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barbara2101's avatar
barbara2101
Member
12 years ago

Lymphedemia Surgery treatment

Hi

I have lymphedemia in right arm as a result of removal of lymph nodes and radiation .

I have been investigating a lymph node transplant pioneered by Dr Corinne Becker of Paris ( she is on you tube) . She has said for me to go to Paris for the operation with a breast reconstruction. She has been doing this for 20years in Europe.

i have heard that one Australian woman underwent this operation.

I also know Macquarie University Cancer Institute is offering this surgery and I intend to follow up there.

Does anyone know more on this or have information about medical treatment overseas?

 

lymphoedema

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  • SusanF's avatar
    SusanF
    Member
    11 years ago
    I find it's so hard here in oz to get specialists to even agree one one symptom or procedure it's all so arbitrary. Yours sounds terrible and I really feel for you. It also sounds so expensive. If the same or comparable procedure can be carried out here then I don't like your chances of reimbursement or changing the minds of Medicare or PBS. I hope you are feeling better and you can make change but for the moment I think you need to focus on getting well, put all your energy there first, the fight for change can wait and is not as important as you x
  • barbara2101's avatar
    barbara2101
    Member
    11 years ago

    thank you so much for your support yes i have looked at this reciprocal health services treaty and unfortunately Francei is not one of the countries

    im looking at another reimbursement program but it hinges on a life threatening disease do you think we have a case to include lymphodemia as life threatening the way i was travelling was towards elephantitis and long term ththere is possible amputation Certainly my length of work emplyment would be affecr3d . im thinking of mounting an argument with possible support rrom lymphodemia society as the medical profession in Australia is somewhat in the dark as to the effects it has on people lives

    kind regards

     

  • barbara2101's avatar
    barbara2101
    Member
    11 years ago

    thank you so much i truly believe in the power of prayer i know it has been worth every step along this journey and my friend is special im very humbled by her willingness to care for me

  • Sarah_P's avatar
    Sarah_P
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Barbara

    I don't know anything about government compensation for those costs but I do want to wish you all the best with your recovery. I will say some prayers that it is worth every single cent for you.

    With love to you in Paris, and to your lovely friend who is looking after you too

    Sarah

  • barbara2101's avatar
    barbara2101
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi anyone who is concerned with lymphedemia treatment. I have had an autologous Lymph node transplant with Dr Becker in Paris two days ago. My right arm was huge and my lumpectomy and axillary nodes removal left a huge hollow . She transplanted yhe nodes with a fatty flap from my lower abdomen and groin. Im recuperating at my apartment with a good friend who travelled with me to nurse me . The procedure was difficult for her as she ssid the area was very fibrotic and she used 10 blades (??) I have a reconstructed right boob its heautiful. And time will tell if the lymphedemia retreats I have paid for this myself and just received a shock as The surgery was more difficult Im going to have to approach relatives to cover ectra money. Does anyone know aboit reimbursement from Australia government for costs incurred for operstions not pergormed in Australia

    RegardsBarbara 

  • barbara2101's avatar
    barbara2101
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi anyone who is concerned with lymphedemia treatment. I have had an autologous Lymph node transplant with Dr Becker in Paris two days ago. My right arm was huge and my lumpectomy and axillary nodes removal left a huge hollow . She transplanted yhe nodes with a fatty flap from my lower abdomen and groin. Im recuperating at my apartment with a good friend who travelled with me to nurse me . The procedure was difficult for her as she ssid the area was very fibrotic and she used 10 blades (??) I have a reconstructed right boob its heautiful. And time will tell if the lymphedemia retreats I have paid for this myself and just received a shock as The surgery was more difficult Im going to have to approach relatives to cover ectra money. Does anyone know aboit reimbursement from Australia government for costs incurred for operstions not pergormed in Australia

    RegardsBarbara 

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    12 years ago
    Good luck. Let me know how you go. I have lymphedema but thankfully well under control. Took two years. Paula