b'Resources About Cancer-Related Lymphedema (LE) | 4 Resources About Cancer-Related Lymphedema (LE) | 5LE&RN353/3R2022 LE&RN354/2R202210 THINGS MY FAMILY AND10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT FRIENDS CAN DO TO SUPPORTOVARIAN AND GYNECOLOGIC ME AND MY LYMPHEDEMA (LE) CANCER AND LYMPHEDEMA (LE)01 06 01 06LYMPHEDEMA (OR LE) IS OVERWHELMING DAY-TO-DAY LIFE WITH LYMPHEDEMA IS EXTREMELYSOME STATISTICS HOW IS LE MANAGED?While survival rates among patients with gynecologic cancers haveLymphedema requires lifetime management and vigilant self- AND FRIGHTENING. VARIABLE, WITH BOTH GOOD AND DIFFICULT DAYS. steadily improved, it comes with the risk of a secondary disease care. An early diagnosis means lymphedema can be betterLE is a lifelong disease that will become worse if not diligentlyLiving with the disease is physically and mentally taxing. There willlymphedema. Up to 10 million Americans, and over 250 million world-managedbut many physicians do not understand this disease managed. Please help lift my spirits when this new normal be times that this disease depletes my energy, enthusiasm, andwide, suffer from lymphedema (LE) and lymphatic diseases (LD). Moreor recognize it early. People with chronic swelling need to see seems unbearable. sense of humor. Please be extra supportive on these tough days. people in the U.S. suffer from LE/LD than from multiple sclerosis,a physician with expertise in lymphedema, and/or a Certified 02 07 muscular dystrophy, ALS, Parkinsons disease and AIDScombined. Lymphedema Therapist.02 07LYMPHEDEMA IS A DEBILITATING DISEASE THATLYMPHEDEMA IS BURDENSOME: PHYSICALLY, AFFECTS EVERY ASPECT OF MY LIFE. EMOTIONALLY, AND FINANCIALLY. WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA (OR LE)? IS LE PAINFUL?Please be patient if I struggle to accomplish daily activities. Living with lymphedema consumes much of my free time and Lymphedema is a lifelong, chronic, and incurable disease.Lymphedema can be extremely painful. In addition to the Offer help with these activities, but realize I may want tomay prevent me from spending discretionary income on thingsLymphedema most commonly involves swelling in arms or legslymphedema swelling, the individual may also have chronic painaccomplish them without help to maintain my independence. other than lymphedema management. and can affect the head, neck, and trunk. in the affected area. This pain can be severe and debilitating.03 08 03 08LYMPHEDEMA IS NOT MY FAULT. I MIGHT DECLINE AN INVITATION. HOW DO PEOPLE GET LE? IS LE TREATMENT EXPENSIVE?Lymphedema is not obesity or a fat disease; its a disease of This may be because management of my lymphedema must be Most lymphedema occurs after cancer treatment or non-cancerLymphedema treatment causes financial burdens that can be the lymphatic system. Losing weight may improve lymphedemamy priority. related surgery (secondary lymphedema), but some people aredevastating. Compression garments, especially if custom made, somewhat, but nothing, including losing weight or exercise, born with it or develop it later in life (primary lymphedema).lymph drainage massage, and lymphedema therapist visits will cure it.09 Lymphedema can happen to anyone of any age.are expensive. Insurance often does not provide much, if any, 04 IF MY LYMPHEDEMA IS RELATED TO 04 coverageCANCER TREATMENT: 09LYMPHEDEMA AFFECTS MOBILITY AND BODY IMAGE. HOW SERIOUS IS LE?I may find that activities related to lymphedema management Know that I am very aware of these changes when they occur. remind me of my cancer history and the possibility of recurrence.Lymphedema is a disruption to the lymphatic system, a major bodyWHAT LIFESTYLE CHANGES DOES LE REQUIRE?You can support me best by being sensitive to those body imageThank you for listening when I tell you about my fears of gettingsystem that helps clean toxins and debris from the body. If theIndividuals with lymphedema have to modify their activities. Forand mobility issues when inquiring about my health. cancer again. lymphatic system is not working, there is build-up of a protein-richexample, they must avoid hot tubs and saunas and do less outdoors fluid. Cuts, scrapes, and insect bites can quickly become infectedin the heat of summer. Some individuals with LE can no longer work,05 10 and require emergency care. Complications from lymphedema,drive a vehicle, serve on a jury, or entertain as they formerly did.INDIVIDUALS WITH LYMPHEDEMA MAY NEED EVERY PERSON WITH LYMPHEDEMA HAS A such as infections or cellulitis, often result in long hospital stays. 10SUPPORT TO STAY MOTIVATED. UNIQUE STORY AND SPECIAL NEEDS. 05I may need support to keep wearing compression garments, toI greatly appreciate it when you ask how you can support me.IS LE MANAGEMENT TIME CONSUMING?stay active, and to eat well. It can be stressful and depressing toIf you are willing to listen, I will share with you my very personalHOW IS LE TREATED? Lymphedema management often requires several hours a day wear compression garments that typically are uncomfortable experience as a person living with lymphedema. Lymphedema treatment often requires bandaging, compressiondevoted to putting on compression garments, being vigilant and unattractive. Please be accepting (or supportive) of how I lookgarments, and lymph drainage massage. Surgical interventions areabout skin care, using a pneumatic compression device (pump), and feel. being developed but are not curativethey are helping someperforming self-lymph drainage, and doing special exercises to people with improving their condition. move the lymph fluid.is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located at 154 West 14th Street, 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 For more information: www.10ThingsLE.info 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10011. For more information: www.LymphaticNetwork.org'