Lymphedema is a debilitating condition of localized fluid retention caused by a blocked lymphatic system. It is most often seen after breast cancer treatments such as lymph node dissection, surgery and/or radiation therapy, which can damage the lymphatic system of the arm. I’ve had breast cancer twice, in 1979 and 1993. I developed lymphedema in […]

You faced breast cancer, from the terror of diagnosis to the ambiguity of treatments to the trials of surgery. You emerged…bald, but grateful to go on with your life. But then. Imagine discovering that your life has been immutably changed. All you’ve faced pales, as you discover the abject horror of the ten dreaded letters […]

In April 2010 at age 50 I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. I had a hysterectomy and 18 lymph nodes removed for biopsy. In September 2010 I flew to Italy for a two- week vacation. As soon as I got off the plane I had swelling in my feet and ankles. The swelling lasted the […]

I have had secondary lymphedema since 2005 after having treatments for Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). I had 4 months of bi-weekly chemo followed by a mastectomy then 33 rounds of radiation. I was originally diagnosed in March 2005 and I was done by December 2005. I had lymph nodes removed and what few were left […]

I became ill 5 years ago and couldn’t get even one doctor to recognize my conditions, despite bringing them printed information from experts, detailing and accurately describing the symptoms I had. This resulted in no treatment, worsening of my health, the addition of many medications, many of which caused further inflammation and other health disorders. […]

I am a 31-year-old single mother of a 6-year-old girl. I have Primary Congenital Lymphedema or Milroy’s Disease. My lymphedema was noticed at birth. My lymphedema not only affects my lower left leg, but also my entire left side and parts of my right. Being that my father was in the military and awareness of lymphedema […]

I am a 48 year old mother of one boy 12. In 2004, I became ill with a serious intestinal infection. After months on oral and IV antibiotics, I was able to have a substantial part of my intestine and all my female organs removed. Along with the intestines went some lymph nodes. About 6 […]

I became aware that something was wrong in high school when a girlfriend told me that my legs looked like they didn’t belong with my body. At this time, in high school, I weighed a mere 103 pounds. Time passed and at the age of 23, I had my daughter. I didn’t pay much attention […]

Cindy after-photo   Please support the Lymphedema Treatment Act. The cost of maintenance for patients like me prevents far more costly expenses from serious complications such as infections and even amputation. I suffered seven years with lymphedema before receiving proper diagnosis and treatment.  I have secondary lymphedema, onset after a difficult hysterectomy at age 46. […]