LYMPHA Procedure with Mastectomy?
Hello all. Today I had a meeting with my surgical oncologist to discuss my upcoming single mastectomy. Since I have IBC, the breast and 2 levels of lymph nodes will be removed, though I only have one lymph node that seems enlarged. (Not sure I have the vernacular correct as far as "2 levels" of nodes, but the doctor said something like that. ) I was kind of bummed to hear that that many nodes will be removed, and mentioned that I have a fear of lymphedema.
We had also discussed my desire to have an "aesthetic flat closure" with NO dog ears or other reasons for repeated revisions. I do not plan to have reconstruction. The SO said that a plastic surgeon will be called in to do the mastectomy close, and he also does a microsurgical procedure called a "LYMPHA." (Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventive Healing Approach) This attaches the cut lymphatic channels to tiny veins, which allows the lymphatic fluid to drain. She said this procedure will add about 3 hours to my surgery.
Comments
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Hello, I have not done this surgery, but I just wanted to chime in and say that I think you are doing the right thing by trying to avert this complication ahead of time, before the damage is done.
I did not do this (it was not an option for me at the time) and now I am dealing with lymphedema. Having talked with lymphedema therapists and microsurgeons since then, I think you are making the right choice. Best wishes and keep us posted!
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Thanks, Buttonsmachine. I'm so sorry that you and so many others are dealing with lymphedema. Next to having IBC, lymphedema is my biggest fear, so anything I can possibly do to prevent it is of great interest to me.
I know that having the LYMPHA procedure in conjunction with mastectomy is fairly new but I'm hoping this thread will get some responses. I also wonder how the LYMPHA connections will hold up when subjected to radiation, which I also will have to have after surgery. I need to add that to my list of questions for the surgical team.
Thanks again for responding, and my very best wishes to you.
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LW422 really ironic you're bringing this up.... I do not have lymphedema though I have persistent, tho improved, cording, likely due to scleroderma/connective tissue disease issues. I saw my Cleveland Clinic rheum earlier in the week and he mentioned some kind of lymph procedure that might help with the cording. I bet what you are referring to is what he was talking about. I thought he lost his mind LOL LOL though he's brilliant.... I was afraid such a procedure would just add to complications though now you have me thinking differently about this. I wish you the best and thanks for posting this!!!
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Hiya LivinLife. Sorry to hear of your cording and I truly hope you never have to deal with lymphedema. I had heard of this type of microsurgery being done AFTER a patient showed signs of developing lymphedema or had "early stage". But I only lately began to hear of the procedure being done at the same time as the mastectomy... which really appeals to me since it may prevent lymphedema altogether.
I still have a few months before my surgery (more chemo!), probably sometime in August. So I'll be compiling a list of questions for the plastic surgeon who does the microsurgery. I will share anything I learn in this thread and I'm hopeful that anyone who has had the procedure will chime in.
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