Lymphedema Surgery Changed Joy’s Life

(video provided by MD Anderson)

After breast cancer treatment, Joy faced lymphedema, a common cancer treatment side effect that causes the lymphatic system to become blocked and may result in a swollen arm or leg.

Because of her lymphedema, Joy dealt with many infections over the years. Eventually, she went to MD Anderson and saw plastic surgeon Mark Schaverien, M.D., who performed a surgery called a vascularized lymph node transfer. Joy says the surgery changed her life.

Read more: What is lymphedema? Understanding this common cancer treatment side effect