After undergoing over a year of intensive breast cancer treatments, Victoria Lock, a 42-year-old hairdresser from Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, found herself dealing with an unexpected challenge: a painful, swollen left arm.

The swelling began after she picked up a hairdryer again post-treatment, and it was just the beginning of a journey she hadn’t anticipated.

Cancer Treatment and Its Toll on Victoria’s Health

In April 2022, Victoria was diagnosed with a stage two breast cancer tumor that had spread to her lymph nodes.

Her treatment plan included chemotherapy, surgery to remove her left breast, lymph nodes, and breast reconstruction, followed by radiotherapy.

Despite the grueling year of treatment, she felt relief knowing that she was cancer-free after finishing radiotherapy in May 2023.

However, that relief was short-lived.

A New Concern: Lymphoedema Takes Hold

Months after her radiotherapy, Victoria noticed something troubling: her reconstructed left breast began swelling.

Initially fearing that cancer was making a return, she consulted her oncologist, who diagnosed her with lymphoedema—a chronic condition in which lymph fluid accumulates in tissues due to damaged or removed lymph nodes.

Though her oncologist reassured her it wasn’t a cancer relapse, this new challenge would prove to be just as frustrating and life-altering.

The Struggles of Living with Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema was particularly pronounced for Victoria during a holiday in September 2023, when hot weather triggered the swelling of her left arm.

Over time, the swelling became frequent, occurring several times a week after everyday tasks like drying her hair, vacuuming, or even cooking.

The condition caused her arm to swell up to 50% larger than her right arm, and she found it difficult to ignore, especially when it made her self-conscious and hindered her ability to work as a hairdresser.

What Is Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is a condition affecting an estimated 400,000 people in the UK, often as a result of cancer treatments such as surgery or radiotherapy.

It occurs when the lymphatic system, responsible for filtering toxins and waste from the body, becomes damaged or blocked, leading to fluid buildup.

Though lymphoedema is incurable, it can be managed with the right treatments.

Dealing with the Limitations and Looking for Hope

For Victoria, the swelling was not just physically limiting—it was also a constant reminder of her battle with breast cancer.

She had been a hairdresser for many years, and this new limitation threatened her livelihood.

The discomfort and self-consciousness caused by the swelling also took an emotional toll on her.

Existing Treatments for Lymphoedema

Current treatments for lymphoedema include wearing compression sleeves to help move the lymphatic fluid out of the swollen arm, manual lymphatic drainage massages, and exercises to promote fluid drainage.

However, these treatments are ongoing, and many patients still struggle with the condition long term.

In severe cases, liposuction to remove fat and fluid is an option, though it doesn’t cure the condition, and compression garments are still required.

A Groundbreaking Surgical Procedure for Lymphoedema Relief

A promising surgical technique called lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) may offer hope for patients like Victoria.

LVA redirects excess fluid from blocked lymph channels into nearby veins, allowing it to drain and be reabsorbed by the body or excreted as urine.

While LVA has shown success in pilot studies, it isn’t widely available on the NHS yet due to limited evidence.

The PRELUDE Trial and Future Possibilities

Now, a major trial called PRELUDE is underway, led by consultants at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, including Mr. Kelvin Ramsey.

The trial aims to confirm that performing LVA surgery earlier—ideally within six to 12 months of the onset of lymphoedema—could lead to even better results for patients.

The goal is to make this surgery a more widely available option for breast cancer patients, changing the way lymphoedema is treated in the future.

Victoria’s Success with LVA Surgery

Victoria had the LVA procedure in February 2024, and within weeks, she noticed a significant reduction in the swelling of her left arm.

By the three-month mark, the arm’s size difference was reduced to just 5%, and by nine months, it was only 3% larger.

Victoria now feels “95% better” and hopes to return to her career as a hairdresser.

A New Path for Lymphoedema Treatment

Experts like Karen Friett, the chief executive of the Lymphoedema Support Network, agree that lymphoedema’s impact on daily life is often underestimated.

Victoria’s case highlights how such conditions affect not just physical health but also emotional well-being and livelihood.

The ongoing research and new treatments like LVA offer hope for patients who are struggling with similar challenges.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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