My wife got the LYMPHEDEMA operation abroad WITH SUCCESS - LSN

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My wife got the LYMPHEDEMA operation abroad WITH SUCCESS

canadaman profile image
22 Replies

I decided to write to help some others that may be caught in the same frame of mind my common law spouse was trapped in. First off, we are Canadian living in Toronto, Canada. Tatum is no longer with us as she passed from her metastasized Cancer (Devil) in August 2016. She was young and only 36. I have many second thoughts about airing this story- but decided today that if I can help just one person, here I am. I owe it to Tatum and maybe she would have like this. It’s no use to tell a story unless you tell the whole story. I am starting this from scratch.

Now, you'll have to understand Tatum had a soul like no other. Her spirit, when alive, was genuine, sincere and never to be matched. Tatum would protect most animals and even rescued wasps from the ocean. Her fight with Cancer and then Lymphedema was a very hard, lengthy and complicated fight. Incidentally, what Tatum went thru, I am not sure many people could have endured likewise without seeking suicide. Tatum did it though, with courage conviction and in the end, like a trooper.

We spent upwards of $180,000.00 with surgery, hotels, airfares and hospitals out of the country of Canada, but mostly done in Italy. Our Canadian Federal and Provincial government seems to spend mass amounts of funds on Cancer, but not much support for Lymphedema. The Sunnybrook hospital and support staff went over and above. Their hands are tied when it comes to lympedema. All they can do is help with advice and recommend a garment program. The hospitals support you mentally, but our surgical lymphatic vascular availabity is nonexistent. There aren’t any surgeons in Canada to perform lymphatic surgery, it’s not available. You have to leave the country. The Province of Ontario doesn’t support to perform or have the knowhow to perform Lymphatic anastamosis or bypass of lymphatics. This LVA is an operation known surgery to perform lymphatic connections or lymphatic bypass. It is available in at least 5 other countries and the evidence is right on the internet.

How can a sophisticated country like ours not have this service? We ended up going and went to Italy to get it done. I will explain in another paragraph the 5 w’s of lymphatic procedure soon.

Sunnybrook staff went over and above their duty to provide what they could. I have no words to thank her radiology oncologist Dr. Lisa Barbera for being there whenever the need arose. Dr. Barbera would be right there anytime Tatum needed her. We do need more Dr. Barbera’s for sure. The rest of the staff was right there as well. In the end, Tatum was in and out of many hospitals for Cancer between Sunnybrook (Odette Cancer center) and Mackenzie Health (Richmondhill, Ontario) at minimum 60 times. Yes, you can get garments and other help, but medical advice is not really there for actual lymph-edema surgery. Our government has failed us to take care of this lymphatic problem. As we all know, people with lymphatic problems or lymphedema have a plugged lymphatic system. There is primary, usually from birth or genetics and secondary from a number of causes. There is help and I will explain this later.

Tatum -out of nowhere, got cervical Cancer. This sort of just crept up (we think). Some people get it from environmental, others genetics apparently. I am not a Doctor by any means, but I am in the scientific side in the medicine.

I am a researcher when it comes to life and we were going to fix this problem. Well, it was the saddest day to be diagnosed with Cancer. We cried all the way to Sunnybrook. Straight from the gynecologists office to the appointment at Sunnybrook.

We had the best of a specialist in oncology. Her appointed Dr. Covens was the head professor. We were there at 3 pm and after consultation we were informed that Tatum would require a partial hysterectomy. What did we know- it was a 1 b stage. You are "so not knowing" what to expect. They accelerated Tatum's surgery because of her young age.

Stress is something that you will learn about as you travel through this maze of appointments. We had the perfect life. Tatum was a yoga teacher and partial fitness instructor. I was semi retired with a life of golf and good friends. We lived in the Caribbean 5 to 6 months a year. Tatum was just starting to compete in equestrian competitions. We only were eating organics for the last 3 years. How can one fathom this happen?

We went forth and she had her laparoscopic surgery work done at Sunnybrook. The partial hysterectomy was done. This all transpired in October and were granted “go card” to Caribbean with the knowledge that we had to come back in 90 days maximum for radiation. Coming back after ninety days for Radiation was the plan. We came back and did the 5 weeks of radiation in December and went back south. All seemed to be good and Tatum was taking tennis lessons in Sint Marten and she noticed some swelling.

We went to the local gyny Doctor and now were faced with upper swelling in one right leg. We weren't sure what to think, but the Doctor told Tatum “likely it was lymphedema”. We started doing research and were startled by a topic which neither of us ever heard of. I mean, we knew we had a lymphatic system, but it was complicated.

