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Jackie07 · 07-28-2010, 03:36 AM

DancerDonna,

From what I've read so far, it is possible to have surgery (biopsy and/or reconstruction) while having lymphedema.

Here's one paragraph I found concerning reconstruction:

"Most patients who undergo reconstructive surgery after breast cancer do well. Of course, patients with existing lymphedema are, and should be, concerned about worsening their lymphedema. The same guidelines as for breast cancer surgery should be followed during recon-structive surgery. Ideally, some intensive manual lymph drainage prior to surgery is in order to be in optimum condition."

Many of us have had more than 10 lymph nodes out. I think everything should go quite smoothly because you've had only 3 lymph nodes taken. Even though you have lymphedema aleady - your doctors should be able to figure out ways to avoid complications.

The best way is probably to find other surgeons' opinion/experience on the procedure. Perhaps some of our members who are having (or just had) surgery can ask their surgeon about it.

07-28-2010, 03:36 AM	#2
Jackie07 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: "Love never fails." Posts: 5,808	Re: Lymphedema & 2nd sentinel node biopsy DancerDonna, From what I've read so far, it is possible to have surgery (biopsy and/or reconstruction) while having lymphedema. Here's one paragraph I found concerning reconstruction: "Most patients who undergo reconstructive surgery after breast cancer do well. Of course, patients with existing lymphedema are, and should be, concerned about worsening their lymphedema. The same guidelines as for breast cancer surgery should be followed during recon-structive surgery. Ideally, some intensive manual lymph drainage prior to surgery is in order to be in optimum condition." Many of us have had more than 10 lymph nodes out. I think everything should go quite smoothly because you've had only 3 lymph nodes taken. Even though you have lymphedema aleady - your doctors should be able to figure out ways to avoid complications. The best way is probably to find other surgeons' opinion/experience on the procedure. Perhaps some of our members who are having (or just had) surgery can ask their surgeon about it. __________________ Jackie07 http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/06/doctors-letter-patient-newly-diagnosed-cancer.html http://www.asco.org/ASCOv2/MultiMedi...=114&trackID=2 NICU 4.4 LB Erythema Nodosum 85 Life-long Central Neurocytoma 4x5x6.5 cm 23 hrs 62090 semi-coma 10 d PT OT ST 30 d 3 Infertility tmts 99 > 3 u. fibroids > Pills CN 3 GKRS 52301 IDC 1.2 cm Her2 +++ ER 5% R. Lmptmy SLNB+1 71703 6 FEC 33 R Tamoxifen Recc IIB 2.5 cm Bi-L Mast 61407 2/9 nds PET 6 TCH Cellulitis - Lymphedema - compression sleeve & glove H w x 4 MUGA 51 D, J 49 M Diastasis recti Tamoxifen B. scan Irrtbl bowel 1'09 Colonoscopy 313 BRCA1 V1247I hptc hemangioma Vertigo GI - > yogurt hysterectomy/oophorectomy 011410 Exemestane 25 mg tab 102912 ~ 101016 stopped due to r. hip/l.thigh pain after long walk DEXA 1/13 1-2016 lesions in liver largest 9mm & 1.3 cm onco. says not cancer. 3-11 Appendectomy - visually O.K., a lot of puss. Final path result - not cancer. Start Vitamin D3 and Calcium supplement （600mg x2) 10-10 Stopped Exemestane due to r. hip/l.thigh pain OKed by Onco 11-08-2016 7-23-2018 9 mm groundglass nodule within the right lower lobe with indolent behavior. Due to possible adenocarcinoma, Recommend annual surveilence. 7-10-2019 CT to check lung nodule. 1-10-2020 8mm stable nodule on R Lung, two 6mm new ones on L Lung, a possible lymph node involvement in inter fissule. "I WANT TO BE AN OUTRAGEOUS OLD WOMAN WHO NEVER GETS CALLED AN OLD LADY. I WANT TO GET SHARP EDGED & EARTH COLORED, TILL I FADE AWAY FROM PURE JOY." Irene from Tampa Advocacy is a passion .. not a pastime - Joe