Lymphedema Is Getting Some Recognition

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DrienneB
DrienneB Member Posts: 182
in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #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: 3,369 Member
    #2
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    Kathy was diagnosed with

    Kathy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003, but did not reveal that she had ever been ill until 2009.

    We have to no be afraid to talk about gynecological cancers as well!!

     

  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
    #3
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    NoTimeForCancer said:

    Kathy was diagnosed with

    Kathy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003, but did not reveal that she had ever been ill until 2009.

    We have to no be afraid to talk about gynecological cancers as well!!

     

    This is wonderful

    I'm so pleased that someone is bringing this awareness to the public.  I do not suffer from lymphedma, but I had breast cancer (only 2 nodes removed) and uterine cancer (17 nodes removed) and I hope I never do.  While some of the general population seem to be aware of the arm lymphedema that many breast cancer survivors incur, they don't really seem to be aware of just what that means.  Oh, so and so has to wear a compression sleeve when flying, or so and so gets at little swelling in her arm.  Blah, blah, blah.  I don't know of  anyone aware of lymphedema from pelvic lymph node removal or even slightly cognizant of how painful and debilitating lymphedema swelling and therapies becomes, both from breast cancer and gyn cancers.   Peeps seem to think you do your treatment and then you're "just fine".  Not always. 

    Hip, hip, hooray!

    Suzanne 

  • DrienneB
    DrienneB Member Posts: 182
    #4
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    Double Whammy said:

    This is wonderful

    I'm so pleased that someone is bringing this awareness to the public.  I do not suffer from lymphedma, but I had breast cancer (only 2 nodes removed) and uterine cancer (17 nodes removed) and I hope I never do.  While some of the general population seem to be aware of the arm lymphedema that many breast cancer survivors incur, they don't really seem to be aware of just what that means.  Oh, so and so has to wear a compression sleeve when flying, or so and so gets at little swelling in her arm.  Blah, blah, blah.  I don't know of  anyone aware of lymphedema from pelvic lymph node removal or even slightly cognizant of how painful and debilitating lymphedema swelling and therapies becomes, both from breast cancer and gyn cancers.   Peeps seem to think you do your treatment and then you're "just fine".  Not always. 

    Hip, hip, hooray!

    Suzanne 

    lymphedema awarness

    Hey Suzanne,

    Youre right! I too am just glad that there is growing awareness. I had 84 lymph nodes removed when I had my hysterectomy for uterine cancer. I had never heard of lymphedema until I developed it in both legs, on one side of my pelvis and on both sides of my back/lumbar region. After the chemo, and nerve damage, the lymphatic injury seems to be stimulating my pain response. I am without question, much more miserable now, the first year out of treatment, than when I was having the chemo. Anyway, we struggle on and do what we can!!

    -jane

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