancer. I saw a lymphadema therapist between chemo and surgery for evaluation. She determined that I already had lymphedema before I had any nodes removed. Now that treatment is over I am working on managing my lymphedema and losing weight.

An excellent video and topic. Thank you for telling us especially about the risk possibility based on our individual surgical node involvement, and the false information!

This is the most concise, comprehensive informative piece I’ve encountered on preventing and treating lymphedema. Thank you, Dr. O’Riordan!

I love that you talked about having bloods and blood pressure taken on affected sides, Lots of people still believe it’s a no no and I did request you to address this topic a few months ago.
Thanks Liz  for all your brilliant work!

This is positive and sensible  info confirming the more recent advice coming out of the US for patients: To live your life and just take care of yourself and listen to your body.

I am similar slim build to Dr Liz, had full axillary node clearance after mastectomy/recon end of last year. Have been lifting weights, full yoga inversions and trying to walk as much as possible.   (I was also advised against the weights and inversions). I am also building up slowly in my infrared sauna blanket, and cold showering. Making sure am massaging arms afterwards.

Didn’t know about the shaking arm though - so loving that!!

Keep your bodies strong everyone 💪 or as much as you can. ❤️

I use a basic vibration plate and it really helps, especially if I reach down and put my hands on it. If I miss a few days my breast begins to swell. Plus my granddaughters love my wibble wobble machine and we enjoy a good laugh using it which always helps

My lymphoedema developed two years after having a mastectomy, eight lymph nodes removed and 25 fractions of radiotherapy.  I failed the pitting test despite having worn a light compression garment and massaging my arm very soon  after the surgery with guidance from a lymphoedema therapist.  I do a lot of exercise including strength training and I am not overweight.  So I felt very ripped off when the preventative treatment didn't work.  I then started wearing a custom made compression garment and use a pump for one hour per day.  I started having more intensive treatment at the Lymphoedema Clinic at Macquarie University Hospital in Sydney, Australia.  The therapist told me that LVA and VLNT have only a 50% success rate.  The treatments are not covered by Medicare.  She said that Liposuction is another option to remove swelling.  I'm hoping we can keep the swelling minimal with the current regime.  Thank you Dr Liz for looking after us and providing reliable information.

My specialist breast cancer centre in north west England advises women to do 5-10 minutes of manual lymphatic drainage on the affected arm using moisturising lotion every evening before bed for at least a year after surgery (ideally indefinitely) and teaches everyone how to do it. They claim to have much lower than average rates of lymphoedema. My sister in another part of the UK was given no advice at all.

I developed it well after three years. I have it in my armpit, a bit in my side, and in my breast. I had a lumpectomy, a sentinel node biopsy and radiation, and my oncologist says it was caused by the radiation.

This is fantastic! Thank you so much.

Thankyou so much .
I will not get panicked when I need a blood test now knowing it is safe to  use both arms.
This is such a relief
Once again thanks❤

During BCS the surgeon moved the breast tissue around so my breast would not be flat due to the amount removed. I developed lymphedema almost immediately due to a break in the lymphatic system. I still have a lot of pain almost 3 years after surgery and a ruptured seroma.  I am waiting for a booking for a mastectomy as abnormal cells and more calcifications were found after the seroma was drained of what looked like fluid w old blood.  I have not been able to wear the compression bra for almost a year because of the amount of painful swelling in the breast.  
I really appreciate these videos because not all doctors keep updated about these myths and changes in treatment.

Thank you so much for the information.

Great video very informative. Thank you ☺️