b'SUE DECOITE September 2000: My surgery involved removing the bladder and creating a pseudo bladder formed from my small bowel. Part ofBeckwourth, CA the surgery involved creating a temporary iliostomy and vaginal Surviving breast cancer, mastectomy with reconstruction andreconstruction.radiation treatments, lymphedema was the icing on the cake. EvenSeptember 2003: I returned to work as a home health nurse. though Im a cancer survivor, lymphedema is a daily reminder of20032005: I started developing left leg edema and having episodes that fight. In other words, there isnt a day that I dont think aboutof cellulitis. Consequently, multiple tests, diuretics prescribed, and cancer. Daily massage, compression sleeve, nightly Flexitouchincorrect diagnoses.Pump usage, physical therapy support with laser treatments.How could I forget about my fight with cancer? Even getting dressedSeptember 2005: A diagnosis of lymphedema. every day, trying to find something to wear that will fit over my20052020: Lymphedema therapy, financial costs for compression enlarged arm is frustrating. My closet is full of clothes that I can notherapy, time consuming self care and frustration trying to have a longer wear or feel comfortable in. Wearing a compression sleevenormal healthy life; re: finding shoes to fit. always conjures up questions from strangers and even family members. It becomes a conversation that I dont want to be having20192020: Candidate for lymph node transplant with on a daily basis.This doesnt seem like much, but it becomesliposuction. Insurance denied it because they said it was for mentally draining on ones spirit. Supporting researchers to find cosmetic reasons! a cure is so important to the wellbeing of cancer survivors. 2020: Second consult for lymph node transfer, with no post I beat cancer, help me beat lymphedema! compressions, and a doctor who would support my cause. Insurance approved. Surgery canceled due to Covid-19.SHELLEY DENYER Surgery date pending.Fremont, CA KATIE DUNPHYIn 2000 I went into the hospital for a regular total abdominalAlbany, CAhysterectomy with bilateral salpnigo-oophorectomy. The surgery was complicated by cervical cancer with bladder metastasis. My friends son was born with lymphedema and over the past few After eight weeks of chemo and radiation I was diagnosed withyears Ive seen firsthand the impact the diagnosis has had on their adenocarcinoma, Stage 4. I started the fight for my life. I was lives. He is an incredible kid, but his condition has a significant 45 years old, married and with three children. impact on his toddler life. Beyond that, his condition has been stressful for his parents, particularly just after his birth when they I have been managing this chronic disease since I was 11 years old. Hear our cries to prioritize funds that are extremely needed to facilitate a cure!CAM AYALA Houston, TXAN AMERICAN TRAGEDY 7'