Has anyone NOT developed lymphedema after axillary dissection?

Hello,  I had a large melanoma lession removed under my right arm.  It had taken over several nodes.  After recovery, they sent me back in to do a dissection and removed 17 nodes.  No melanoma detected in those 17.  I kept a drain tube in for over 3 weeks.  I have not had any trouble since that was done in Sept. 2012 other than numbness and tingling.  I pray everything works out for you.

Hello,  I had a large melanoma lession removed under my right arm.  It had taken over several nodes.  After recovery, they sent me back in to do a dissection and removed 17 nodes.  No melanoma detected in those 17.  I kept a drain tube in for over 3 weeks.  I have not had any trouble since that was done in Sept. 2012 other than numbness and tingling.  I pray everything works out for you.

Hello,  I had a large melanoma lession removed under my right arm.  It had taken over several nodes.  After recovery, they sent me back in to do a dissection and removed 17 nodes.  No melanoma detected in those 17.  I kept a drain tube in for over 3 weeks.  I have not had any trouble since that was done in Sept. 2012 other than numbness and tingling.  I pray everything works out for you.

Hey, I think I got ALL the complications…HA,HA.  And you know what I still don't regret having a complete node dissection.  It gave me peace of mind.  Yes, I got lymphedema in my right arm.  But you know what…we're lucky, the arm is very manageable.  Those that have groin nodes removed have it much tougher.  If you catch it early and get massage, oh how nice, it is very easy to manage..now the sleeve…that's not so fun but I only have to use that when I fly.  Let's see I also had a sarcoma that burst, that was ugly and painful.  I have nerve damage but again manageable.  Now down to a twinge every so often.   Oh something no one seems to mention for us women, I have lymphedema in my breast also…ouch (you can have a partner massage that)! That's all the bad stuff….

Now I'll tell you why I'd do it all over again.  I had 2 micro-mets also in my dominent arm.  I couldn't see doing interferon for a year with the stats of 5% and no  improvement on over-all survival.  And while I was given an option to join a study to use ultrasound to monitor, I knew that the ultrasound had already missed the 2 micro mets.  For me some inconvience was well worth knowing I was not a walking time bomb (or hopefully not). 

By the way, I can full utilize my arm.  It is now as strong as it was before…maybe stroger because I've worked it.  You have to stretch it after surgery but it should only take a few weeks to get range of motion back. 

Hope I didn't scare you too much!

Mary

Hey, I think I got ALL the complications…HA,HA.  And you know what I still don't regret having a complete node dissection.  It gave me peace of mind.  Yes, I got lymphedema in my right arm.  But you know what…we're lucky, the arm is very manageable.  Those that have groin nodes removed have it much tougher.  If you catch it early and get massage, oh how nice, it is very easy to manage..now the sleeve…that's not so fun but I only have to use that when I fly.  Let's see I also had a sarcoma that burst, that was ugly and painful.  I have nerve damage but again manageable.  Now down to a twinge every so often.   Oh something no one seems to mention for us women, I have lymphedema in my breast also…ouch (you can have a partner massage that)! That's all the bad stuff….

Now I'll tell you why I'd do it all over again.  I had 2 micro-mets also in my dominent arm.  I couldn't see doing interferon for a year with the stats of 5% and no  improvement on over-all survival.  And while I was given an option to join a study to use ultrasound to monitor, I knew that the ultrasound had already missed the 2 micro mets.  For me some inconvience was well worth knowing I was not a walking time bomb (or hopefully not). 

By the way, I can full utilize my arm.  It is now as strong as it was before…maybe stroger because I've worked it.  You have to stretch it after surgery but it should only take a few weeks to get range of motion back. 

Hope I didn't scare you too much!

Mary

Hey, I think I got ALL the complications…HA,HA.  And you know what I still don't regret having a complete node dissection.  It gave me peace of mind.  Yes, I got lymphedema in my right arm.  But you know what…we're lucky, the arm is very manageable.  Those that have groin nodes removed have it much tougher.  If you catch it early and get massage, oh how nice, it is very easy to manage..now the sleeve…that's not so fun but I only have to use that when I fly.  Let's see I also had a sarcoma that burst, that was ugly and painful.  I have nerve damage but again manageable.  Now down to a twinge every so often.   Oh something no one seems to mention for us women, I have lymphedema in my breast also…ouch (you can have a partner massage that)! That's all the bad stuff….