The swelling was mild but noticeable. Tatum had a small problem standing too long. It was all foreign new territory. The mid march was coming and we came back to Canada. We started seeing Doctors here and were dumbfounded that the government wasn’t supporting any specialist in this field. How could they not have a lymphatic Doctor? Is this possible? There were vascular surgeons, but no one really specializing in lymphatics. How could this be? We have a great GP name Lew Plaimm and he helped so much. Our GP got us an appointment with a top vascular surgeon who diagnosed Tatum with Lymphedema. The specialist recommendation was “WEAR A FRIGGING pressure garment forever”. Can you believe this!! I won’t mention the specialist name, but will tell about him later.

Tatum was not happy and being investigative we started to look for options. I spent about 200 hrs investigating lymphedema. We got pressure garments, we got lymphatic massages. We massaged her leg 3 times a day. We got cream and I kept looking and looking. It was evident that after all my investigation that, there was one man and his son who performed this. Now, you must know that I looked hard and close. The man who was renowned for this was one of the pioneers of this. He had performed a procedure called Lymphatic Venous Anastamosis or LVA. Dr Campisi had written tons of papers and I read them on PUB MED. He was teaching surgeons how to perform this with a special microscope. We decided that we would seek the services of Dr Corradino Campisi in Genoa Italy.

We made arrangements to talk with the surgeon’s office and we were ready to move forward. We sought help from the provincial government for a program called OOC funding or Out of Country. It was a lengthy process. We knew the surgery in Italy would cost 40,000 Euros and 25,000 Euro for the private hospital and we were prepared to pay.

It was now November and we were waiting to have the appointment with the good Dr. Campisi. We knew we were making the right choice. After all, you can get more money, but not more health. We kept putting in our application to the Out of Country and they kept sending back letters denying us with ridiculous questions that never gave us an out. The questionnaire wanted to have a specialist verify that the procedure sought was (1) necessary? (2) Not available in Canada? (3) Was it life threatening? We kept answering the questions only to get more denying letters back. They asked that more than one specialist sign off on the file. We sought the top vascular specialist input and here is what he said to me.

The best vascular surgeon in Toronto indicated to me verbally personally. “I won’t’ put my name on the application”. Can you friggin believe that this man would not put his name to the application because; he didn’t want to ruin his reputation just to say it was necessary. Go figure.

We decided we were doing it anyways. We rented a top hotel as; you need to be in Genoa for minimum one month.

Tatum arrived there in March and had the operation done. It was successful and she was so happy to have her proper leg back. The recovery took longer that it was suppose to, but the doctor’s son Corrado Campisi eased Tatum thru the final days. They had done it, no more swelling no more pain standing. She had a constant smile. They even lipo the area to make it perfect. Tatum now had her legs back.

We came back to Sint Marten and decided to stay for the summer as the routine is to keep you leg moving and swimming was the answer. We also purchased a lymph press for $7,000.00 in Italy and brought it back. We still have it and it’s for sale to anyone who wants it. Cheap at $4,000.00 Canadian. Great machine and it worked every moment. Condition is perfect and works optimal.

Tatum evidently had the worst Cancer and she wasn’t cancer free. Her Cancer was Sqamous Cell Carcinoma.(Worst of any) It came back with a vengeance and encompassed her mesenteric arteries. We tried everything and it was sad and this type of Cancer does come back.

In a nutshell, I am saying that there is hope and apparently there is many surgeons who are performing this surgery in Untied States. Keep pressing your insurance company or your state to get it done. I witnessed with my own two eyes the results. I know people suffer with this debilitating disease, but seek and trust an operation. Follow it to a tee. Wear the garments and there is a chance. I hope this has helped someone. If anyone wants the lymph press and pants, I still have them for sale. The model is LYMPHA PRESS OPTIMAL GRADE CL11 and LYPHA PRESS PANTS.

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canadaman profile image
canadaman
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22 Replies
Lynora profile image
Lynora

Thank you for sharing your story canadaman - Tatum sounds like a real star.

It is unfortunate and unjust that the technology and skills are 'out there' to undertake the life changing procedure - "LVA". It works for some, sadly, not for all. It seems to have been a lifeline for Tatum, it is so desperately sad that the cancer came back.

canadaman profile image
canadaman in reply toLynora

Thanks for your support. Sincerely, it helps with your support.

angie10 profile image
angie10

Thanks for sharing your sad story. Here in England there is only 1 Hospital that carries out this kind of surgery with very good results. Unfortunately its beyond my financial means. There is also a NHS hospital which also does this but its in Wales. And if you don't live there you cannot be referred. Which is a shame as you wouldn't have to pay. I have not heard of a Lympha Press but shall be looking into it. Thank you again for sharing sorry for your loss

canadaman profile image
canadaman in reply toangie10

Hello, keep plugging away with a group who can convince the local government that evidence of this is proof that it requires attention.

