I had this procedure done last November when my breast cancer returned. They removed a total of 16 lymph nodes from my right armpit and 14 of them were cancerous. My surgeon and oncologist wanted me to have this procedure done because my new cancer was aggressive and growing quickly. During the procedure they also did what I believe is called a lymph bypass. Basically what they do is after each lymph node is removed they take the remaining lymph vessels and somehow implant them into a blood vessel which allows lymphatic fluids to drain away from your armpit, arm, and chest and reduces your chances of developing lymphodema which can develop after breast cancer surgeries when lymph fluids are unable to drain and instead make your arm, chest, and armpit areas subject to swelling and discomfort. Ask your reconstructive plastic surgeon if they plan to do the bypass surgery as not all of them have training in this procedure. I'm doing well so far and have had no issues with lymphedema. I only had the surgery done on one side since that's where the cancer returned. I should mention the first time I had breast cancer I had a double mastectomy. After the armpit surgery to remove lymph nodes I developed neuropathy in my armpit, along the back side of my upper arm and in my elbow. I also lost some range of motion on my right side. Other than that I'm doing well. I finished chemo a few weeks ago and will be starting radiation in mid August. I also want to offer you a tip based on my experiences with the mastectomy and recent armpit surgery. I was unable to press down to dispense liquid soap without a good deal of pain during the first month so I made sure to keep a regular bar of soap at each sink in my house. Good luck to you.

I would like to see results between those who had this done during surgery and those who had it done after getting lymphedema

@A MyBCTeam Member check this post out. Interesting Casey was given the surgery as an option during her mastectomy.

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A MyBCTea...

Actually I am happy to hear this is an option and might become standard . I read about this a while back, a fairly new surgery and I remember it saying its not always successful but there are no complications if it isn't. I would do it hoping it would decrease my chances getting lymphedema.