Now I'll tell you why I'd do it all over again.  I had 2 micro-mets also in my dominent arm.  I couldn't see doing interferon for a year with the stats of 5% and no  improvement on over-all survival.  And while I was given an option to join a study to use ultrasound to monitor, I knew that the ultrasound had already missed the 2 micro mets.  For me some inconvience was well worth knowing I was not a walking time bomb (or hopefully not). 

By the way, I can full utilize my arm.  It is now as strong as it was before…maybe stroger because I've worked it.  You have to stretch it after surgery but it should only take a few weeks to get range of motion back. 

Hope I didn't scare you too much!

Mary

I had 28 Lymphnodes removed August 2010 and have never had a problem since.  Although I believe my armpit will forever be numb that that I can live with.

I had 28 Lymphnodes removed August 2010 and have never had a problem since.  Although I believe my armpit will forever be numb that that I can live with.

I had 28 Lymphnodes removed August 2010 and have never had a problem since.  Although I believe my armpit will forever be numb that that I can live with.

It's been two years since my axillary dissection and I have not developed lymphedema. I do wear a compression sleeve when I fly because I don't want to push the envelope and end up with a problem. Some of the sleeves they make for women are actually quite pretty, especially those by Lymphedivas.

I was petrified of this surgery because of the potential side effects. But a friend who'd had a double axillary dissection for breast cancer got me back on track again. She never got lymphedema. She shared a stretching exercise with me, which I started doing the day after my surgery and continued doing it until I got my range of motion back. As luck would have it, we were flying to Florida after I had recovered from my surgery so I needed to get a sleeve. I saw a physical therapist who specialized in Lymphedema who measured me for the sleeve and gave me some additional exercises to do and I believe it is these exercises that have helped me a great deal:

* The first is a "wall crawl massage", which I do in the shower. I just walk with the fingers of the affected arm up the shower wall and then gently stroke down the arm with the opposite hand to keep the fluids moving.

* Walking and running are great exercise too! The get your heart and diaphragm pumping. The diaphragm acts like a bellows and helps move fluids out of your extremeties.

I also learned from my friend to always carry bandaids and some neosporin with me in the event I should get an open wound on my affected arm. And yes, I've had them. But I'm OK because I addressed the cut and/or insect bite right away.

Initially I thought it was overkill but I'm glad I had the surgery done. An ultrasound done near my surgical site to investigate an abnormality revealed that I had no more lymph nodes left. It was actually a relief to learn that. The abnormality also turned out to be nothing of any consequence.

Another good place to learn about axillary dissections are breast cancer web sites and/or patients.

You're in a scary place right now. We've all been there. And, you're going to get through this.

It's been two years since my axillary dissection and I have not developed lymphedema. I do wear a compression sleeve when I fly because I don't want to push the envelope and end up with a problem. Some of the sleeves they make for women are actually quite pretty, especially those by Lymphedivas.

I was petrified of this surgery because of the potential side effects. But a friend who'd had a double axillary dissection for breast cancer got me back on track again. She never got lymphedema. She shared a stretching exercise with me, which I started doing the day after my surgery and continued doing it until I got my range of motion back. As luck would have it, we were flying to Florida after I had recovered from my surgery so I needed to get a sleeve. I saw a physical therapist who specialized in Lymphedema who measured me for the sleeve and gave me some additional exercises to do and I believe it is these exercises that have helped me a great deal:

* The first is a "wall crawl massage", which I do in the shower. I just walk with the fingers of the affected arm up the shower wall and then gently stroke down the arm with the opposite hand to keep the fluids moving.

* Walking and running are great exercise too! The get your heart and diaphragm pumping. The diaphragm acts like a bellows and helps move fluids out of your extremeties.

I also learned from my friend to always carry bandaids and some neosporin with me in the event I should get an open wound on my affected arm. And yes, I've had them. But I'm OK because I addressed the cut and/or insect bite right away.

Initially I thought it was overkill but I'm glad I had the surgery done. An ultrasound done near my surgical site to investigate an abnormality revealed that I had no more lymph nodes left. It was actually a relief to learn that. The abnormality also turned out to be nothing of any consequence.

Another good place to learn about axillary dissections are breast cancer web sites and/or patients.

You're in a scary place right now. We've all been there. And, you're going to get through this.

It's been two years since my axillary dissection and I have not developed lymphedema. I do wear a compression sleeve when I fly because I don't want to push the envelope and end up with a problem. Some of the sleeves they make for women are actually quite pretty, especially those by Lymphedivas.

