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Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone had Lymphovenous Bypass( LVB), also known as Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis (LVA)? If so what is your experience?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Alpharetta, GA

My friend who is 36 years old double mastectomy patient and currently suffers from chronic swelling due to lymphedema is having this surgery in March. I'd like to know what to expect so I can adequately support her.

January 26
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MyBCTeam

What can you expect when supporting your friend through lymphovenous bypass (LVB/LVA) surgery for lymphedema?

While the search results don't include specific experiences with LVB/LVA surgery, they do mention that lymph node transplantation is another surgical option for lymphedema. A MyBCTeam member shared that their Show Full Answer

What can you expect when supporting your friend through lymphovenous bypass (LVB/LVA) surgery for lymphedema?

While the search results don't include specific experiences with LVB/LVA surgery, they do mention that lymph node transplantation is another surgical option for lymphedema. A MyBCTeam member shared that their friend had lymph node transplant surgery about two years prior, and "her lymphedema has improved a lot."

Since your friend developed lymphedema after her double mastectomy, here's what might help you support her:

Understanding her condition:
- Lymphedema occurs when lymph fluid builds up after lymph nodes are removed during breast cancer surgery
- The more lymph nodes removed, the higher the risk of developing lymphedema
- About 1 in 5 people who undergo breast cancer treatments develop this condition

Ways to support her recovery:
- Help her maintain proper activity levels and avoid heavy lifting initially
- Encourage her to protect the affected arm from injuries and infections
- Assist with daily tasks while she heals
- Support her in following her doctor's post-surgery instructions
- Help her recognize any changes in swelling or symptoms

Your friend's surgical team will provide specific recovery guidelines for the LVB/LVA procedure. Being there to help with practical needs and emotional support will make a meaningful difference during her recovery.

January 26
A MyBCTeam Member

AmyVeeneman yes she is. I think that she is comfortable with the groups that she is in currently because the members are moreso in her age group with several people in her area.I did share that we have all ages in our group though!!

February 1
A MyBCTeam Member

Sue10. Me too. She is a trooper despite all that she's been through. She has lost 40 lbs through diet and exercise to get her BMI down to a level acceptable for this kind of specialised surgery.

January 27
A MyBCTeam Member

Thanks for your answers.

January 27
A MyBCTeam Member

I had this surgery on my right breast and armpit, but I had it done during surgery for my 2nd round of breast cancer. I had a double mastectomy with the first breast cancer. With the second breast cancer they removed 3 tumors that had grown into the breast muscle, 2 lymph nodes from my chest, and 16 lymph nodes from my armpit. I never did have lymphodema, but the bypass surgery was done to prevent it since they were removing so many lymph nodes and I was already high risk from 12 breast cancer related chest surgeries. It was successful as I still don't have lymphadema. I don't know how well it would work for a curative surgery as opposed to a preventative surgery.

January 27

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