Lymph Journalist

                          Sponsored by Cancer Rehab Austin Presented by Christine Fisher, M.D., board certified plastic surgeon. We had a great turn out at Sushi Zushi in Austin for Dr. Fisher’s presentation, “Breast Reconstruction: Your Options.” She was incredibly informative and interactive. For those seeking in-depth understanding of the surgical procedures and choices available, presented in layman’s terms with lots of Q & A, this was the ticket! (A link to the slide presentation can be found at the bottom of this article.) Dr. Fisher opened with the benchmarks of a successful surgery plan: 1) Safety  2)  What is appropriate for the individual patient 3) Design choice 4) A procedure that heals well and stands the test of time Symmetry is a prime concern, because we all want to feel good about what we see in the mirror and how we, the patients, feel about our appearance. Dr. Fisher is a perfectionist and plans the reconstruction design keeping in mind that enca

                          In a recent lymphatics presentation by Christine Fisher, M.D., Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, participants gleaned answers that many had sought from specialist after specialist with little or no success. She provided a clear understanding of what lymph looks like, what helps and what impedes its flow, and what can be done to support one’s lymphatic system. Lymphatics that are damaged from radiation and/or trauma impair immunity because they limit white blood cells’ ability to reach invasive bacteria. When lymph cannot flow properly, swelling results. There are modalities of treatment, and surgeries to address damaged lymphatics. Dr. Fisher provided an overview of lymph transfer surgery.  She shared “east” vs. “west” beliefs; to generalize, Asian surgeons embrace the stump theory, believing that the implanted lymph tissue soaks up chyle, (lymph fluid,) like stumps, while European surgeons espouse the bulb theory…over time, from one (trans)plant man