I have no lymph nodes in my left arm due to breast cancer. I got stung.?

Question

I just now got stung (not sure what) on my middle finger on my left arm while getting something out of the bushes outside my house. My son is going to check what it was right now but my question is..

I have no lymph nodes in my left arm due to breast cancer (remission atm) and my doctor told me to try and not get that arm hurt due to it.

Should I just watch my arm to see if anything happens? Will I see anything visible if something happens? Should I go to the doctor/ER just to be safe? I'm not sure what to do.

Answer 1

I too had my lymph nodes removed because of breast cancer.

If I get a cut or sting etc I clean the area and put antiseptic cream on the wound - I'm sure you did that.

What you need to watch out for is any swelling or puffiness of your arm or hand.

Lymphoedema doesn't automatically happen as a result of injuries; if your arm is still not swollen, just keep an eye on it. If it does swell, seek medical advice immediately. You're obviously not in the same country as I am (unless you get things out of bushes in the middle of the night!), but in the UK I would advise contacting your breast care nurse, which is what I did when my arm first swelled up.

I'm not actually sure what triggered my lymphoedema - I think it may have been carrying heavy shopping. It started over two years after my surgery, and I had had a number of bites, cuts etc by then without any bad result. It's very unpredictable unfortunately.

Answer 2

I would put antibiotic cream or neosporin on it and bandage it.  You may not necessarily get an infection, but it wouldnt be a bad idea to let your dr know in case he/she wants you to start on antibiotics as a precauction.  I also had breast cancer and lymph nodes removed.  I did develop mild lymphedema but have had no infections, etc.  When I get a cut on that hand/arm I clean it, put the cream on and bandage it.  So far I've been lucky.  

Answer 3

with the lymph node removed it will be difficult for your body to deal with an infection in that area. however, you will not necessarily become infected.  It would be best to call your doctor and let him know and perhaps you should take antibiotics just to be safe.