b'provide hard narrow limitations on things such as garments,burdensome lymphedema is and their policies on coveringtime with experts, and other supportive services. I hope thatlymphedema surgery should be updated. Physicians, like their organizations such as LE&RN can facilitate the drastic changespatients, need support from Congress to enact this change in needed in the definition of lymphedema and its management. order to really fight this challenging and chronic condition.PAULA JOHNSON CECILIA MUNDDetroit, MI Wyoming, MII had breast cancer surgery in August 2012. I was diagnosed withI was diagnosed with lower extremity lymphedema after treatment lymphedema in 2013. My insurance company denied my for cancer when I was 30, almost 18 years ago. In the past 18 years request for a pump requested by my therapist. My left arm isIve had to give up my career, Ive lost friends, struggled with pain, almost twice the size of the right one. I suffer each day, and cannotdiscomfort, body disfiguration as well as body dysmorphia, get any treatment. Ive had physical therapy for it, wear the sleeve.depression, and exhaustion. I have suffered tremendous financial Nothing helps. No one seems to care or take lymphedemaburden because none of my compression garments are covered by seriously. insurance. Lymphedema is a nightmare and it ruins lives.We need help and we need it now, please.THEODORE KUNG AMANDA ROOTAnn Arbor, MII am a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with a strong interest Burton, MIin helping patients with lymphedema. At my hospital, there areI have secondary lymphedema from cervical cancer. I have many patients with lymphedema secondary to cancer treatmentstruggled with misdiagnosis and unknowledgeable medical staff (particularly breast cancer) but recently insurance policies for ten years. I have been unable to see a therapist due to the high have denied almost 100% of the authorizations to performcost and I am in need of new compression. I was just recently able lymphedema surgery. Patients from Michigan are electing to travelto receive a free consultation and have been diagnosed at a Stage 2. to different states to undergo lymphedema surgery even whenNow during the pandemic, I am unable to seek treatment and I am skilled surgeons are available and eager to help much closer tocurrently fighting a cellulitis infection as a result. I am not even able home. Insurance companies need to understand just howto go to the hospital at this time. Not having the tools that are Lymphedema cost me my 25-year career in the Coast Guard.A cure would help restore my honorand give me my freedom back.KELLY BELL Southport, NCAN AMERICAN TRAGEDY 23'