I was diagnosed with stage IIIC breast cancer on September 10, 2013. I underwent extensive chemotherapy until January 2, 2014 and had a double mastectomy on January 24, 2014. I started having the lymphedema not long after surgery and started with physical therapy before starting my radiation. During radiation my right arm swelled continually as did my auxiliary region and trunk. My insurance carrier does not cover any compression garments at all. I have been out of pocket for all the sleeves I have bought and I can’t afford the compression garments for my trunk, so I wear sports bras for that region. I have been told of a compression machine but those can run upwards of $10,000. And my insurance wouldn’t cover that either.
I am unable to work because of the swelling and aching in my arm so I am without my job now. I get discouraged with my condition and the way it affects my daily living. My husband helps me with the manual lymphatic drainage but it hurts him because he has arthritis. We cry together sometimes over my condition. My insurance only covers a set number of physical therapy sessions a year, so soon I will be needing to find some other way to get the help I need.
Lymphedema is not well understood by the “regular” person. So most people do not understand what I am going through. It changes everything. It changes your life. It changes your loved ones lives. It costs you money because the help you need isn’t covered by insurance. I am required to wear a compression sleeve and gauntlet daily. Insurance coverage for the compression supplies I need would greatly reduce the stress of not knowing how I’m going to get the next one.
Passage of the Lymphedema Treatment Act would help greatly with my life and the lives of others affected by the condition. And coverage for the supplies and garments would be less expensive for insurance companies in the long run.
