Thanks so much for this wonderful explanation of lymphedema in layperson's terms for patients to consider. I am a lymphedema patient-advocate for the NLN and appreciate it when a missive of this type filled with accurate information gets out to breast cancer patients. Often the amount of information they receive on this potentially delibilitating condition is woefully slim.
Jan Hasak, author of "Mourning Has Broken" (endorsed by NLN co-Founder Saskia Thiaidens, RN)
www.janhasak.com
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Great article, PJ. I've been fighting lymphedema for most of my post-cancer treatment life. I first noticed it about a year after I finished treatment. The importance of therapy by a certified lymphedema therapist can not be overemphasized. Most of us first see either our surgeon or our primary care physician when we first notice the swelling of lymphedema. These people are working hard to keep up with the latest research on a variety of topics, and they may not be up to date on lymphedema treatment. Ask for a referral to a certified therapist. If there isn't one near you, it's worth the drive to find someone who knows how to massage and bandage.