Lymphatic Bypass: Can anyone share their Post Surgery experiences?

I'm tagging a few members who I believe have experience with surgery to treat lymphedema like @aubreybill @tullynut @cindycrea @janiebill @lrobinson. They may be able to share the post surgery experiences and follow up.

Welcome, @cactusqueen91. Where are you experiencing lymphedema? When will you have surgery?

Hello Cactusqueen,
I have stage 3 lymphedema in my left arm, caused by radiation, surgery and all things that go along with cancer treatment damage. I have been doing therapy for 17 months and just this past Mon had my first breakthrough. My arm actually reduced by 60 points which allows me to go to the next treatment level, a debulking procedure. Liposuction. Therapy will be an ongoing process which includes manual lymphatic drainage massage and long term bandaging. 12 to 18 months later the surgeon will evaluate for a lymph node bypass and a transplant…. Very exciting. It has taken a very long time to get to this point which I understand is not unheard of but unusual. Persistence, dedication and a good therapist is key…. And of course prayer. Happy to speak with you more especially after my procedure.

Hi Colleen,
Thank you for tagging those members.

I have lymphedema in my abdomen but mostly pools in my pelvis. I've had it for about 10 years and by now it's a stage 3-4. My surgery is tentative for end of December. I'm waiting for my doctor to come back from vacation to go over a more concrete surgery plan. It's been so hard to get anybody in my area to help me and I'm so happy Mayo accepted me. It's been a whirlwind of doctors and appointments.

My breast cancer after 20 + years reoccurred even after mastectomy and tamoxifen. 72 years old - discovered a small hard lump under my arm and a biopsy discovered breast cancer return in the lymph node - stage 3/4 - was discovered April 2024 - my oncologist wanted me on Chemo to shrink the cancer before surgery but declined due to my age, so was prescribed Antrolozal a hormone inhibitor. By FEB 2025 my cancer had shrunk and in my left upper breast area the cancer had become less active on the MRI. Had surgery in FEB - 27 lymph nodes were removed 11 unfortunately still showed cancer cells. The surgeon also worked with a plastic surgeon who performed a lymphadenectomy -Lymph node transplantation (Vascularized lymph node transfer - VLNT). The surgery was successful and the VLNT was also successful. Healed up nicely. Then had 16 rounds of radiation directed to the area for "mop up". Also working with a physical therapist to get my left arm fully moving. Up to June had no swelling only some stiffening - now for a month have had more stiffening and the start of some swelling in my hand. As a sidebar in June went on Venzio which really left me feeling awful/lower GI issues - for a month struggled/physically depleted, impacting my ability to exercise - paused the medication end June and decided not to continue. Getting back to exercise. Also PT is working on the arm with lymphicated massage and just fitted for a compression sleeve. Still feel the VLNT was successful but was compromised by radiation and medication - the lymphicate massage + the compression sleeve will prevent it from getting worse, also would like to stress must keep the lymphatic fluid moving - getting out to exercise is critical for recovery even with the best surgery.