Lymph Node Dissection

I had mine done on my groin so drains we're on my thigh but anytime the incision leaked was because there was a clot somewhere. Have u stripped your tubes? Did anyone show you how to do that?

I had mine done on my groin so drains we're on my thigh but anytime the incision leaked was because there was a clot somewhere. Have u stripped your tubes? Did anyone show you how to do that?

I had mine done on my groin so drains we're on my thigh but anytime the incision leaked was because there was a clot somewhere. Have u stripped your tubes? Did anyone show you how to do that?

Hi BTF,

Sorry you are having to deal with the lymphadenectomy and drainage.  I had a complete lymphadenectomy of my right axillae in 2003 and of my left in 2007….AND IT IS YUCKY!!!  But, you can do this.  Lots of lymphatic drainage is normal…that's why you have the drain in place….since the pre-existing drainage system has been disrupted.  It is best that it IS draining…whether by the drain itself or via the incision…rather than collecting in a pocket under the tissue.  (I did that on one side when they pulled the drain prematurely and then had to have a needle inserted to drain out the excess.) BUT….your incision won't be able to heal quickly if a great deal of seepage is present, so I would call my doc in the am to let them know the number of pads or gauzes you have seeped through, in what time frame, so they can decide if they need to check your drain.  As far as drain removal…it is not fun or painfree…but it is kindof like getting sutures removed….it feels so much better once it is out that it is worth it. 

So talk to your doctor about your amount of drainage and see if it is within the amount they expected.  The only other real advice I have is, once your doc says it is ok….start doing exercises with that arm.  There are lots of good simple arm raises explained on various breast cancer sites since this is a pretty common procedure for those folks.  One example….gentle reaching both arms upwards along a wall you are facing….gradually stretching….reaching a little higher and a little longer each day.  This is important to avoid the development of lymphadema….which to this day (though I know I have been lucky) I have never developed in either arm.

Hang in there!!!  Yours, Celeste

Hi BTF,

Sorry you are having to deal with the lymphadenectomy and drainage.  I had a complete lymphadenectomy of my right axillae in 2003 and of my left in 2007….AND IT IS YUCKY!!!  But, you can do this.  Lots of lymphatic drainage is normal…that's why you have the drain in place….since the pre-existing drainage system has been disrupted.  It is best that it IS draining…whether by the drain itself or via the incision…rather than collecting in a pocket under the tissue.  (I did that on one side when they pulled the drain prematurely and then had to have a needle inserted to drain out the excess.) BUT….your incision won't be able to heal quickly if a great deal of seepage is present, so I would call my doc in the am to let them know the number of pads or gauzes you have seeped through, in what time frame, so they can decide if they need to check your drain.  As far as drain removal…it is not fun or painfree…but it is kindof like getting sutures removed….it feels so much better once it is out that it is worth it. 

So talk to your doctor about your amount of drainage and see if it is within the amount they expected.  The only other real advice I have is, once your doc says it is ok….start doing exercises with that arm.  There are lots of good simple arm raises explained on various breast cancer sites since this is a pretty common procedure for those folks.  One example….gentle reaching both arms upwards along a wall you are facing….gradually stretching….reaching a little higher and a little longer each day.  This is important to avoid the development of lymphadema….which to this day (though I know I have been lucky) I have never developed in either arm.

Hang in there!!!  Yours, Celeste

Hi BTF,

Sorry you are having to deal with the lymphadenectomy and drainage.  I had a complete lymphadenectomy of my right axillae in 2003 and of my left in 2007….AND IT IS YUCKY!!!  But, you can do this.  Lots of lymphatic drainage is normal…that's why you have the drain in place….since the pre-existing drainage system has been disrupted.  It is best that it IS draining…whether by the drain itself or via the incision…rather than collecting in a pocket under the tissue.  (I did that on one side when they pulled the drain prematurely and then had to have a needle inserted to drain out the excess.) BUT….your incision won't be able to heal quickly if a great deal of seepage is present, so I would call my doc in the am to let them know the number of pads or gauzes you have seeped through, in what time frame, so they can decide if they need to check your drain.  As far as drain removal…it is not fun or painfree…but it is kindof like getting sutures removed….it feels so much better once it is out that it is worth it. 

So talk to your doctor about your amount of drainage and see if it is within the amount they expected.  The only other real advice I have is, once your doc says it is ok….start doing exercises with that arm.  There are lots of good simple arm raises explained on various breast cancer sites since this is a pretty common procedure for those folks.  One example….gentle reaching both arms upwards along a wall you are facing….gradually stretching….reaching a little higher and a little longer each day.  This is important to avoid the development of lymphadema….which to this day (though I know I have been lucky) I have never developed in either arm.

Hang in there!!!  Yours, Celeste

I had LND in my right arm pit in January.  I had fluid coming out of the incision as well.  I was told it's totally normal – in their words, the fluid has to come out one way or another.  However, I would still call your surgeon to see if you should take any extra precautions.  I had all internal stitches.  The dr said to use a certain cream around the incision b/c the lymph fluid can irritate your skin.  Also, getting the drain removed didn't hurt at all.  Good luck with recovery! 

I had LND in my right arm pit in January.  I had fluid coming out of the incision as well.  I was told it's totally normal – in their words, the fluid has to come out one way or another.  However, I would still call your surgeon to see if you should take any extra precautions.  I had all internal stitches.  The dr said to use a certain cream around the incision b/c the lymph fluid can irritate your skin.  Also, getting the drain removed didn't hurt at all.  Good luck with recovery! 

I had LND in my right arm pit in January.  I had fluid coming out of the incision as well.  I was told it's totally normal – in their words, the fluid has to come out one way or another.  However, I would still call your surgeon to see if you should take any extra precautions.  I had all internal stitches.  The dr said to use a certain cream around the incision b/c the lymph fluid can irritate your skin.  Also, getting the drain removed didn't hurt at all.  Good luck with recovery!