I was petrified of this surgery because of the potential side effects. But a friend who'd had a double axillary dissection for breast cancer got me back on track again. She never got lymphedema. She shared a stretching exercise with me, which I started doing the day after my surgery and continued doing it until I got my range of motion back. As luck would have it, we were flying to Florida after I had recovered from my surgery so I needed to get a sleeve. I saw a physical therapist who specialized in Lymphedema who measured me for the sleeve and gave me some additional exercises to do and I believe it is these exercises that have helped me a great deal:

* The first is a "wall crawl massage", which I do in the shower. I just walk with the fingers of the affected arm up the shower wall and then gently stroke down the arm with the opposite hand to keep the fluids moving.

* Walking and running are great exercise too! The get your heart and diaphragm pumping. The diaphragm acts like a bellows and helps move fluids out of your extremeties.

I also learned from my friend to always carry bandaids and some neosporin with me in the event I should get an open wound on my affected arm. And yes, I've had them. But I'm OK because I addressed the cut and/or insect bite right away.

Initially I thought it was overkill but I'm glad I had the surgery done. An ultrasound done near my surgical site to investigate an abnormality revealed that I had no more lymph nodes left. It was actually a relief to learn that. The abnormality also turned out to be nothing of any consequence.

Another good place to learn about axillary dissections are breast cancer web sites and/or patients.

You're in a scary place right now. We've all been there. And, you're going to get through this.

I think a second opinion would be a great idea. There is a clinical trial that you could have ultrasounds and be monitored closely. Your risk seems low and complete node dissection can have many life changing complications. See a melanoma specialist before making any decisions. I too am stage 3a and had microscopic only in 1 sentinel node. I did have groin lymph node dissection and I have lymph edema in that thigh and leg. It’s manageble. But I am not sure I would do it if I could go back. Good luck to you in your melanoma journey.
Kim

I think a second opinion would be a great idea. There is a clinical trial that you could have ultrasounds and be monitored closely. Your risk seems low and complete node dissection can have many life changing complications. See a melanoma specialist before making any decisions. I too am stage 3a and had microscopic only in 1 sentinel node. I did have groin lymph node dissection and I have lymph edema in that thigh and leg. It’s manageble. But I am not sure I would do it if I could go back. Good luck to you in your melanoma journey.
Kim

I think a second opinion would be a great idea. There is a clinical trial that you could have ultrasounds and be monitored closely. Your risk seems low and complete node dissection can have many life changing complications. See a melanoma specialist before making any decisions. I too am stage 3a and had microscopic only in 1 sentinel node. I did have groin lymph node dissection and I have lymph edema in that thigh and leg. It’s manageble. But I am not sure I would do it if I could go back. Good luck to you in your melanoma journey.
Kim

I think a second opinion would be a great idea. There is a clinical trial that you could have ultrasounds and be monitored closely. Your risk seems low and complete node dissection can have many life changing complications. See a melanoma specialist before making any decisions. I too am stage 3a and had microscopic only in 1 sentinel node. I did have groin lymph node dissection and I have lymph edema in that thigh and leg. It’s manageble. But I am not sure I would do it if I could go back. Good luck to you in your melanoma journey.
Kim

I think a second opinion would be a great idea. There is a clinical trial that you could have ultrasounds and be monitored closely. Your risk seems low and complete node dissection can have many life changing complications. See a melanoma specialist before making any decisions. I too am stage 3a and had microscopic only in 1 sentinel node. I did have groin lymph node dissection and I have lymph edema in that thigh and leg. It’s manageble. But I am not sure I would do it if I could go back. Good luck to you in your melanoma journey.
Kim

I think a second opinion would be a great idea. There is a clinical trial that you could have ultrasounds and be monitored closely. Your risk seems low and complete node dissection can have many life changing complications. See a melanoma specialist before making any decisions. I too am stage 3a and had microscopic only in 1 sentinel node. I did have groin lymph node dissection and I have lymph edema in that thigh and leg. It’s manageble. But I am not sure I would do it if I could go back. Good luck to you in your melanoma journey.
Kim

I think a second opinion would be a great idea. There is a clinical trial that you could have ultrasounds and be monitored closely. Your risk seems low and complete node dissection can have many life changing complications. See a melanoma specialist before making any decisions. I too am stage 3a and had microscopic only in 1 sentinel node. I did have groin lymph node dissection and I have lymph edema in that thigh and leg. It’s manageble. But I am not sure I would do it if I could go back. Good luck to you in your melanoma journey.
Kim

