Expert & Patient Perspective on Lymphedema

March 5, 2015
Cat Snyder, ASCO staff

Tomorrow marks World Lymphedema Day, which provides the opportunity to share personal stories and learn more about new strategies to manage this condition. Lymphedema is the swelling and inflammation caused by fluid buildup from damage to the lymph nodes. Although it often occurs in the arms and legs, it can happen anywhere in the body, after treatment from any type cancer.

Dr. Judith Nudelman’s story is compelling. Not only is she a family physician and Certified Lymphedema Therapist, but she also has personal experience with this topic. She developed lymphedema after treatment for breast cancer. share on twitter

Speaking as both a patient and expert, she offers clinical advice and provides insight on coping strategies from personal experience, such as finding support in an online forum. Some people have said that there is no treatment for lymphedema. Dr. Nudelman clarifies that “nothing could be further from the truth.”

Seeing the lack of information available, she founded Step Up, Speak Out, an organization that provides advocacy and education for patients with lymphedema. 

This is a prerecorded audio podcast, and it can be listened to online or downloaded to your computer. A transcript of this podcast is also available. For more information, visit the Cancer.Net podcast page.

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