Side Effect Prevention

luckily this is less of a problem with many more women these days who undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy, rather than a complete axillary dissection and therefore removal of most of the lymph nodes. women who have a complete dissection must be careful with that arm, e.g. no blood draws to that arm, or to wear gloves when gardening, to prevent injury/infection. if signs of lymphedema should occur, it is important for a woman to see a physical therapist and/or occupational therapist e.g. to learn arm exercises and to get a compression sleeve to reduce swelling. luckily this is less of a problem with many more women these days who undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy, rather than a complete axillary dissection and therefore removal of most of the lymph nodes. women who have a complete dissection must be careful with that arm, e.g. no blood draws to that arm, or to wear gloves when gardening, to prevent injury/infection. if signs of lymphedema should occur, it is important for a woman to see a physical therapist and/or occupational therapist e.g. to learn arm exercises and to get a compression sleeve to reduce swelling.