I think a second opinion would be a great idea. There is a clinical trial that you could have ultrasounds and be monitored closely. Your risk seems low and complete node dissection can have many life changing complications. See a melanoma specialist before making any decisions. I too am stage 3a and had microscopic only in 1 sentinel node. I did have groin lymph node dissection and I have lymph edema in that thigh and leg. It’s manageble. But I am not sure I would do it if I could go back. Good luck to you in your melanoma journey.
Kim

I think a second opinion would be a great idea. There is a clinical trial that you could have ultrasounds and be monitored closely. Your risk seems low and complete node dissection can have many life changing complications. See a melanoma specialist before making any decisions. I too am stage 3a and had microscopic only in 1 sentinel node. I did have groin lymph node dissection and I have lymph edema in that thigh and leg. It’s manageble. But I am not sure I would do it if I could go back. Good luck to you in your melanoma journey.
Kim

I think a second opinion would be a great idea. There is a clinical trial that you could have ultrasounds and be monitored closely. Your risk seems low and complete node dissection can have many life changing complications. See a melanoma specialist before making any decisions. I too am stage 3a and had microscopic only in 1 sentinel node. I did have groin lymph node dissection and I have lymph edema in that thigh and leg. It’s manageble. But I am not sure I would do it if I could go back. Good luck to you in your melanoma journey.
Kim

I think a second opinion would be a great idea. There is a clinical trial that you could have ultrasounds and be monitored closely. Your risk seems low and complete node dissection can have many life changing complications. See a melanoma specialist before making any decisions. I too am stage 3a and had microscopic only in 1 sentinel node. I did have groin lymph node dissection and I have lymph edema in that thigh and leg. It’s manageble. But I am not sure I would do it if I could go back. Good luck to you in your melanoma journey.
Kim

I think a second opinion would be a great idea. There is a clinical trial that you could have ultrasounds and be monitored closely. Your risk seems low and complete node dissection can have many life changing complications. See a melanoma specialist before making any decisions. I too am stage 3a and had microscopic only in 1 sentinel node. I did have groin lymph node dissection and I have lymph edema in that thigh and leg. It’s manageble. But I am not sure I would do it if I could go back. Good luck to you in your melanoma journey.
Kim

I think a second opinion would be a great idea. There is a clinical trial that you could have ultrasounds and be monitored closely. Your risk seems low and complete node dissection can have many life changing complications. See a melanoma specialist before making any decisions. I too am stage 3a and had microscopic only in 1 sentinel node. I did have groin lymph node dissection and I have lymph edema in that thigh and leg. It’s manageble. But I am not sure I would do it if I could go back. Good luck to you in your melanoma journey.
Kim

I think a second opinion would be a great idea. There is a clinical trial that you could have ultrasounds and be monitored closely. Your risk seems low and complete node dissection can have many life changing complications. See a melanoma specialist before making any decisions. I too am stage 3a and had microscopic only in 1 sentinel node. I did have groin lymph node dissection and I have lymph edema in that thigh and leg. It’s manageble. But I am not sure I would do it if I could go back. Good luck to you in your melanoma journey.
Kim

I think a second opinion would be a great idea. There is a clinical trial that you could have ultrasounds and be monitored closely. Your risk seems low and complete node dissection can have many life changing complications. See a melanoma specialist before making any decisions. I too am stage 3a and had microscopic only in 1 sentinel node. I did have groin lymph node dissection and I have lymph edema in that thigh and leg. It’s manageble. But I am not sure I would do it if I could go back. Good luck to you in your melanoma journey.
Kim

The first oncologist we met with last March after our then 8yr old son's stage 3b diagnosis warned us (scared us) against a complete dissection of the groin lymph nodes because of the risks.  When we got to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital, the clinical trial required the dissection.  We are glad it was done as more melanoma was found.  Nine months later, he is competing in gymnastics (while on interferon!).  He has no lasting negative effects from the dissection.

I don't know why some have problems and some do not.  I do know that our son started physical therapy the day after surgery, and three times a week for several weeks afterwards.  Also, I think that the stretching in gymnastics is helpful.

