Final answer:
Following the surgical removal of axillary lymph nodes during a mastectomy, a woman can experience lymphedema in her left arm due to the disruption of normal lymph drainage pathways to the thoracic duct.
Step-by-step explanation:
A woman who has had a mastectomy with the removal of axillary lymph nodes on her left side can expect changes related to the lymphatic system in her left arm. The axillary lymph nodes are a part of the lymphatic system that helps to drain lymph, which is a fluid containing white blood cells that fight infection. When these nodes are removed, it can lead to a condition known as lymphedema, where there is a buildup of lymphatic fluid in the arm causing swelling. This happens because the lymph fluid cannot drain normally, as the usual pathways have been surgically removed. The thoracic duct is a large duct that drains lymph from various body parts including the left upper limb. When lymph nodes connected to the thoracic duct are removed, the risk of lymph accumulation in the affected area increases.