Lymphedema in the News, Hope for a Cure

DrienneB
DrienneB Member Posts: 182
in Long-Term Effects of Treatment #1

Hi Everyone,

Actor Kathy Bates has been speaking publicly about the lymphedema she recently acquired in both arms from a double mastectomy after a breast cancer diagnosis. It's sad that she too must suffer from this, but encouraging to me that we have such a fantastic advocate for lymphedema awareness and research.

Kathy has gotten involved with the Lymphedema Education & Research Network and has kicked off a campaign called the "Face of Lymphedema Challenge."

http://lymphaticnetwork.org/get-involved/face-of-lymphedema-challenge

Many of us who suffer from lymphedema do our best to conceal it, but it's time more people knew about this dreadful condition. I wish I'd known about the disease and its multiple causes before I had my uterine cancer surgery.

By the way, this Friday (March 6) is National Lymphedema Awareness Day - and this following was distributed today announcing that Kathy Bates has been honored by New York state legislators for her advocacy: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150304005095/en/NYS-Legislators-Honor-Academy-Award-winning-Actress-Kathy#.VPd1OcZjPCQ

Best regards,

j

Comments

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,485 Member
    #2
    Kathy Bates had ovarian

    Kathy Bates had ovarian cancer in 2003 which was never talked about until 2009.  I sat in my gyn onc office reading it in the magazine and thought how important that story was to tell for all the women who fight that disease. 

    Let's not be afraid to talk about cancer - ANY cancer - even GYNECOLOGICAL cancers!!!  I have a friend who is running out of time because her doctors didn't listen to her symptoms!!!! 

  • DrienneB
    DrienneB Member Posts: 182
    #3
    NoTimeForCancer said:

    Kathy Bates had ovarian

    Kathy Bates had ovarian cancer in 2003 which was never talked about until 2009.  I sat in my gyn onc office reading it in the magazine and thought how important that story was to tell for all the women who fight that disease. 

    Let's not be afraid to talk about cancer - ANY cancer - even GYNECOLOGICAL cancers!!!  I have a friend who is running out of time because her doctors didn't listen to her symptoms!!!! 

    Doctors Dismissing Gyn Cancer Symptoms

    Yes, I agree that we need to talk about things and make sure more women and med. professionals are educated about gynecological symptoms of cancer. In fact I would like to get involved with any organized attempt to do so.

    My story is very bad as well, and I still struggle with bitterness.

    I appreciate learning from the experiences of other cancer patients, but can not fault anyone for telling of their own illness when and how they choose.

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,485 Member
    #4
    DrienneB said:

    Doctors Dismissing Gyn Cancer Symptoms

    Yes, I agree that we need to talk about things and make sure more women and med. professionals are educated about gynecological symptoms of cancer. In fact I would like to get involved with any organized attempt to do so.

    My story is very bad as well, and I still struggle with bitterness.

    I appreciate learning from the experiences of other cancer patients, but can not fault anyone for telling of their own illness when and how they choose.

    DrienneB, I will send you a

    DrienneB, I will send you a PM  if you are interested in gyn cancers. 

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