Lung problems. A registered dietitian RD can help make sure people with digestion problems are getting enough nutrients. The chances of getting lymphedema are greater if your treatment includes both [ breast side cancer after effects ]: Removal of a large number of axillary nodes during breast cancer surgery Radiation therapy to the axillary or supraclavicular above the collarbone lymph nodes Being overweight also increases the risk of lymphedema [ 4,11 ]. This is usually a painless procedure as the area is likely to be numb. The time this takes will vary from person to person.