[Debbie L.]

Good questions. I don't know that women and men need a lot of advice about preventing lymphedema (it may be that if there's enough damage, it will develop regardless eventually). But all people who have had any surgery or radiation to the axilla (including SLNB, which lowers the risk compared to full axillary dissections, but does not eliminate it) definitely need to know what to watch for in terms of symptoms, so they can get on top of it early. It's much easier to treat and control before the tissue damage becomes extensive.

So my answer to your excellent question would be a partial "yes". Make sure anyone you counsel knows about lymphedema, and ideally knows exactly who to contact should they have any sign of it. The "who" part would be a certified lymphedema therapist. The symptom list would include what happens before there is perceivable swelling -- heaviness, tingling, burning, and pain, in the affected limb or breast/chest.

Debbie Laxague