Lymphedema Mavens

03/05/2025

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March is Lymphedema Awareness Month. Show your blue! 💙🩵💙
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03/05/2025

March is Lymphedema Awareness Month ✨

Up to 10M Americans, and hundreds of millions worldwide, live with lymphedema and lymphatic diseases. Many go undiagnosed or have experienced decades long delays in diagnosis leading to severe complications. It is not just a little bit of swelling. ✨

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03/05/2025

To kick off Lymphedema Awareness Month, we are excited to share some big news with you. We are launching a second organization called the Lymphedema Educati ...

02/27/2025

12/27/2024

What is the Lymphatic System? ❓
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that transport lymph, a clear fluid that plays a key role in removing toxins and transporting immune cells throughout the body. This system is essential for both detoxification and fighting infections.

Key Components of the Lymphatic System: 🗝️

Lymphatic Vessels: These vessels carry lymph fluid throughout the body, similar to how blood vessels transport blood. They have valves that prevent backflow, ensuring the lymph moves in one direction. 🚙

Lymph Capillaries: Tiny vessels where lymph first enters from the interstitial spaces, the areas between cells. These capillaries have unique overlapping endothelial cells that act like one-way doors, allowing fluid to enter but not leave easily. 🚪

Lymphatic Valves: Functioning similarly to heart valves, these ensure that lymph flows toward the heart, preventing any backward movement. 🫀

How Does the Lymphatic System Work? ❓

Collection: Lymph capillaries collect excess fluid from tissue spaces. 💦

Transportation: The fluid is then transported through larger lymphatic vessels, passing through nodes that filter out harmful substances. 🚙

Drainage: Eventually, the filtered lymph is returned to the bloodstream near the heart.

Importance of Lymphatic Health: 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️
Maintaining a healthy lymphatic system is IMPORTANT for detoxification and immune function. It helps in the management of swelling and prevents the buildup of harmful toxins in the body.

Tips for Supporting Your Lymphatic Health: 📚

Stay Hydrated: Water helps maintain fluid balance and supports lymph flow. 🥛

Exercise Regularly: Movement promotes lymph circulation.🚶‍♀️

Eat Healthy: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can enhance lymphatic function. 🍎

Practice Deep Breathing: This aids in lymphatic drainage as the diaphragm acts as a pump. 💨

Understanding your lymphatic system can empower you to take proactive steps in managing your health, especially for those dealing with lymphatic conditions. Keep thriving and remember, a healthy lymphatic system supports a healthy life!

Stay informed!

12/27/2024

Two years ago today, after nearly 13 years of advocacy, the Lymphedema Treatment Act became law! Thanks to passage of the LTA, more patients than ever before are getting the care they need, but there is still more work to do, which is why we need your support.

Please consider making a donation - whether it's $5, $50, or $500 - it all makes a difference!

You can donate online through our Year-End Fundraising Campaign
https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=WHBJDLPAXE6DA

or by mailing a check to the Lymphedema Advocacy Group, PO Box 1682, Carrboro, NC 27510.

We’ve accomplished so much together, but there is more to do. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

12/27/2024

Patients who beat cancer can be left with an incurable, chronic and painful condition. Sufferers and doctors alike are fighting to bring this hidden condition to light.

12/27/2024

Well, I'm moving a little more like the turtle than the hare lol! I had hoped I could come back to our group and just shower you with tons of great information. In my fantasy I would be posting multiple times a week and responding to all of your amazing comments.

But the reality is I have lymphedema - and even after 14 years I'm still learning how to live with it everyday because as it progresses, my symptoms change. I want to be like the hare but I'm accepting that life with lymphedema means I need to be the turtle - slow but steady.

It reminded me of the most important lesson I have learned to date from living with lymphedema:

YOU CAN ONLY DO WHAT YOU CAN DO, AND THAT'S OK.

Putting unrealistic expectations on myself stresses me out, makes me disappointed in myself and feel like a failure. Who wants that?

I've been reminded rather than trying to get everything done right now, I have to prioritize what is most important and break it up into bite sized pieces I can handle each day.

I hope sharing my experience lets you off the hook. Give yourself a realistic load you can handle and know what you're going through is real.

Although I'd love to have another post before the holidays, it's probably unlikely (lol) so I want to wish you and your families a memorable holiday season

10/14/2024

When it comes to navigating treatments and managing symptoms for metastatic breast cancer, information is power.

09/30/2024

With Nancy's Point – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

09/09/2024

Great information 👍

Tomosynthesis is a 3D breast imaging technique that captures multiple X-ray images from different angles, aiding in detecting breast abnormalities.

09/08/2024

After a cancer diagnosis, you’re a better person, right? Hmm. Not so fast. Cancer is a horrible disease not an enlightenment program. Yet, there is often an unspoken societal expectation tha…