IS SHAVING YOUR ARMPIT SAFE AFTER LYMPH NODE REMOVAL? Reducing risk of infection after Breast Cancer
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- Can I shave my armpit after Lymph Node removal? This is a question that pops up often on Breast Cancer online forums and is often met with a resounding no.
The answer probably annoys a lot of Breast Cancer Survivors as just another thing they aren't able to do or have to be very careful with.
Risk of cuts means risk of infection. And when Lymph Nodes have been removed, you're at higher risk of infection. This can lead to potential cellulitis and lymphoedema.
However, there is another way to consider hair removal options. I like to include Quality of Life when looking at day to day problems after Breast Cancer, and shaving your armpit is just another topic where Quality of Life should apply.
Watch this video to hear my general advice around shaving your armpit after Lymph Node removal, compared to alternative options for hair removal.
Thank you. Quality of life. It’s really refreshing to hear that phrase being used!
Thank you for your lovely feedback! I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Hi Jen, this is great. I dont know about the other guys but I've always liked to smell nice (quality of life for me) so for me it was more about hygiene....fortunately after the lymph node removal and radiation on my right breast, I didn't grow much hair under my arm just a few stray ones... and have very little if any body odour under that arm too...so I pretty well leave it alone but since the right arm is the same as it always was.. hairy/body odour.... (and also because I had sensitivity and pain in the right armpit).......
And remove the few stray hairs..... I bought my own electric shaver to remove the hair under both so there would be no chance of cutting and I use Curash Powder now rather than any shop deodorants/antiperspirants..(the Rexonas and Doves started to sting for the first time).. so that's what works for me. Good luck ladies.. may we thrive not simply survive 🥰👍🎉
Well said Loretta! 👏👏👏
Thank you for this Jen!! And for always putting quality of life first. I’m looking forward to the one about hot flushes!
Yes Karin, I liked to know about hot flushes too...... I'm fed up with them 😁🙄
You're very welcome Karin! Thankyou for watching and commenting! Hoping to launch the hot flushes video next week!! 🤞 Jen x
Hi Loretta! Hoping to get this video launched next week 🤞 Jen x
Thanks Jen I remember you told me exactly this about 18 months ago. I hope life is treaing you kind.
You are Amazing Thankyou for your positive info!
Hello Gorgeous Charlene!! I hope you are doing really well! Life is good thankyou! Jen xx
As always, plain sensible advice 👌. Thank you for keeping us informed and in control.
Thank you Delia!! Appreciate your support! Jen x
Thanks very much for your kindness and great advise 🤗
My pleasure Madeleine! x
I was nervous about shaving my numb armpits after double mastectomy and R sentinel lymph node dissection. The amount of pressure applied is hard to tell with the axillary numbness. I used shaving cream in the shower. I’ll continue to be very careful.
I agree Beth, it is a tricky issue but I think with care it can be done. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
I wish the audio was more clear
Thank you. It was extremely helpful 🙏🏼
Thank you Jen! 🙏🏼 Awesome info as always!
You are so welcome! Thank you as always for your lovely feedback! Your comments always make me smile and encourage me to keep doing these videos. Jen xx
Thank you, as always
You're very welcome Ms SD N!
😊 Thanks Jen, Good to know this information
Thank you for watching and commenting Cari! Jen :)
Thank you so much for great information. ❤
Thanks for your lovely feedback Niki. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Curious about the use of epilators. Would that be problematic because they pull the hair out by the root? I know some people have trouble using these under arms and not catching skin too, but others don't & it doesn't cause them any irritation. It has the potential to be done less frequently too.
Hi Ruth, thanks for your comment. I think it depends on your experience with using epilators. If you've never used one prior to breast cancer your risk of cutting skin may be higher than someone who has used them for a long time. With everything it's a risk / benefit relationship. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Came here for this exact question. I had been using a epilator for year before my dmx and 2 nodes removed. I would love to go back to it, I've never caught my skin, it lasts longer than shaving and I just prefer it. But like most things since my diagnosis,I'm scared if everything 😞
@@bucknastysmomasdish I've still not been able to find a satisfactory answer to this question either. I don't "do" Facebook, so the offer of the private group wasn't helpful for me. My doctors and PT people here in the US don't seem to have knowledge of epilators (maybe less common in the US or maybe just my local area?) I still have concerns about how the pulling hair out by the root might be considered breaking the skin and therefore to be avoided. I still don't know how to evaluate the risks for myself. Especially since I AM being warned away from even having fine acupuncture needles in the area. I didn't lose any hair growth with radiation & I like to keep the hair down because for me it means I usually don't have to wear daily deoderant/anti-perspirant. But I also don't like having to shave so much more frequently with an electric razor (I can't use shaving creams/lotions due to skin irritation from their base ingredients so a blade is out too.) This is one of those seemingly minor things that piles on to all the rest of it.
Hi Jen, thanks for your videos. I had sentinel lymph node biopsy 2 weeks ago and i don't see an incision, i see a 2 inch rope like scar (not cording), its very raised and rolled. I can't shave under my arm because of this. Have you seen this type of scar before? I hope it goes away. Thank you.
Hi d n, thank for your comment. Have you had this confirmed by a therapist or medical professional that it is scar tissue rather than cording?
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio thanks Jen. No this is definitely the incision area where the surgeon removed the nodes. I removed the steri strip here and the incision is all gathered up like a rope. I have a follow up soon
@@dn-cp6sh I have seen this type of scar before. I still use all standard scar massage with these types of scar. Stretching can also help.
Thanks for your video. I had read that another safe alternative is using an electric lady shaver.
When I had the mastectomy last year they also took out the sentinel node. Thankfully it was negative. Does that also fall under lymph nodes?
Hi, thank you for commenting and watching! I didn't put the electric shavers in because I don't know much about them but yes some of my patients use them without issues of cutting themselves. Sentinel node biopsy actually means between 1 and 4 lymph nodes have been removed. The term biopsy is a bit misleading. Jen
Good grief...it looks like a war zone under my arm. Like someone drilled a hole. No way to fit a razor in that pit. I have no choice and need another choice.
I do not use deodorant. I can perspire but found a way to not stink.... By periodically rubbing a fresh cut lemon on it. Like every 2 or 3 months.
Hi Robin, how long following treatment are you now? And by war zone I'm assuming you mean a lot of scar tissue?
You shouldn't have been shaving your armpits all along. FYI
Hi Mychelle, what are your thoughts on shaving after lymph node removal? Jen
@The Breast Cancer Physio Dear Jen, cancer seems like a infection. Draining puss....it might be complicated but I doubt it. Wb
@@MychelleSeymourHeyyouremember Sorry I don't understand your reply.
@The Breast Cancer Physio I apologize not being specific. I really have no idea what cancer is.... can you help me understand?