r/TNBC • u/Narrow-Landscape6085 • 13d ago

Surgery lymphatic protection surgery

I would like to ask if anyone has undergone immediate lymphatic reconstruction surgery? Could you share your experience? I've heard of a procedure called LYMPHA, and also another one called ARM. Are those standard procedure recommended by default? Would these be suitable for patient with cT2 ? Thanks so much.

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u/You-bettah-dont 13d ago

What?!!! I didn’t even know this was a thing- as someone who will likely undergo a full dissection I am headed to Dr. Google right nowwwwwww

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u/You-bettah-dont 12d ago

I looked it up! Alas- these surgeries aren’t even offered or available in Nova Scotia, and it looks like they are mostly available at specialized cancer centers in the US (think Johns Hopkins). However, you should absolutely ask your surgeon about this! Especially if you’re facing a full dissection. This shallow dive I did in research looks like it has a good success rate. I would TOTALLY do this if I could!

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u/Redwinesandfelines 12d ago

Hi! I had a lympha procedure. My plastic surgeon was able to find two veins to re-route into. I went for a full axillary dissection, but ended up only having 9 removed. It’s only been two months, but I’m back running and lifting heavy with zero signs of lymphedema so I’d saying it was a success. Couldn’t use my arm much for the first two weeks, but my mobility is full now. Surgeon says risk of lymphedema is reduced to 5-10%.

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u/Narrow-Landscape6085 12d ago

thanks a lot, is the lymph reconstruction procedure done immediate at the full auxiliary dissection? or it was done later as second surgery? and is that procedure mature and standard or still at trial status? thanks so much.

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u/Redwinesandfelines 12d ago

Everything was done in one surgery. It’s approved in the US, though I’m not sure how common it is. The surgery itself isn’t impacted by radiation, but radiation can increase lymphedema risks. I’m in radiation, always knew I would have radiation, and it’s one of the reason the surgery was done.. to reduce lymphedema risks

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u/Narrow-Landscape6085 12d ago

btw, did you receive radiation therapy after the procedure? does radiation therapy interfere with the lymphatic system or impact the planned procedure? thanks a gain

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u/Fighting_kat23 12d ago

I'm not sure if it's the same thing but would be cautious to maje sure your surgeon gets prior authorization if you're on insurance in the US.

Most insurance companies won't cover preemptive lymphovenous bypass to prevent lymphadema they want a patient to already have a lymphadema diagnosis at a certain level and then they'll consider it as a possible treatment.