Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
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Lymphedema Questions concerning Lymphatic obstruction or blockage of the lymph nodes. |
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| 8/13/2011 | I am a 14 yr. breast cancer survivor. Following surgery, I had dose dense chemo at Hopkins in Lutherville and am still being followed there. I had 40 lymph nodes removed - 32 of which were positive. I also had radiation treatments. I have tried everything imaginable to control my lymphatic swelling. I recently read about the successful use of laser treatments to reduce swelling and soften scar tissue and fibrotic areas. Are these treatments available at Hopkins? I also had two other breast surgeries leaving me with an open wound and now additional scaring. I have osteoarthritis in my hand and am unable to use the pump due to pain. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 8/13/2011 | something that is new and has been done by some of our reconstruction plastic surgeons is the ability to reconnect lymphatic vessels enabling the body to drain the fluid like it originally did. I'm concerned though that you are dealing with an open wound currently. that could interfere with being a surgical candidate for such a procedure right now. Why not ask your medical oncologist at Green Spring Station if it would be helpful to meet with one of the plastic surgeons or not about a skin graft to close the wound?? if it is due to infection though then systemic antibiotic treatment may be needed first. so speak with your medical oncologist this week and see if he wants to refer you to one of our other surgical specialists within the breast center. If so then just call 443-287-2778 and sheila will get you scheduled. | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.