Lymphedema/Seroma effecting possible recon?

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Rague
Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
in Breast Cancer #1
Recon was not an option when I had my mod. rad. mast. ov er a year ago - was told had to wait a year to 'talk' about it. Well, I've waited my year+ - will be seeing Surgeon April 11 - 1 1/2 yr post mast. Have requested my Pa to send the referral - she will - last time I saw her for my annual she said that when/IF I wanted to look into recon to let her know and she would put in for referral - it'll be a few months before I get the appt as it's not an emergency.

Just thought of some question that perhaps some have been through and could give me insight into. I had a large Seroma - also have a 'fair bit of' lymphedema not only in hand/arm but also under arm/back/chest. Do either of these preclude the possibility of recon all together? Does it limit the options? I don't know.

Obviously it does come down to my body and the plastic surgeon but I'd like soom idea/thougts of what is possible before I actually walk in to see her. Honestly at this time - i'm not sure rather or not I want to - I just want to check it out. If not do-able then I'm fine with that - but I want to check out the options.

Hope I made sense (and my questions make sense).

Susan

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  • mickeymom
    mickeymom Member Posts: 117
    #2
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    Seroma shouldn't be an issue
    I was also told that I couldn't have immediate reconstruction when I had my mastectomy in May '09. I developed a big seroma under my scar that has kept my breast surgeon scratching her head ever since. She's done everything but surgery to get rid of it. I saw a plastic surgeon - like you - just to figure out my options. He said he could get rid of the seroma once and for all when he did the reconstruction. (I'm probably doing diep flap) I asked my breast surgeon and she said he was absolutely right that it could be handled during reconstruction. She even offered to help just so she could make sure it was gone!

    I don't have lymphedema so I don't know whether it has an impact or not, but I have been thinking about it. Wondering if reconstuction could bring on lymphedema.

    Good luck with your choice!
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #3
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    My situation
    Interesting question, for me it made a difference. We all have had different treatment so I will give you a quick run-down on mine. I have had bc 3x which has resulted in my receiving a total of 28 rounds of chemo and 16 weeks of rads all on the left side. My first two bc were on the left side, I orig. had a lumpectomy. Upon its return in 07 on the right side I choose to have a mastectomy and requested they also remove the lumpectomy breast as I did not want to have to be fearful of a recurrence so anything I could do to limit it would be a good idea. Both my normal surgeon and my breast surgeon explained to me that due to the lymphedema and neuropathy issues I have on the left (lumpectomy side) that it was not a good idea to remove the breast as it could cause me a lot more trouble with my lymphedema which for me is a problem. I agreed and had only the right breast removed. I waited 2 years before choosing to have reconstruction and am currently in the final phase (nipple recon) which I had done on Feb. 18. It is always best to pose as many questions and scenarios when with the surgeon to get a broad picture of what is available to you. I wish you all the best; let us know how it goes.

    RE
  • ShirleyCurls
    ShirleyCurls Member Posts: 51
    #4
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    My experience...
    My lymphedema was evident from the beginning, it was not the result of surgery.

    I had chemo and rads at the same time. Such fun!! Once the tumor shrank and was loose, I had a masectomy on the right side, with immediate recon.

    My lymphedema was fairly severe from the beginning, I don't feel the surgery made it worse. After the surgery they placed a "Bear Hug" device on me. Its a pool-float device that generates heat. The heat is suppose to help help the recon wound heal. Well, heat is not good for lymphdema, so my arm swelled. I asked for an order for wrapping by a therapist while in the hospital. Also the PS ordered my room to be well heated.

    I kept pulling my arm out of the device, saying I have lymphedema! I don't think some of them knew what that meant! It's not common to have it before surgery. It may have contributed to my torso LE.

    After I healed I had to go back to intense wrapping/threapy to decrease my arm swelling. I did not have my Flexi-Touch at the time, but I would think you would not be able to use it until you are fully healed.

    I did have some healing problems, but I don't know if was the lymph or the "not healed from the rads" that had more of an impact.

    I had a pedicle TRAM flap surgey.

    ellen

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