Follow Up Lymphatic Arm Surgery

I had surgery on Tuesday at Mayo Clinic. Checked at 5:30 am and left about 8 pm. It was a long surgery as Dr. Tran carefully reviewed the veins in my left arm and remapped them in such a way that hopefully lymph fluid will be able to start draining in the future. This will prevent the classic “tree trunk” arm many breast cancer survivors before me were told was incurable. The power of Mayo Clinic.

The good news is he found so many viable options that he did not have time to do any de-bulking of the upper arm. Aka liposuction so that was a bummer but hopefully some elements that have not solidified can still be removed naturally by the veins. The remainder will stay but is no big deal.

Healing has been ok so far certainly a lot easier than Diep Flap surgery but still painful. I’m going to try to go back to work Monday AM full time but be gentle with the left arm for two more additional weeks. He does not want me using it to mess up his work.

I get stitches removed at the two and three week marks. And the three week mark I can stop wearing the daily ace bandage wraps.

I am blessed to get access to this surgery when so many others struggle life long. I’m going to try to remember that as dealing with recovery from yet another surgery. I am so grateful to be cancer free and on the other side of the very long road.

I could not have had a better community to love me. I gained strength from sharing my story and value so much the kindness you have given to me along the way. I promise to pay it forward.