b'Resources About Cancer-Related Lymphedema (LE) | 2 Resources About Cancer-Related Lymphedema (LE) | 3LERN305/4R202210 THINGS I WANT MYPHYSICIAN TO KNOW ABOUT LYMPHEDEMA (LE)01 06C O N T E N T S LYMPHEDEMA MUST BE DIAGNOSED EARLY. LYMPHEDEMA PATIENTS OFTEN NEEDLymphedema is a disease that can be hereditary or genetic (primary)PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT.10 THINGS I WANT MY PHYSICIAN TO KNOW ABOUT LYMPHEDEMA (LE) 3 or acquired through damage to the lymph system, such as after aLymphedema has an effect on the individuals emotionalsurgical procedure, infection, radiation, or other physical traumahealth that should not be overlooked. Referral to a mental(secondary). Referral to a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) ishealth professional should be offered.10 THINGS MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS CAN DO TO SUPPORT essential to manage the disease before serious complications occur.ME AND MY LYMPHEDEMA (LE) 4 02 0710 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT OVARIAN AND GYNECOLOGIC LYMPHEDEMA MAY INITIALLY PRESENT AS LYMPHEDEMA IS EXHAUSTING AND DISABLING.Lymphedema alters the individuals ability to participate in CANCER AND LYMPHEDEMA (LE) . 5 CHRONIC SWELLING. activities of daily living; chronic pain and discomfort associated A vascular work-up is essential. Once a physician has ruled outwith the disease can be debilitating, exhausting, and depressive.10 THINGS MY CERTIFIED LYMPHEDEMA THERAPIST other medical conditions, referral to a specialist with expertise in TAUGHT ME ABOUT LYMPHEDEMA (LE) 6 lymphedema is indicated. 0803 LYMPHEDEMA DECREASES QUALITY OF LIFE.10 THINGS YOU WANT TO KNOW WHEN YOU LEARN Lymphedema robs affected individuals of the sense of joy in life;YOU HAVE LYMPHEDEMA (LE) . 7 LYMPHEDEMA AS A POTENTIAL OUTCOME REQUIRESit is incredibly time consuming and expensive to manage on aPATIENT EDUCATION.daily basis.Patients must be educated about lymphedema risk from the 10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CANCER AND LYMPHEDEMA (LE) . 8 inception of treatment, particularly before undergoing an invasive09procedure or surgery in which lymph nodes may be damaged or 10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PREVENTING CHRONIC, removed. Educating patients about lymphedema signs/symptomsLYMPHEDEMA MANAGEMENT IS COMPLEXto be aware of post-operatively should not discourage them fromAND EXPENSIVE.CANCER-RELATED LE OF THE ARMS AND LEGS . 9 agreeing to surgery. Compression garments can be difficult to put on and wear and04 only last from 4 to 6 months; ongoing treatment is expensive. Physicians and therapists must understand the condition better and exhibit compassion for people struggling with the disease. LYMPHEDEMA HAS BOTH PHYSICAL AND Most insurance does not cover garment costs, which are higher if PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS. the lymphedema is more severe and custom-made compression Lymphedema changes the individuals sense of body image garments are required.and mobility. 1005LYMPHEDEMA IS DIFFERENT IN EVERY INDIVIDUAL.LYMPHEDEMA OFTEN CAUSES INDIVIDUALS TO FEELLymphedema manifests with different signs and symptoms inUNSUPPORTED AND ISOLATED. each individual. Thus, like pain, lymphedema is what the patient Individuals may feel they are part of an invisible populationsays it is.many physicians do not even recognize the condition.is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located at 154 West 14th Street, For more information: www.10ThingsLE.info2nd Floor, New York, NY 10011. For more information: www.LymphaticNetwork.org'