Reconstruction & Lymphedema

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suematt
suematt Member Posts: 14
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Has anyone had reconstruction surgery after being diagnosed with lymphedema? I have not been to see a plastic surgeon yet, thought I would start off with the experts around here first. Thanks, Sue

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  • SusanAnne
    SusanAnne Member Posts: 245
    #2
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    Hi Sue. I don't have lymphedema, but I did just recently have reconstruction. One of my questions beforehand was whether the surgery would increase my chances of it occuring. He told me that it shouldn't since he wasn't needing to do anything near the lymph nodes. Now I'm not sure how serious your lymphedema is; does it just affect your arm or is it more involved? Also not sure if one type of reconstruction is more or less likely to impact the situation than another. I had a TRAM flap. Things are good so far. In fact, my physical therapist is the first person to take my concerns regarding lymphedema seriously. She measured my arms to compare them and assured me there was no difference. Let us know what your docs say. Good luck.
    Susan
  • KLLONG
    KLLONG Member Posts: 8
    #3
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    I have lymphedema but haven't had reconstruction yet. I'm scheduled for October. My plastic surgeon said I can still have the tram flap but it will be what he called a pedicle tram flap. From what I understand about it, he doesn't make incisions up under the arm because of the lymphedema. Good luck to you!!

    Karen
  • Joellyn
    Joellyn Member Posts: 4
    #4
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    Suematt, where are you located? Anywhere near Boston? If so, I can tell you about a FABULOUS plastic surgeon there who will be able to give you the whole lowdown. I had edema in the breast tissue from old radiation, and that is supposed to make it quite difficult to do skin-sparing mastectomies and implants, but the woman is a genius, and one month out the scars are faint, there has been no bruising, no fever and no infection. She's brilliant.
  • suematt
    suematt Member Posts: 14
    #5
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    Joellyn said:

    Suematt, where are you located? Anywhere near Boston? If so, I can tell you about a FABULOUS plastic surgeon there who will be able to give you the whole lowdown. I had edema in the breast tissue from old radiation, and that is supposed to make it quite difficult to do skin-sparing mastectomies and implants, but the woman is a genius, and one month out the scars are faint, there has been no bruising, no fever and no infection. She's brilliant.

    Thank you so much for your responses. I knew I could count on this beautiful group of women. My lymphedema is not what I would call severe. It is contained to the one arm and at this point I am controlling it with diet and massage. I have yet to contact a plastic surgeon. After two proceedures last summer and another two this year, I just can't get myself in the mood to seek out yet another surgery. Even though I REALLY hate the shape of my body right now I just can't bring myself to make that call. I am in Texas, Joellyn, so I guess your surgeon is not the right one for me. Thanks for the offer, though. Sue

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