I am a fairly frequent traveler and I like to travel lightly. My goal is to put all my belongings in one carry-on suitcase, whether I'm traveling for a few days or three weeks. All that changed when I bought a pneumatic pump for lymphedema in my right arm. I like my pump so much … Continue reading Traveling With Your Pump
News Updates
Preparing for Travel With Lymphedema
I count myself fortunate to be able to travel with my husband and friends. Now that I have lymphedema in my left arm due to breast cancer treatment I have to take some extra time and considerations when preparing for travel. I do make sure my compression garments are up to date. This means that … Continue reading Preparing for Travel With Lymphedema
Keeping Your Cool During the Heat
Hot summer days can cause swelling in people with a normal lymphatic system. Heat is especially problematic in people who have lymphedema. Along with increased swelling comes increased chance of infection. Whether you are experiencing warm weather at home or when traveling, there are several things you can do to help keep your body temperature … Continue reading Keeping Your Cool During the Heat
My Experience with the Flexitouch Pneumatic Pump for Lymphedema
To pump or not to pump...that is a question that I hear in the lymphedema community. When I developed secondary lymphedema from breast cancer treatment in 2010 I asked my therapist about compression pumps. She explained that compression pumps force air into sleeves with multiple chambers. The chambers take turns filling up with air with the … Continue reading My Experience with the Flexitouch Pneumatic Pump for Lymphedema
Exercise Makes a Difference: A Personal Journey by Jen Boyce
My Personal Journey with Lymphedema and Exercise (presented at the Feb 27, 2016 NWLC Self Care Class by Jen Boyce, OTR/L, CLT, breast cancer survivor, lymphedema patient) After my double mastectomy and axillary dissection, I had trouble regaining my shoulder range of motion so was referred to a physical therapist who also happened to be a … Continue reading Exercise Makes a Difference: A Personal Journey by Jen Boyce
Next Lymphedema Support Groups
Day: 2nd Saturday of every month Time: 11am-1:00 pm May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12 Talking with others and getting needed support is key to living with lymphedema. Join us for sharing and educational presentations focused on living with this challenging condition. Meetings provide a safe and non-judgmental environment to give and receive support. Sponsored by the Northwest Lymphedema Center.
Reflections from the 2016 Harmony Hill Retreat
From May 23-25, NLN Interim Executive Director and CEO Patricia Egan attended a retreat hosted by the Northwest Lymphedema Center at the Harmony Hill Retreat Center in Washington. The following is her report from the event. In the tranquil, healthful setting of Harmony Hill near Hood Canal, Puget Sound, a group of 25 patients, therapists, … Continue reading Reflections from the 2016 Harmony Hill Retreat
A Patient Reflects on Harmony Hill Lymphedema Retreat
Five months after attending the Second Annual Lymphedema Retreat, I have returned to Harmony Hill with the question: What difference has it made? Harmony Hill, a destination for Cancer Programs and Wellness Education (www.harmonyhill.org), is closed for another gathering at the moment, but I am staying nearby and will walk over again to retrace steps. … Continue reading A Patient Reflects on Harmony Hill Lymphedema Retreat
A Special Retreat for Men & Women Living With Lymphedema May 23-25, 2016 Join us for three days devoted to men and women living with lymphedema. This retreat, offered at no cost to participants through the generosity of our Retreat Sponsors and Harmony Hill Retreat Center, is designed to educate, recharge and inspire those … Continue reading
Lymphedema Treatment Act Update-BIG NEWS!
Exciting news! The Lymphedema Treatment Act was introduced in the Senate in early December by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY)