Reconstruction and risk of lymphedema?

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Lisbeth
Lisbeth Member Posts: 32
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Hi all,

Did any of you developed lymphedema -- or heard of anyone who has -- after having reconstruction? This is if you had reconstruction, or parts of reconstruction, done some time after lymph node surgery...  I notice one 2010 study titled Breast Reconstruction and Lymphedema, authored by DW Chang, that says that the lymphedema risk is low after delayed autologous reconstruction (using body's own tissue), but I want to know if you all feel that that's an accurate statement. Same abstract also says that "in patients who developed lymphedema following a mastectomy, delayed autologous reconstruction may help reduce the severity of lymphedema." Interesting...

I always wonder about this in case I need to have my implant replaced later down the line (knocking on wood).

Have you heard anything in your experience that contradicts this study info?

Lisbeth

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  • Lisbeth
    Lisbeth Member Posts: 32
    edited July 2011

    Well! Sounds like no one's had a problem with this :) I'm glad to hear it!

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited July 2011

    Lisbeth, sorry no one has answered you--slow time on the boards. I know Tina dealt with it when she decided for removal of her TE implants, and other women have commented on it. I believe Binney has said that for some women they improve, but for others, the scars create an issue. I know my LE therapist has reservations about lat.dorsi flaps, TRAM flaps, and some of the women on these boards have had issues with their TE implants.

    I heard a lecture at a conference about "lucky lumpectomies" and how the issues with lumpectomy--scars, fibrosis, residual pain, tend to be over-looked. I'm in that group, so I can't speak from personal experience.

    Hopefully some of the others who can will chime in.

    Kira

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  • nowords
    nowords Member Posts: 423
    edited July 2011

    I was at high risk for developing lymphedema after treatment...and did develop it. I had delayed uni-stacked DIEP surgery performed by Dr. Marga Massey and Dr. Sullivan n New Orleans. I was very concerned about making my lymphedema worse. I sought out Dr. Massey because of her involvement with the issue of lymphedema....and her care in not making our situations worse... I am 8 weeks out from stage one surgery and think it is too early to tell if it is better...but it does not appear to be worse. I go for stage 2 in early Sept. You can PM in a few months and I will update you with any changes...

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  • mrsnjband
    mrsnjband Member Posts: 1,409
    edited July 2011

    Hi Lisbeth,

    I had a BMX 3 years ago & I have developed LE in my arm & trunc on the bc side. I have recently decide to DIEP recontruction.  My PS thinks that the surgery will probably help my LE.  I hope it does because pain from rads & LE has been the main reason from not doing recontruction.  

    I have a lot of radiation damage skin & scars, this last year I have started having a lot of cellulitis.  So I have decided to do the DIEP. This is my best option for replacing the damaged skin.  I sure hope she is correct in that it may help my LE.  My surgery is Aug 15. NJ 

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  • sunflowerE152
    sunflowerE152 Member Posts: 83
    edited July 2011

    I can speak to my own experience.  I had DIEP 4 wks ago and I have a mild case of LE.  Immediately after surgery it was concerned because my LE was worse.  I wore my sleeve and glove in the hospital and had an LE therapist come see me b/c my hand puffed up.  In a couple of days it went down and my PS said it should actually get better and it has.  I have always just had some puffiness in my hand and it is almost all gone and is definitely not any worse than it was before my DIEP.  I am no longer wearing my sleeve and glove on a regular basis.

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  • inspiewriter
    inspiewriter Member Posts: 876
    edited August 2011

    The reading I've done suggests ANY surgery can cause LE, so always a risk.

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  • SpunkyGirl
    SpunkyGirl Member Posts: 1,568
    edited August 2011

    Any surgery is always a risk.  I had two surgeries a year apart (first expander put in, then a year later the implants), and that was in 2007.  I insisted on wearing my sleeve and glove in the hospital both times, and I only wear them now if my arm feels "off".  Hope that helps.

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