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The lymphedema to my right arm
is now a stage 3 plus. This summer I received treatment 2 to 3 times a week for it - massage, compression wraps, the pump but the swelling returns. In fact, the arm is larger than when I started treatment in May. Right now, I am using the pump for maintenance at home. Plus, a compression wrap sleeve. And would an ultrasound show how much fibrosis has developed in the arm? Thank you in advance for your thoughts...

September 12, 2025
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A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member Hi. My oncologist sent me to have an ultrasound on my arm because it was very swollen and red but no cellulitis. She wanted to rule out a bloodclot(s). Ultrasounds should show fibrosis. But ask your doctor. Oh! I didn't have any clots! It was my lymphs backing up the fluid because they swell and clog up, my fluid is hard to move around.

September 12, 2025
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member My lymphadema therapist calls my condition lymphatic malignancy. I wouldn't benefit from the surgery. I'll always have it! 😬🥺 I wish someone would find a cure for this!

September 13, 2025
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member I've never had Any surgery on on my breast since I was already stage4. I only had biopsies done of my breast and lungs.My lymphadema didn't start showing up until 6 months later. I was like," what is wrong with my arm?!!!" I'd never heard of lymphadema before, only seeing those gross pictures online of severely obese patients. I asked my therapist yesterday, "what did people do in the old days to treat it?". She said some just lived with it, others died from sepsis not knowing what it really was.

September 12, 2025 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

I had lymphedema BEFORE my diagnosis of Metastatic Breast Cancer HER2 positive
After diagnosis I went to a lymphedema PT, honestly it did not help. I started Chemo it went away . 12 years later immunology had to stop toxicity to my heart. 1 month after stopping immunology my lymphedema returned!!??? Why I do not know!?

September 12, 2025
MyBCTeam

While lymph node transplantation is one surgical option that has shown positive results for some people with lymphedema, it's important to work closely with a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) to explore all treatment options. One MyBCTeam member shared that their friend had significant improvement after lymph node Show Full Answer

While lymph node transplantation is one surgical option that has shown positive results for some people with lymphedema, it's important to work closely with a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) to explore all treatment options. One MyBCTeam member shared that their friend had significant improvement after lymph node transplant surgery.

For severe lymphedema that isn't responding well to standard treatments, consulting with a lymphedema specialist about surgical options would be appropriate. They can evaluate your specific case and discuss whether procedures like liposuction might be beneficial. Current treatment approaches that have helped many members include:

• Complete decongestive therapy (CDT)
• Physical therapy with specialized massage techniques
• Regular home exercises
• Compression garments (sleeves, gloves, bandages)
• Self-massage
• Low-level laser therapy

Remember that consistency with prescribed treatments is key - several members note their symptoms worsen when they skip their exercise routines or compression therapy.

September 12, 2025

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