Lymphedema-Upcoming and live events

Binney

Do you know where this event is held?  Will it be at MD Anderson?

)  Thanks

Thanks Binney,

I will wait to hear from you.

Hi Binney

This event is not going to be presented before an audience per the LRF person I just spoke to.  So apparently, it can only be viewed online at the link above.

Anna

Hi, all

Very interesting presentation. If you missed it you can view it here:
http://new.livestream.com/accounts/1639192/events/1917597

Essentially Dr. Chang is performing mostly anastamosis surgeries, microscopically connecting tiny lymph vessels to equally tiny blood vessels, to re-route the lymph back into the circulatory system. He points out that none of this is a cure and that LE care must continue post-surgically, but that the surgeries in some cases make the LE easier to manage. The discussion also covers lymph node transfer, liposuction, and debulking.

He did explain that the reason some surgeons are using node transfer to the wrist rather than the axilla is based on the theory that the transferred node is not so much acting as a replacement node, but as a pump for the local lymphatics, so it isn't critical where the node is placed. He did point out that the science of lymphatics is still so limited that they do not understand how or why any of this works, or doesn't, and that more research is necessary.

I still find the transfer of nodes from the neck worrisome. He claims there's no danger of creating new LE when neck nodes are taken, but head-and-neck LE is common following cancer of those areas when nodes are removed, so I'm not understanding why that would not be a problem. He also claims nodes taken from the abdomen would not cause new LE either, but abdominal LE is no fun at all. Lots of questions, not so many answers!

And all of it fascinating! Please do take a look when you have time! Warning: his photos of LE are in many cases extreme, but with our knowledge and self-care they should not be a concern.
Binney