If you've had underarm lymph nodes removed

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How do you remove underarm hair?

I was told not to shave in case I cut myself (I still don't have any feeling in there) and not to use creams etc as they are too harsh for the skin.

Is there anything I can do or just accept the fact I can't lift my left arm in public during the summer

I still use a razor, but I have found that there is very little hair growth under my arms following chemo, so I don't have to do it very often. Do take care of your arm though. I have developed mild lymphodeama - probably because I carried on as normal - lifting heavy items etc.

I never had problems with cream - 15 years now.

Not lymph nodes but had an abscess, two ops and two lots of plastic surgery so have some odd scarring! I use a trimmer around the scar bit and then shave the rest, I've never ever cut myself despite not being able to feel it

I have had mine removed, but as FallenMadonna, I have hardly any hair growth on that side any more. I would avoid razors, though because of the risk from lymphoedema.

Thanks for the replies. There isn't a lot of hair but enough iyswim!

I will give shaving a go, as Muftiday said, I've never cut myself before........

Re insect bites, I do tend to react badly to them so my oncologist suggested if I was going abroad to get some antibiotics from GP before I go in case I get bitten. Although tbh, the amount of Jungle Formula I put on would fell a rhino let alone a mossie

Good luck with getting antibiotics from your gp. I went to India but my gp wouldn't prescribe them in advance. I only gave up arguing with the practice because I found out it is easy to buy them over the counter there.

I shave, not been a problem

Shaving with bic. Much less hair than used to be. Not cut myself.

I shave. I had node sampling, not full clearance. Mine was almost seven years ago and that area is still numb, but I've never cut myself.

I did use cream at first but soon got fed up of it!