Lymph node transfer

starwatcher

anyone had this procedure??????

Bahons2

No, but I am hoping to!

I live in France and have some info' (in English) about the French surgeon Corinne Becker and what she does. 

You are welcome to pm me; I can then e-mail it to you.

X to all

S

CrystalLocket

I wonder if one develops lymphedema where the lymphnodes are taken from.  I have heard about a doctor that performs this surgery in New Orleans I think.  I think it is a new surgery.

Shelli42

I just had this surgery on 1/5/10.  Dr. Scott Sullivan in New Orleans performed the DIEP flap for my reconstruction and he took lymph nodes out of the fat that he moved up to make my breasts so I did not have to sacrifice them from anywhere else in my body.  He put a set of lymph nodes at my wrist because I had lower arm and hand swelling and he put some at my arm pit.  My hand looks better than it has in 7 years since my diagnosis!  I am having to go through the lymphadema therapy and wrapping for 2 months.  Although the whole arm is already looking so much better.  Hopefully after all this is behind the goal is to only wear something at night!  By the way the DIEP surgery is amazing!  I never thought I would have reconstruction and when I heard of this procedure I researched it...it is the only way to go!

Nordy

Shelli - this is good to hear. Did your insurance cover this procedure? I have stage 2 in March and am thinking about having it done then... (my stage 1 was from my hip, so no lymph nodes there!)

Thank you for posting this!

jhardy

Dr. Marga Massey is the surgeon doing lymph node transfers in New Orleans.  You can learn more about it from her website www.drmarga.com

She is a wonderful surgeon with a great bedside manner. I highly recommend her.

Nordy

I just want to make a clarification: Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Dellacroce have also started doing lymph node transfers - both at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery. (I guess this should be obvious since Shelli's was performed by Dr. S. )

carneff

I just had the procedure two weeks ago in New Orleans by Dr. Marga Massey and am recovering now at home.  Would love to communicate with those who have gone through the surgery.  The occupational therapist and Dr. Massey both already see positive results.  Let me know if anyone wants to know about the procedure or if anyone can share her own experience through the surgical recovery process. 

Katiejane

  I am very interested in hearing about your surgery. I have bi-lateral arm and truncal LE and have not had reconstruction(bi-lateral mx w/ node dissection). I am considering this surgery and possible reconstruction but have many concerns. How long was your surgery and what is your expected recovery time?  Did your insurance cover the procedure?  What is the follow up schedule?  Any info you could share would be a great help.   Thanks,  Katiejane

kriserts

I'm considering this too (in the researching stage) and have a lot of questions. Can I email you directly?

Shelli42

Sorry, I am so long responding but I returned to work and life got extremley busy!  The insurance did cover a great deal of the surgery, but it was out of network and I had to pay a portion of it.  However the The Center for Breast Restorative Surgery in NOLA will work with you anyway they can.  I am now post surgery about 13 weeks and the results have been great.  I am now in compression garments but I have "cheated" on occasion and it has not seemed to swell at all.  I go back for Stage 2 on May 6 and I want to talk to Dr. Sullivan at that time about what he think for long term care of my arm.  And it was Dr. Sullivan that did both my reconstruction and the lymph node transfer, he is fabulous.  I am so impressed with Dr. Sullivan and his staff an what they have done for me I want to shout it to world.

Shelli42

my email is shellib67@gmail.com, I will be happy to answer any questions that anyone may have.

11BC

I'm considering having an autologous lymph node transfer(aka: autologous vascularized lymph node transfer or vascularized lymph node transfer). 

My Aetna insurance will cover it (along w/microsurgical free flap breast reconstruction).

I'm based in New York. Some of the plastic surgeons here who do the procedure are Drs. Constance Chen, Robert Allen and Joshua Levine.

I developed lymphedema in my right arm about two years after radiation. I had a bilateral mastectomy w/ reconstruction (silicone implants) and axillary lymph node dissection followed by chemo and then radiation. About two years after radiation, I developed lymphedema in my right (cancer side/irradiated) arm. It presents itself mainly in my right thumb/forefinger. I'm based in New York.

Here is a NYTimes article, which talks about the procedure:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/21/health/21lymph.html

Here is a surgeon's perspective:

http://breastreconstructionnetwork.com/what-are-my-options-if-i-develop-lymphedema/

11BC

Shelli42: It's almost two years since your last post. How are you doing? Can you give us an update? Hope this finds you well. Thanks.

beth1965

bump

shadylady1

I am attending Dr. Marga's seminar in Washington DC on March 17th at the Four Seasons.  The first half of the seminar is breast reconstruction and the second have is lymphadema treatment.  I had a lumpectomy with total axillary node dissection and have lymphedema in my arm, shoulder and breast.  I am hoping that can provide some insight.  I am definitely interested in anyone's feedback on the procedure.  Thank you!

11BC

shadylady1: How'd the 3/17 seminar go? Was Dr. Becker (the French surgeon who is among pioneers of autologous lymph node transfer procedure) among speakers? (Becker had been in USA on/around that date).

Shelli42: Any updates? How are you doing now -- a few years out from your procedure? 

Anonymous

I attended Dr. Massey's seminar on 3/17. Just Dr. Massey. It was fascinating. Next locations are NYC, Chicago and San Francisco. It is free and if you are interested, it would be a great venue in which to learn about the various flap surgeries she does as well as the node transfer procedure. My head is still spinning and digesting all the info presented. She was the surgeon who undid my failed implant recon last April, and I adore her!

11BC

Thanks Tina337. Your post reminded me to look up Dr. Marga's upcoming "events," which include an educational seminar on lymphatic reconstruction in NYC.