Hi
I am new to this site. I had my surgery back in 2004 mastectomy and reconstruction, everything great but have been left with lymphoedema in my right arm, manage it well with MLD but have recently come across a Dr who performs Lymph Node Transfer surgery, woud be good to speak to anyone who has more information on this or who has first hand experience.
Kath
Dear Kathykiki
Welcome to the BCC forum. I hope you soon get some replies to your post.
Please can I remind other members not to name any health professionals in your replies. You can exchange this information by private messages.
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Moderator
Hi Kath
I also developed lymphodema post surgery. I recently found out about lymph node transfer and personally that wouldn’t be my first option. I discussed with my lymphodema nurse specialist - not because I was planning to have it done but out of general interest - and the issue is where you get the nodes from. For example, if they are taken from the groin, you then have the potential risk of lymphodema developing in the legs.
There is another type of surgery being pioneered in the States (possibly other places too) whereby they do microsurgery to connect the lymph vessels to the veins so that they can drain that way. That to me sounds much more promising.
My nurse said all this is in early days and there is a) a risk of exacerbating current lymphodema by having surgery and b) not enough information on the longer-term results of having surgery.
My view is that there is no harm in looking into it all but I’d want a lot of evidence of its efficacy and a good understanding of potential complications before I’d risk anyone going anywhere near my armpit!
Be interested in what you find and always happy to discuss (please PM me though as I don’t always go onto the forum). Elinda xx