For the patients I've worked with who had it, it was mainly an oncology issue. Once the abdominal tumors shrank enough to clear the lymph ducts and lymphatic returns, the lymphedema decreased.

A couple of my patients had lymph descending into the pelvic bowl (which ended up causing genital edema) and that could be treated with compression. But I never saw any acceptable compression management for abdominal edema.

If you have a friend trying to ride a bike while dealing with it, I'd suggest they try a recumbent to take pressure off the abdomen until the tumors shrink. Activity of any sort is generally a help with lymphedema, and certainly helps with the effects of cancer treatment. If your friend is a woman, let her know about Team Survivor; it's a sports/support group for women in any stage of cancer treatment or survivorship. www.teamsurvivor.org