lymphedema

The costs of breast cancer treatment and follow-up care can be a financial strain for a number of people and their families, even with health insurance. Besides the cost of the treatment itself, you also may be facing extra expenses for travelling to and from a treatment center, child care while you’re having treatment, or lower income because you had to take time off from work. Then there is the cost of treating and/or managing long-term side effects, such as lymphedema or peripheral neuropathy. One

THE AMERICAN CANCER Society reports that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and for many of these patients, surgery will be part of their treatment. These surgical procedures can be grouped into two main categories: breast-conserving surgery, such as a lumpectomy, or partial mastectomy, and mastectomy, where the entire breast is removed. Both of these surgical approaches may include the removal of some or all of the lymph nodes in the

This information was developed with assistance from the Oncology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. Many women with breast cancer have some kind of surgery, even though other kinds of treatment are done, too. You may have had a: Breast biopsy Lymph node biopsy or removal Breast conservation surgery (lumpectomy) Mastectomy Breast reconstruction Any of these can affect how well you can move your shoulder and arm, take a deep breath, or do your daily activities,

One of the most supported healthcare-related bills currently pending in Congress, this may be the year H.R. 930 crosses the finish line, lymphedema advocates say. “We are looking at any possible vehicles to get this attached to,” said Judy Woodward, chairwoman of awareness for the Lymphedema Advocacy Group. “There are people championing this and trying to find ways to make that happen.” The Lymphedema Treatment Act would amend Medicare statute to pay for compression

Written by: Nikki Jensen, vice president, Essentially Women I want to connect with you to educate you on the importance of contacting your members of Congress to ask for their support of the Lymphedema Treatment Act, H.R. 930 and S. 497.   Why?  Because it matters!  A little background on why this bill is so important: Lymphedema is a serious medical condition that has no cure.  When the lymphatic system becomes damaged or impaired the body cannot effectively remove

Lymphedema is fluid retention in the tissue caused by damage to the lymphatic system and is one of the most serious side-effects of cancer operations. The problems caused by the swelling can range from severe pain or skin infections right through to loss of limb function and they detract greatly from a patient's quality of life. The conventional forms of treatment are only partially effective and the results temporary. Researchers at the Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) at MedUni Vienna/Vienna