Waiting room get together.. New York

Jennifer’s therapist, Kimber, Jennifer and Lori .. Photo provided by Lori

I get so excited when I am sent photos like this, as I know if it was not for this blog, these wonderful ladies would not have the opportunity to get together. Thanks Lori for the great photo. All were gathered at the offices of Drs Becker and Vasilles or as Kimber calls them.. Jules and Beck!! Jennifer and Kimber had met before at our gathering in New York earlier in the year and I was able to tell them that Lori, who lives in California, was also there for her follow-up and to look out for her!! You can imagine the gossip that went on in the waiting room, while they were awaiting appointments, sharing stories and experiences.

Lymphedema can be a very lonely thing to deal with, as often there is no contact with others. Having surgery such as Lymph node transfers and liposuction to help the Lymphedema can be an even more lonely experience, as it is still new surgery. Meeting others is just the best, to talk to someone who understands where you are coming from, to share the ups and downs and the waiting that can only be understood by another in the same position. When you feel down it is great to have others to lift you up and in turn, being able to help another when they worry about the progress, is priceless.

This blog has given me so much and it is a joy to see others getting together and sharing. In this way we bring awareness to our situation and help others who follow behind. When I had my surgery there was no one to contact to ask about their experience. I had no idea of the roller coaster I was heading into!! Now I hope others will feel more prepared by reading this blog and the shared experiences..

Always remember that these are just our personal experiences and do not replace medical assessment and advice. This is major surgery and for everyone it will be different..

Copyright © 2013-2014 by Helensamia. All rights Reserved.

Feel free to share with others. It can be distributed via social media, reblogged or added to websites. Please do not change the original content and provide appropriate credit by including the author’s name and a link to this blog.
https://lymphnodetransplant.wordpress.com/ Thanks

Dr Corrine Becker with Lori

Dr Corrine Becker with Lori March 2014 provided by Lori

This is a wonderful picture that Lori sent me today from her appointment with Dr Becker and Dr Vasilles in New York, earlier this month. When someone changes your life it is hard to find the words and a hug says it all!! Dr Becker was pleased with Lori’s progress and as time goes by her lower leg will improve more and more. At a later stage there may be a need for a small amount of liposuction to get rid of the fibrous, stubborn areas.

This is a Link to Lori’s story of Primary Lympedema and surgery

https://lymphnodetransplant.wordpress.com/2013/07/17/loris-story-of-primary-lymphedema-and-treatment/

Dr Corrine Becker is the pioneer of Lymph node Transfers and is responsible for teaching many doctors world-wide how to perform this surgery. In Paris she started more than 20 years ago and over the years has perfected the technique. That we have the opportunity to be part of this revolutionary treatment is truly giving hope to many. Over the next few years, with research into medications that help the development of the lymphatics, it feels like we are moving into exciting times.

This is a link to a study in Finland (2014) on Lymph node Transfers, it is long but there are items of interest about the use of Growth Factor written by Tiina Viitanen

http://www.doria.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/94237/AnnalesD1103Viitanen.pdf?sequence=2

Copyright © 2013-2014 by Helensamia. All rights Reserved.

Feel free to share with others. It can be distributed via social media, reblogged or added to websites. Please do not change the original content and provide appropriate credit by including the author’s name and a link to this blog.
https://lymphnodetransplant.wordpress.com/ Thanks