Danielle’s Story

In 2014 I was diagnosed with stage 4 invasive ductal breast carcinoma. I have spent the last year undergoing five surgeries including a right modified radical mastectomy, ongoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. After radiation therapy I developed lymphedema in my torso. I have been unable to wear a bra without pain due to the fluid build up. My therapist has tried many compression garments with me and we finally found one to reduce the pain even though the swelling still takes place. Pain management is a huge factor in people being able to move forward with their lives. I am currently fighting with my insurance company to get a compression machine which is my greatest chance to get the fluid moving so that i can function more normally. The build up of fluid restricts my movement, decreasing my ability to do strengthening exercises. As a result, I get weaker.   I am writing because I heard that many people aren’t covered for the treatments and products I have received.  I have been desperate for relief from lymphedema and my therapist has been extremely helpful and supportive of me, trying all options available. It is a quality of life issue. I survived cancer, but have been left with so much to deal with like this lymphedema.  I can’t imagine how much worse off I would be if I didn’t have insurance to cover what care I have received.  People really NEED access to lymphedema treatments and garments if they are to have any hope of living independent lives. Lymphedema steals your sense of hope,well being, your strength, your physical comfort, your ability to think beyond the illness. Simply getting dressed in the morning is a challenge. It has held me back from moving forward with physical therapy to regain my strength. With treatment it’s been a struggle. I can’t imagine the loss of hope I would feel without it!