A surgeon who gets it

Journey
Journey Member Posts: 905
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I wanted to share this.  Dr. Marga Massey did my SGap recon last week in New Orleans.  She operates in Charleston, Utah, and Chicago I believe as well.  Anyway, this woman is incredible as for her care and concern for our LE.  I can't help but think that if she had been my surgeon 2 years ago I would not now be dealing with LE in my arm and trunk.  I want you to know that she has ALL of her patients see a wonderful LE therapist at pre-op who measures and does a great job with education.  Then the morning of surgery I am shocked to see Dr. Massey arrive with this huge cart of supplies and she goes to work personally to wrap both of my arms and support with foam etc before I am put under.  She spent at least 30 - 45 minutes talking to me, wrapping me, adjusting if needed, rubbing a fantastic lotion on my skin.  When she was finished with my affected arm I felt immediate relief.  Then hours after post-op she returned to my bedside and removed the bandages and left them with me to bring for my follow up surgery in March.  I am now 12 days post op and have just now started to feel a little of my normal swelling develop.  Until this morning I have had no LE issues since the operation.  She is an incredible surgeon who is also on a mission to educate patients AND surgeons to PREVENT Lymphedema brought on by surgery. Imagine that.  Major Kudos to Dr. Massey and any surgeons who are brave enough to follow her campaign!

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Comments

  • Del11
    Del11 Member Posts: 944
    edited November 2010

    I just wanted to add that Dr. Massey became a certified lymphedema therapist (sorry, I don't recall the exact certification) this past summer. Dedication doesn't even begin to describe her commitment to her patients' health and well-being.

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited November 2010

    Did you read KC's thread about her experience with Dr, Massey--it's called Wish List.

    Kira

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  • Journey
    Journey Member Posts: 905
    edited November 2010

    Kira - where can I find it?

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited November 2010

    Journey, I bumped it so it'll be sorta near this thread. If that doesn't work, try this:

    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/64/topic/760044?page=1

    Be well!
    Binney

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  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited January 2011

    I had the same experience with Dr. Massey in Charleston. She has you meet with an LE therapist prior to surgery for measurements. Then Dr. Massey personally wraps your arms. I have no LE and she still massaged and gently wrapped each arm all the way up over the shoulder. She spends unheard of time with you, and what a great time to just relax before surgery and talk with your surgeon. I absolutely love this woman!! Not just as a surgeon...but now as friend. It will be a sad day for me when my surgeries are complete and I no longer get to see her. She has been the greatest blessing in the midst of this entire cancer journey for me......except for NED:)

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