When Kristy got her lumpectomy, they took out a bunch of lymph nodes from under her arm, which has the potential to cause lymphedema, which is swelling from lymphatic fluid accumulation.
Her arm hurts so much to extend it above shoulder level. This is supposed to heal. She is doing exercises every day and is going to a class on Wednesday nights for physical therapy.
But she needs to protect her skin from any cuts, chafing, or burns or else she could get lymphedema. Here is a list of things she needs to protect her left arm from:
- No more blood pressure in the left arm
- No more needles for blood or IVs in the left arm
- No more wearing anything tight on the left arm or hand (her wedding ring, watches, bracelets, tight sleeves)
- No manicures that can cut her cuticles
- No backpacks or heavy packages using the left arm
- Wearing protective gloves when doing dishes, using the oven, gardening, etc
- No sunburning the left arm
- No bug bits or animal scratches on left arm
- Has to use an electric razor on that arm
- Don't go into high-heat hot tubs, saunas or steam baths
- Don't go from extreme hot to cold water temperatures when bathing or doing dishes
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