Surgery or No Surgery....this is the question

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my2boys
my2boys Member Posts: 339
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

My left breast has developed capsular contracture due to the radiation treatments I had last year.  My plastic surgeon has told me that he could do a surgery where he goes in and removes as much scar tissue as possible, replacing my implant with a new one and this should free up the hard capsule.  He also said he wants to remove two very large bands of scar tissue in my left armpit.  I am in moderate discomfort now with the hard implant and I am hopeful to find some relief with the surgery.  My oncologist has told me that this surgery is pretty common post-radiation.

My question is about the lymphedema in my left arm.  I am worried that surgery will make it worse.  I use compression daily and a night sleeve each night and for the most part it hasn't gotten too much worse until recently.  I was at a wedding last fall and danced a little too much with no sleeve on while enjoying a glass or two of wine and BINGO...lymphedema flared up and hasn't let up since. 

The plastic surgeon said his surgery shouldn't make the lymphedema worse OR better, but he said the decision is mine whether to go ahead with it.

Any suggestions?

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

    M2B, what a rotten dilemma!Tongue out How about a check-in with your lymphedema therapist for her/his suggestions? Here's information about surgery in an area with lymphedema:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org_SURGERY_WITH_LYMPHEDEMA_

    There are several gals here who have had surgery with LE present and had good results. It takes care to be sure it's in as good control as possible before the surgery, and it takes some extra self-care afterward to help move along the excess fluid from surgery. 

    Very tough decision, but please know it's not an impossibility. Let us know what you decide.

    Be well,
    Binney

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  • my2boys
    my2boys Member Posts: 339
    edited April 2012

    Thank you Binney.  I met with my breast surgeon yesterday and he thought it wasn't likely that the surgery would impact the lymphedema, but needless to say I am worried.  I am meeting with my LE therapist next week and I will get her full input and recommendations.  I read the information on the link you posted and I will be sure to ask the plastic surgeon if it would be possible to put the compression garments on immediately after surgery.  I am thinking back to a previous surgery a few years back and I remember my husband helping me put on a sleeve in the recovery room.

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  • momx3
    momx3 Member Posts: 161
    edited April 2012

    Hi,

    I am starting to have the same contracture issue and I am just starting to see someone,. I'm starting with my radio onco & I'm still seeing my PTO. My serious thought was to have them removed, but maybe that's not a good idea. 

    when I had my implants put in, my PS was SUPPOSE to release my armpit issue on the left rad side, but he didn't. I'm not really that comfortable with him, but I guess may that's where I'll end up next ;/

    Please let me know how it goes if you decide to or maybe we can just compare notes.

    debbie

    BTW< I also have lymphedema and I feel like my whole chest has a band around it. UGH!

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited April 2012
    momx3, do you have a well-qualified lymphedema therapist helping you with the chest tightness?
    Binney
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  • momx3
    momx3 Member Posts: 161
    edited April 2012

    I think so. She is really nice and I do feel comfortable with her which is difficult for me.

    I know my other PTO worked on strength and I have gone as far as I can with her, but she was suppose to make for Michelle about deep muscle massage. I've talked to her and will see her on Tues. This was actually the 1st week we went to everyother week Frown and I neeed her.

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  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited April 2012

    momx,I first had  chemo then radiation to reduce my 10cm plus lump then surgery with implants. The PS said he never tried  putting a implant in after radiation as the skin would be tough. The success to it was to fill my expanders really slow over about a year then exchange to implants. I definately would of had capsular contracture if I didn't do my maintainance routine that he gave(no pain doing this method)to me. I am to squeeze the implant  for 60 seconds 3 itmes a day so it moves inside me and stops any scar tissue from forming. This has worked since 2005. No capsular contracture as long as I squeeze them.  No problems except the radiated side has made my  implant drift towards my armpit due to my tough radiated skin. I have toyed with the idea of Diep but don''t want to complicate LE issues. Watch the deep muscle massage. It can damage your fragile Lymph vessels that we need so bad. Your Massage person may be ignorant to this.

    my2boys; Bummer that you were just trying to have a bit of fun without the dreaded sleeve. Most of the medical field is ignorant to the fact that they give us LE. Hope all goes well.

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  • my2boys
    my2boys Member Posts: 339
    edited April 2012

    I spent the morning with my LE Therapist.  She said that the removal of the scar tissue is a good thing and although it is my decision, I shouldn't let fear of worsening lymphedema keep me from having the surgery.  She said that once the scar tissue is removed, I may even see a little improvement in the lymphedema because the scar tissue may be what is preventing some of the fluid from moving like it did before radiation treatments.  I have decided to go ahead with it.  It won't be for a few months yet, but I will keep you posted.

    There is a certain amount of peace once a plan is in place and a decision is made.  Praying for a good outcome.

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  • Nordy
    Nordy Member Posts: 2,106
    edited April 2012

    My2boys... Good luck to you! And, just wanted to say, I used to live on Long Island! I moved away from there over ten years ago and I miss it... And my friends there every single day! Beautiful place to live.

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

    My2, good for you! And good for your therapist too! I get the peace--having a plan in place is a real gift. Prayers for only gentle hands touching you through surgery, and quick healing afterwards. And nothing "swell" about it, of course! Please keep us posted.

    Hugs,
    Binney

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  • my2boys
    my2boys Member Posts: 339
    edited April 2012

    Thank you ladies.  I will most definitely keep you posted!  My LE therapist will be treating my swelling next month.  She said that after the week of treatment she has  some ideas about new garments for me, but she didn't elaborate.  I am hoping for something a little more comfortable than the garments I currently use.  I will let you know what she comes up with.  Hopefully this week of treatment will help to prepare my arm for a successful surgery.

    Thank you for your prayers. 

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  • my2boys
    my2boys Member Posts: 339
    edited September 2012

    Hi Ladies,



    My surgery was successful and my lymphedema hasn't gotten any worse. Following surgery, I kept my night sleeve on for a week straight and this prevented any swelling. Glad this is behind me.



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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited September 2012
    Hey, hey!Kiss All good!Cool Thanks so much for letting us know so we can celebrate with you. Congrats, and chocolate!
    Gentle hugs,
    Binney
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  • my2boys
    my2boys Member Posts: 339
    edited September 2012

    Awww..thanks Binney!

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