Mary Beth’s Story

In short, I am an 11 year breast cancer survivor, who was very fortunate to not have developed Lymphedema until I was told I needed to have a venogram done due to some protruding veins in arm. My arm was tagged at the hospital due to my mastectomy and lymph node removal. However, the vascualar/heart surgeon performing the venogram, told me that he could use my arm that was tagged because he would put the needle in and take it right out, and that I did not need to worry about developing lymphedema. Well since I am not a doctor, why would I have thought he did not know what he was talking about. Within the week, my arm swelled, hence I am now a lymphedema patient. I am to say the least extremely angry, but then to find out that I have to pay for the garmets myself and they are not cheap, is one of the most ridiculous things I have had to hear. If someone broke their leg, would they be told that the cast was not covered. Lymphedema is a painful and awful swelling of the limb, and needs contant attention and care so that it does not get worse. Left untreated, it can be life threatening. So to be told that you must bear the expense of the garmets is just more stress added to what stress the disease already brings. I pay good money for insurance, and now I need to pay more on top of that for my garmets so that swelling does not cost me more that it already has. I urge you to consider people suffering from this.