Assessment for VLNT Surgery

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Hi All, I'm taking the brave step to get assessed for Vascular Lymph Node Transfer Surgery - VLNT Surgery. I made an appointment at the University of Florida Health Cancer Center to be assessed by Dr. Richard Klein in February. I'm scared; but have flare-ups lately and mild infections. My arm is now frequently red, hot, and swollen and I absolutely need to do something, I have been packing on weight lately like I haven't done in many years too - which is absolutely aggravating it. I'm not in a great state of mind but trying to take what steps I can anyway. I've been exercising and staying on top of medical stuff - just plain eating too much. I have my 5-month check-up today complete with tumor markers and gratefully all went well in that area. Wondering if VLNT is worthwhile but reading some good reports online.

Olivia82

mariasnow - good luck with your surgery and keep us posted with your progress. I imagine it is quite scary (I had LVA not VLNT but still felt like a bit of a leap into the unknown!). Check that your surgeons have good experience in this area and ask them about the rates of any complications, lymphoedema at the donor site is the biggest concern with this procedure. Not to put you off doing it as there is increasing research that this is a effective procedure for LE but it is important that you trust your surgeon and have realistic expectations of the surgery. Hopefully you now have a goal to spur you on to lose weight, it definitely helps LE!!!

Best wishes

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Thanks, Olivia. Good advice. I will take it very slow and get assessed and get a realistic expectation of what I could hope for and the risks. In the meantime I am exercising and started counting calories. I found out that I've been eating about 1000 calories too much per week - hence the 15+ lb weight gain I have experienced in the past year and a half. My doctors always remind me this is not the direction that will be beneficial to my health.