lymphedema risk with heart surgery

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twipsy
twipsy Member Posts: 1
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Hi all,

 I am now NED since 2004, when I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation on my right breast for stage IIA invasive ductal bc.  I also had a radial axillary node resection after cancer was found in one node.  Afterward, I had a breast lymphedema, which never travelled to my arm.  I've been very careful all these years to prevent it, but my breast has remained a little enlarged.   However, I now require mitral valve repair surgery.  It might be performed robotically.  Although it is a minimally invasive procedure, there will be incisions in my right breast, right near the site of the lymph node removal.  I am very afraid of developing lymphedema after this surgery.  Although I told the surgeon my issues, he said that an IV still has to be run on both arms.   How great is my risk after 8 years?  Does anyone have any suggestions for me?  The leak in my heart is severe and there is no way I can avoid the surgery. 

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited April 2012

    Twipsy, welcome to bc.org!Smile I'm really sorry for the reason you're here, but we're looking forward with you to getting through this surgery safely and smoothly.

    If you have time before your surgery date, your best bet is to see a well-trained lymphedema therapist for an evaluation and personalized risk reduction suggestions, and possibly for consultation with your surgeon as well, if he's open to that. Any doctor on your team can write a referral for you. Here's how to find a therapist near you:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

    Many doctors are unfamiliar with lymphedema and lymphedema risk and so are unwilling to accomodate our needs. Here's a page you might want to copy off and discuss with your surgeon. It was written for doctors by a doctor with LE:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/essential%20informat%20for%20healthcare%20providers.htm

    There are some tips for surgery when at risk for lymphedema here (they're the same as for someone who already has LE):
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/SURGERY_WITH_LYMPHEDEMA

    Many of us have had IVs in a foot or our neck (sounds much worse than it actually isWink), so there really are options.

    Please keep us posted. Be well!
    Binney

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  • lymphedemapeople
    lymphedemapeople Member Posts: 47
    edited April 2012

    Hi Twipsy

    Last year I had my gall bladder removed via one of those minimally invasive procedures and while it did take longer to heal, it apparently has presented no problem with my lymphedema.  BTW, I already have abdominal lymphedema and id didn't make it any worse.

     What Binney said really makes sense too - see a well trained LE therapist for an evaluation.

    My very best to you - and let us all know how it goes.

    Pat

    Lymphedema People 

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