-Malika

The first oncologist we met with last March after our then 8yr old son's stage 3b diagnosis warned us (scared us) against a complete dissection of the groin lymph nodes because of the risks.  When we got to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital, the clinical trial required the dissection.  We are glad it was done as more melanoma was found.  Nine months later, he is competing in gymnastics (while on interferon!).  He has no lasting negative effects from the dissection.

I don't know why some have problems and some do not.  I do know that our son started physical therapy the day after surgery, and three times a week for several weeks afterwards.  Also, I think that the stretching in gymnastics is helpful.

-Malika

The first oncologist we met with last March after our then 8yr old son's stage 3b diagnosis warned us (scared us) against a complete dissection of the groin lymph nodes because of the risks.  When we got to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital, the clinical trial required the dissection.  We are glad it was done as more melanoma was found.  Nine months later, he is competing in gymnastics (while on interferon!).  He has no lasting negative effects from the dissection.

I don't know why some have problems and some do not.  I do know that our son started physical therapy the day after surgery, and three times a week for several weeks afterwards.  Also, I think that the stretching in gymnastics is helpful.

-Malika

I had axillary dissection on both arms a year ago. At first i had swelling in my chest. Chest was huge. Didn’t last long and haven’t had problems since. Shaving is still an issue. Need 3 hands. Still numb too. I can also make toot sounds with my pits. The kind boys make by sticking their hands in their pits except i don’t have to use my hands. Great party trick.
Good luck!
Amy

I had axillary dissection on both arms a year ago. At first i had swelling in my chest. Chest was huge. Didn’t last long and haven’t had problems since. Shaving is still an issue. Need 3 hands. Still numb too. I can also make toot sounds with my pits. The kind boys make by sticking their hands in their pits except i don’t have to use my hands. Great party trick.
Good luck!
Amy

I had axillary dissection on both arms a year ago. At first i had swelling in my chest. Chest was huge. Didn’t last long and haven’t had problems since. Shaving is still an issue. Need 3 hands. Still numb too. I can also make toot sounds with my pits. The kind boys make by sticking their hands in their pits except i don’t have to use my hands. Great party trick.
Good luck!
Amy

I had an axillary dissection done in 2009 under my left arm.  I've had no problems other than numbness and and some continued dull pain.   Once when we went to Florida I had pain in the arm in the heat and humidity and last summer during a very hot spell I had pain.  No swelling.  Hope this helps.

Amy S. in Michigan

I had an axillary dissection done in 2009 under my left arm.  I've had no problems other than numbness and and some continued dull pain.   Once when we went to Florida I had pain in the arm in the heat and humidity and last summer during a very hot spell I had pain.  No swelling.  Hope this helps.

Amy S. in Michigan

I had an axillary dissection done in 2009 under my left arm.  I've had no problems other than numbness and and some continued dull pain.   Once when we went to Florida I had pain in the arm in the heat and humidity and last summer during a very hot spell I had pain.  No swelling.  Hope this helps.

Amy S. in Michigan

One more positive.  I had an axillary lymphendectomy done when I was 15.  Never a problem.  Fast forward 47 years, lumpectomy followed by major lymph node removal on the other side.  No problem.  When people ask me about avoiding blood pressure or shots in my "breast cancer arm" because of lymphedema concerns, I tell them, "Why bother, one arm is as good as another."  I did do lots of swimming after both operations.  Lots of arm stretching.  Reason for no problems????

One more positive.  I had an axillary lymphendectomy done when I was 15.  Never a problem.  Fast forward 47 years, lumpectomy followed by major lymph node removal on the other side.  No problem.  When people ask me about avoiding blood pressure or shots in my "breast cancer arm" because of lymphedema concerns, I tell them, "Why bother, one arm is as good as another."  I did do lots of swimming after both operations.  Lots of arm stretching.  Reason for no problems????

One more positive.  I had an axillary lymphendectomy done when I was 15.  Never a problem.  Fast forward 47 years, lumpectomy followed by major lymph node removal on the other side.  No problem.  When people ask me about avoiding blood pressure or shots in my "breast cancer arm" because of lymphedema concerns, I tell them, "Why bother, one arm is as good as another."  I did do lots of swimming after both operations.  Lots of arm stretching.  Reason for no problems????

