Tag: breast cancer
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Reverse lymphatic mapping allows surgeons to figure out which lymph nodes are appropriate for removal while also reducing the risk… Read more.
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Meeting other people with lymphedema is always exciting — it’s kind of like discovering friends you never knew you had! Read more.
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Lymphedema awareness is going Hollywood! Read more.
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A few weeks ago, HealthDay News reporter Amy Norton wrote an article on Philly.com about a new tumor-freezing technique that may… Read more.
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The LYMPHA technique creates a bypass to restore lymphatic flow. Read more.
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LympheDIVAS have just released their Spring Patterns, and they are gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. What’s even better is that you can… Read more.
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Some good news for breast cancer patients with secondary lymphedema: On March 6th – Lymphedema Awareness Day – researchers presented… Read more.
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Hello, lymphies! I hope you all have had a relaxing and happy holiday season, and are excitedly preparing for the… Read more.
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Many of you have lymphedema as a result of breast cancer, so when I heard about C4YW, I knew I… Read more.
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F.A.Q.s
What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid, usually in an arm or leg, when the lymphatic system can’t drain properly. It’s a chronic condition, but with the right care, it can be managed well.
What causes lymphedema?
It can be primary (something you’re born with, due to how your lymph vessels developed) or secondary (caused by something else, like surgery involving lymph node removal, radiation, infection, or trauma).
Is there a cure for lymphedema?
There’s currently no cure, but you can help ease symptoms through compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, exercise, and skin care. Some patients may also be candidates for surgical options.
How do I know if I have lymphedema, or if it’s something else?
The telltale sign is persistent swelling in a limb (or another area) that doesn’t go away with rest or elevation. You may have a feeling of heaviness, tightness, or “fullness” in the affected area, as well as hardening or thickening of the skin.
Lymphedema can sometimes develop slowly, even months or years after surgery or cancer treatment, so any new or unexplained swelling is worth mentioning to your doctor.