I developed lymphedema a year after going through breast cancer treatment I have tried compression garments, the pumping machine, PT and lymphedema massage. Another option I have is to do surgery. Has anyone gone through this? I don’t wanna go onto the knife again and wondered if I could just live with us as it doesn’t stop me from doing things that I like.
As info - in FEB 2025 had surgery to remove returned breast cancer in my lymph nodes under my left arm - they removed 27 lymph nodes with 11 showing cancer. March had 16 rounds of radiation for mop up. During the surgery to removed the cancerous lymph nodes the surgeon called in a plastic surgeon to do Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (also referred to as lymphovenous bypass): used microsurgical techniques and equipment to reroute my lymphatic system, bypassing damaged nodes and connecting lymphatic channels directly into your veins. Have healed up very well with no swelling or lymphedema signs - also have been doing physical therapy/religious about the exercises and pleased to report full use of my arm and so far after 6 months no swelling. Can report after the radiation developed some stiffness but still no swelling. If having lymph nodes removed highly recommend this plastic surgery to do a lymphovenous bypass - so pleased my surgeon recommended. They did say there was no guarantee that the surgery would work but was well worth the chance. Would add other than the cancer coming back after 30 years, very healthy active 73 year old - so don't let anyone discourage you from looking into this lymphovenous bypass - game changer for a better life after breast/lymph node surgery.
Thank you for sharing the information and am so happy all turned out well for you! Was the lymphovenous surgery done at the Mayo Clinic? I live in a different state, am 78 and believe my next step is a mastectomy and removal of lymoh nodes. I have read about the lympovenous and want to find out where to go for same. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing the information and am so happy all turned out well for you! Was the lymphovenous surgery done at the Mayo Clinic? I live in a different state, am 78 and believe my next step is a mastectomy and removal of lymoh nodes. I have read about the lympovenous and want to find out where to go for same. Thank you.
I am in CALIFORNIA - was done at Kaiser. Understand not all plastic surgeons do this surgery - especially chosen for his talent in this area. Your surgeon will know who can handle this delicate surgery. Good luck - think this is a game changer for a healthy recovery.
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@djewison, I moved your question about surgical options for lymphedema to this discussion:
- Surgery for lymphedema: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/surgery-for-lymphedema/
I did this so you can read previous posts with information as well as connect with members who have experience with surgery.
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1 ReactionAs info - in FEB 2025 had surgery to remove returned breast cancer in my lymph nodes under my left arm - they removed 27 lymph nodes with 11 showing cancer. March had 16 rounds of radiation for mop up. During the surgery to removed the cancerous lymph nodes the surgeon called in a plastic surgeon to do Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (also referred to as lymphovenous bypass): used microsurgical techniques and equipment to reroute my lymphatic system, bypassing damaged nodes and connecting lymphatic channels directly into your veins. Have healed up very well with no swelling or lymphedema signs - also have been doing physical therapy/religious about the exercises and pleased to report full use of my arm and so far after 6 months no swelling. Can report after the radiation developed some stiffness but still no swelling. If having lymph nodes removed highly recommend this plastic surgery to do a lymphovenous bypass - so pleased my surgeon recommended. They did say there was no guarantee that the surgery would work but was well worth the chance. Would add other than the cancer coming back after 30 years, very healthy active 73 year old - so don't let anyone discourage you from looking into this lymphovenous bypass - game changer for a better life after breast/lymph node surgery.
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2 ReactionsThank you for sharing the information and am so happy all turned out well for you! Was the lymphovenous surgery done at the Mayo Clinic? I live in a different state, am 78 and believe my next step is a mastectomy and removal of lymoh nodes. I have read about the lympovenous and want to find out where to go for same. Thank you.
I am in CALIFORNIA - was done at Kaiser. Understand not all plastic surgeons do this surgery - especially chosen for his talent in this area. Your surgeon will know who can handle this delicate surgery. Good luck - think this is a game changer for a healthy recovery.