I had a partial removal ( abt 8 nodes) back in 2002 when I had a mastectomy for breast cancer. I had a melanoma recurrence in the same axillae and had total node dissection in January of 2012. No lymphedema of my arm. I do take precautions such as no venipuncture or BPs in that arm. Thus far I have had zero problems with it. Lymphedema can occur at any time after such a surgery and that was the case with my leg ( lymph disection and developed lymphedema a few yrs later). THAT being said, even with the lymphedema of my leg, it is manageable & feel that it was worth it to try to reduce risk of recurrence further. Many times lymphedema, if it does develop, can be well managed if treaed early by a qualified therapist who is familiar with lymph drainage and lymphedema. If you decide to have it done, you should definitely see such a therapist during recovery to learn the exercizes and stretches and helpful knowledge to maintain range of motion and reduce rick of complications.

I hope this is helpful…just words from my own experience I thought I'd share.

TIna

I had a partial removal ( abt 8 nodes) back in 2002 when I had a mastectomy for breast cancer. I had a melanoma recurrence in the same axillae and had total node dissection in January of 2012. No lymphedema of my arm. I do take precautions such as no venipuncture or BPs in that arm. Thus far I have had zero problems with it. Lymphedema can occur at any time after such a surgery and that was the case with my leg ( lymph disection and developed lymphedema a few yrs later). THAT being said, even with the lymphedema of my leg, it is manageable & feel that it was worth it to try to reduce risk of recurrence further. Many times lymphedema, if it does develop, can be well managed if treaed early by a qualified therapist who is familiar with lymph drainage and lymphedema. If you decide to have it done, you should definitely see such a therapist during recovery to learn the exercizes and stretches and helpful knowledge to maintain range of motion and reduce rick of complications.

I hope this is helpful…just words from my own experience I thought I'd share.

TIna

I had a partial removal ( abt 8 nodes) back in 2002 when I had a mastectomy for breast cancer. I had a melanoma recurrence in the same axillae and had total node dissection in January of 2012. No lymphedema of my arm. I do take precautions such as no venipuncture or BPs in that arm. Thus far I have had zero problems with it. Lymphedema can occur at any time after such a surgery and that was the case with my leg ( lymph disection and developed lymphedema a few yrs later). THAT being said, even with the lymphedema of my leg, it is manageable & feel that it was worth it to try to reduce risk of recurrence further. Many times lymphedema, if it does develop, can be well managed if treaed early by a qualified therapist who is familiar with lymph drainage and lymphedema. If you decide to have it done, you should definitely see such a therapist during recovery to learn the exercizes and stretches and helpful knowledge to maintain range of motion and reduce rick of complications.

I hope this is helpful…just words from my own experience I thought I'd share.

TIna

I have not developed lymphedema since having a 2 inch wide slice taken from my groin area in 2007.  Most of the lymph nodes, but not all were removed from the inguinal and iliac lymph in the groin (inside and outside of the omentum).  I was as active as possible after the long operation.  I also used massage and kept my foot/leg elevated when not using it for a year.  Since there is no heart to pump lymph fluid, one has to move the muscles to pump the lymph fluid upwards.  In many cases the fluid will develop a new path to complete it's journal into the blood system.  When the limb is elevated any muscular movement works with the gravitational pull to get the lymph fluid to the older lymph channels. 

    I give the most credit to the skill and care that my surgeon excercised.

I have not developed lymphedema since having a 2 inch wide slice taken from my groin area in 2007.  Most of the lymph nodes, but not all were removed from the inguinal and iliac lymph in the groin (inside and outside of the omentum).  I was as active as possible after the long operation.  I also used massage and kept my foot/leg elevated when not using it for a year.  Since there is no heart to pump lymph fluid, one has to move the muscles to pump the lymph fluid upwards.  In many cases the fluid will develop a new path to complete it's journal into the blood system.  When the limb is elevated any muscular movement works with the gravitational pull to get the lymph fluid to the older lymph channels. 

    I give the most credit to the skill and care that my surgeon excercised.

I have not developed lymphedema since having a 2 inch wide slice taken from my groin area in 2007.  Most of the lymph nodes, but not all were removed from the inguinal and iliac lymph in the groin (inside and outside of the omentum).  I was as active as possible after the long operation.  I also used massage and kept my foot/leg elevated when not using it for a year.  Since there is no heart to pump lymph fluid, one has to move the muscles to pump the lymph fluid upwards.  In many cases the fluid will develop a new path to complete it's journal into the blood system.  When the limb is elevated any muscular movement works with the gravitational pull to get the lymph fluid to the older lymph channels. 

    I give the most credit to the skill and care that my surgeon excercised.