Prior to commencing the surgery, the lymphography procedure was repeated on both my affected and unaffected arms. This involves two local anesthetic injections in the wrists and injection of dye under the skin. The lymphatic flow on both of my arms was marked with a marker pen. This was unclear in the affected arm, so the location of lymph channels was mirrored from my good arm to give the surgeons an indication of where to make the incisions.

The nursing staff helped me into position on the operating table, and my left arm was prepared for surgery and then placed outstretched, with my palm facing upward on a sterile field. The surgeons positioned themselves either side of the table on which my arm was placed, and each used microscopic surgery equipment. There was a screen on which I could watch, and duly did, once the initial incision had been made.

So it began! Five hours, two surgeons, and four incisions. I was required to lie still for the entire duration of the surgery with the exception of a very brief break in the middle, just enough time for me to wriggle a little and for the surgeon to change the music! I had requested some Kate Rusby, as I find her music calming, but unbeknownst to me, the music couldn’t be changed until this break — after a full two-and-a-half hours, I feel that I like her a little less!

As the surgery was performed under local anesthetic, repeated fine injections were necessary, but the discomfort was minimal and the local acted well throughout. My only discomfort was lying with my shoulder rotated out for a couple of hours, and I requested some paracetamol to ease this.

Each incision was different, as the anatomy found differed in each location. I have one incision just above my wrist, two on my forearm, and one on the inside of my upper arm. The surgeon’s goal was to stitch lymph channels into veins, and this required a painstaking search for these tiny vessels. One incision has five lymph vessels attached to one vein, another brought two into one vein, and then two incisions where there were two connections were made using two veins and two lymph channels.

The surgery lasted five hours, and I was able to chat to the surgeons throughout. Once I was stitched up, I had dressings applied and was then able to sit up. I returned to the day room and had lunch. I was given antibiotics to take, as infection is the biggest risk, and returned home that afternoon.

The surgeons request that no compression be applied to the limb for a week after surgery, and no significant improvement is anticipated for up to three months. It is expected that things will continue to improve gradually for up to a year post-surgery. Despite this, I saw an immediate improvement in my hand, and after 12 hours, the arm became softer and less turgid.

I am now nearly four weeks post-surgery and am elevating my arm and massaging it at every given opportunity — although my twin sons celebrated their 21st birthdays this weekend, so I am not resting as much as I’d like! I am really hopeful that there is progress being made and my comfort levels are improving. I have not needed to take any pain relief with the exception of two paracetamol the following morning. This is not a painful procedure as the incisions are not deep.

I will update readers after the three-month period, following my review by the Oxford Lymphoedema Practice. Fingers crossed that all will continue to improve. I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to have this surgery, as things would have gotten progressively worse for me. I hope this prompts others to possibly consider it for themselves.

***

Note: Breast Cancer News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Breast Cancer News, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to breast cancer.