is a reconstruction possible ?

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is a reconstruction possible ?

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is a reconstruction possible ? Hello,

I have had mild lymphoedema in my arm after mastectomy, chemo, radio t, for 4 years now, my op was 5 years ago. I have read somewhere recently ,I can’t remember where now, but I seem to get the feeling that if you have lymphoedema in your arm that you cannot have a reconstruction as it will affect the lymphoedema and make it worse. I have actually had it in my side and flat bit of chest too, but that’s when it flares up sometimes. I do get a lot of pain in my chest in one particular patch and have been told by various docs etc that it is due to a combination of the surgery as I have lots of scar tissue, and the radiotherapy damage. the pain worsens during the day as I do more, and thats not excessive movement, I am careful, but dont mollycoddle myself. but then I end up with a pain which goes around to my back, just under my shoulderblade, which I have been told is part of a band of muscle that goes from the front to the back , also that there is nothing anyone can do to aleviate this pain, I have tried quite strong pain blockers, but they almost put me to sleep. I am wondering if anyone has gone through with a reconstruction after already being left with pain from the original sergery etc. or having lymphoedema ? would I be wiser to leave well alone ? Has anyone got any views on this please ?

Thanks, Pussycat.

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Dear Pussycat You are welcome to contact our helpline if you would like to talk over your queries regarding the possibility of having breast reconstruction with the symptoms of pain and lymphoedema that you have. The helpliners are either breast care nurses or have had experience of breast cancer and will be able to offer you further information and advice.

The confidential freephone helpline number is 0808 800 6000 and is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-2pm.

Kind regards
Forum Host
Breast Cancer Care

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reply Thanks very much, I will get in touch for a chat soon,as I do have loads of other questiones which all relate to a reconstruction.

Thanks,

Pussyact.

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Hi Pussycat,
I developed lymphoedema 6 months after surgery and had the same concerns as you but my plastic surgeon assured me this wasn’t a problem as the lymphatics of my arm wouldn’t be affected by the operation. Ive now had my op and it all went really well.
Kelley

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hi i have lymphodema in my operated arm and I have had a double lat dorsi reconstruction. I have had the lymphodema for around 18 months. This has not affected my reconstruction at all. I am really pleased with the results although had problems with first op with infection etc but had a second op where a expander was put under my back and blown up the stretched skin was then removed and
put round the front with the lat dorsi muscle. Its fab to have two boobs again.

Hope you get on okay.

karen

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Maybe a good way to look at it Hi, I just noticed your post and I have this concern too so asked my plastic surgeon what he thought. I told him I really didnt want to have it if he thought it was going to make my arm situation any worse. His rather honest answer to me was that the damage had already been done, everything had already been disturbed on that side (I had a full clearance). I suppose hes right and I would really really like to have 2 boobs again.

Hugs

Neenie xx