purple-hat profile image
purple-hat in reply toangie10

Which hospital in Wales?

angie10 profile image
angie10 in reply topurple-hat

Its the Neath Port Talbot Hospital

patsy1702 profile image
patsy1702

What a sad but amazing story/journey. Thank you for letting us share with you. What a heroic person Tatum must have been. I am so sorry for your loss. You sound pretty amazing yourself and she was fortunate to have such wonderful support helping her through her ordeal.

canadaman profile image
canadaman in reply topatsy1702

Thanks and the support helps ease me thru the transition of my daily loss with this amazing angel.

lizzie66 profile image
lizzie66

Thank you for sharing your amazing story with us all. Financially you were able to undertake your journey but money is not everything and I am so saddened at your loss of Tatum. I wish you well in your life now and hope that you will always feel pride in the way that you tackled the problems of Lymphedema alongside Tatum. Be well yourself and remember that your life is also precious.

canadaman profile image
canadaman in reply tolizzie66

Thanks , I wasn't trying to say money was the story. Was simply trying to convey that there is help. Be well and thanks for your support.

DeadfootMo profile image
DeadfootMo

What an amazing story. So sad it ended in the loss of your wife. Bless you both.

canadaman profile image
canadaman in reply toDeadfootMo

thanks and be well...I have found reading scripture regardless and let faith guide you.

Snaomi profile image
Snaomi

Canadaman I'm sorry you and Tatum had to experience this. But you were blessed to have each other to lean on. I am having surgery (sapl) this week on Thursday. I too am blessed to have a wonderful support system in my husband. I found a great physician that specializes in Sapl, LVA and VLNT. Like you though no insurance so we will pay money out of pocket. Because this disease is progressive it eventually worsens and tends to sucks the everyday joy out of life. Ithe saddens me that there are so many people who havent the means to the surgeries. It should be taken care of by insurance so people can improve their quality of life. I cannot take the pain in my leg much longer and am really looking forward to having this gunk taken out. Doctor thinks he will get 4 to 5 liters out. Let's hope so. Thank you for sharing your story. Maybe one day more doctors will be trained in lymphatic disease and especially lymphedema. Regards.

Snaomi

canadaman profile image
canadaman in reply toSnaomi

Wish you luck, I look thru life with a different lenses now. Snaomi, I will pray for you. Keep your leg elevated and wear your pressure garments. BTW. The pressure garments in Italy were like night and day compared to Canadian. Thicker and better quality. Makes me think that the garments here in Canada are like a "Toyota" verses the "Audi" in Italy. Canadian companies aren't afraid to charge either. Guess cause the government is funding.

Snaomi profile image
Snaomi in reply tocanadaman

Thank you. My custom garments are from europe. Very thick. Appreciate your input and support

blackcatolja profile image
blackcatolja

Thank you canadaman. So the surgery in Italy for lymphedema costs 40 000 euros?

canadaman profile image
canadaman in reply toblackcatolja

Well the tall and short is with Dr. Corradino Campisi was a fee alone of 40,000 Euros. Then there was the hospital fee at a private hospital Called Villa Montelegro . Its nice facility and of about 14,000 Euros. The patient also has to have lodging and he has a bed and breakfast for $75.00 per day for 1 week before and 2 weeks after. The hospital stay was 5 days . His B&B Its right above his clinic ,so you can come down stairs for your appointments. Its just a B&B.

Tatum stayed at a hotel after and was costly . Normal time in Italy is about 1 month. Tatum stayed 7 weeks as they don't want you to leave until he is completely satisfied. Of coarse you have air fair, meals lodging etc. There is a blog from some people who stayed in 2012, 2013. They outline it pretty well. I think they call their group Peg leg or something to that nature,

linda5151 profile image
linda5151 in reply tocanadaman

ty for sharing your story tatum was an amazing and courageous lady very sorry for your loss god bless

yorkiebee2 profile image
yorkiebee2

Thank you for sharing your story. I am so sorry your Tatum did not make it through - she sounds like an incredible lady. Wishing you the best of luck for the future.

Libmeg profile image
Libmeg

Thank you for sharing your story So sorry Tatum did not win her fight against cancer after finding a way to beat lymphoedema Life can be so unfair God bless and take care x

Annaise profile image
Annaise

Thank you for sharing your story. I am from Canada as well and live in western Ontario. My son was diagnosed with primary lymphedema 4 years ago and from that time on I have been researching non stop for support as I too have found very little knowledge in Canada. I would love to chat with you more on your findings in Italy if that could be at all possible.

canadaman profile image
canadaman in reply toAnnaise

Sure. Please email me at orbusboy@hotmail.com and I will leave a tel number and I can call you. Tommy

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