Tattoo on port scar ?

You can definetly tattoo the scar as long as it is a white scar.

Look for a cosmetic tattoo artist with experience in this. Areola repigmentation

and scar camouflaging are advanced techniques.  I am in South Florida and would be happy to answer any questions. 

Renee 

If the port was in your chest you could run the risk of truncal lymphedema. Post your question on the Lymphedema board and ask Binney. She's the LE "guru."

Linda

I agree...as I wave my sleeved and gloved arm to Binney! Nasty LE Business...

Hi, mom of 2,

Docs really don't talk about lymphedema much, because it's not their field of expertise and as a rule they receive little training in it in med school. There is some risk to it, yes, and you might want to talk to one of your docs about a prophylactic antibiotic Rx to start a day or two beforehand. If there is any compromise to the lymph system, infection becomes a major risk factor because sluggish lymph is warm and protein-rich, which makes it especially vulnerable to bacteria. And infection is in turn a very serious lymphedema risk, so it goes both ways.

Earleen sounds like a dear, from all I've read here, and completing your recon process is important for your sense of healing and completion. It's not necessary to cancel, but just important to make decisions based on understanding our risks -- and also important to know how to recognize infection early and get help promptly. My guess is that Earleen will be covering infection risk with you, as she seems to be very much on the ball.

(Linda, a queenly wrapped-wonder wave right back to you! We were posting at the same time, and obviously arriving at the same conclusions. There's nothing quite like owning a swollen lymphedema arm to make your hair stand on end at the thought of another Sister risking it!)

Be well!
Binney

Thank you ladies

Binny...I am seeing my oncology surgeon next month and I will get a prescription. Thank you for the suggestion. I had a bad infection after last surgery when I had port removed/nipples recon and ended up on Levaquin and Bactrim for 10 days. After your info, I am glad I took the course. I haven't had a bad problem with lymphedema...yet...but had 23 nodes removed. After dissection I developed a seroma which was drained bi-weekly for 6 weeks, wrapped, compressed etc and then I had a surgical drain put back for 3 weeks. Not fun! After weeks of therapy I was released and told what to look for and today I wear my sleeve only as needed. All of your info is so appreciated.

Sheila...I am very excited to meet Earleen. I feel very lucky to live in Atlanta and a short drive to Asheville. Did you get 3-D tats or did you have nipples done? I had my nipples reconstructed one month ago but still want 3-D. Did it hurt? You would think after 5 surgeries I wouldn't be scared but I hate needles!!! 

Thanks again 

I am with Linda and Binney--waiving my non-wrapped arms because I just unwrapped them and am now rolling all six short-stretch banadages, which is not a whole lot of fun, and getting ready to put on my sleeves and gloves.

According to most physiatrists and lymphedema therapists, we all have stage 0 lymphedema once we have had even one lymph node removed.  Our lymphatic system has greatly losts its "safety factor" and simply cannot handle an overload--how much is an overload?  It is different for each of us.

For me, my left arm LE and breast/truncal LE could not handle the lymphatic overload of flying without compression garments.  My right arm (no surgery, no nodes removed)  could not handle the lymphatic overload of a traumatic blood draw and bug bite within a short period off time, so I now find myself with bilateral LE of the arms, and breast/truncal LE.

For me personally, unless it is a life or death matter, NO NEEDLES will ever be placed in my body unless it is below the knees or in my mouth for dental work. 

We all have to make our own decisions about just how much risk we are willing to take.

My breast surgeon told me I was at absoutely no risk for LE since I only had two nodes removed on one side, and I did not have to take any risk reductions at all.

If only I could turn back time and have received the proper information and taken the proper risk reductions--

As Binney states, we "swell" girls indeed have our hair stand up when we think of any other sister joining us.

I believe there are some great "stick on "nipples" and wonderful temporary tatoos you can try (that wash off) and then make your decision if the risk of possibly LE is really worth it.

Of course, we swell girls will say it it not, and others who have done it and not developed LE (yet) wll say it is worth it.

Do you homework, try the "removables" and weight the risks and benefits before proceeding.

Okay, off my soap box and onto my MLD and LeBed exercises, which on top of the wrapping and compression garments is now a permanent part of my life in order to keep my LE under control.

Best wishes in your decision.