Kathy Bates is spreading Lymphedema Awareness. Watch her interview on The Doctors. March is Lymphedema Awareness Month!

Academy Award-winning actress Kathy Bates sits down with The Doctors to talk about an illness that affects approximately 10 million Americans and hundreds of millions worldwide: lymphedema.

Lymphedema is a condition caused by blockages in the lymphatic system, which prevent fluid from draining well, leading to swelling, usually in the arms and legs.

Bates says that following her double mastectomy for breast and ovarian cancer, she awoke from surgery feeling symptoms immediately.

“I had seen someone with lymphedema who didn’t take care of it, and the toxins were visibly oozing," she says. "This was my experience with lymphedema. I wasn’t educated, and I was terrified this would happen to me.

"Doctors focus on the cancer, and they don’t really talk about lymphedema,” Bates adds.

When lymph nodes are removed following breast cancer, the body’s ability to trap toxins is compromised, and the toxins can seep out and cause a great deal of pain.

Bates admits the pain is something she deals with daily. “I have pain. I have to massage every night," she says. "I have a lot of fatigue, and I need to wear my compression sleeves.”

Her treating physician, Dr. Emily Iker, discusses the need for patients to be seen immediately following surgery.

"Early intervention and diagnosis is critical, especially since lymphedema is a chronic and symptomatic condition,” Dr Iker says.

Bates is proud of her role as both a champion and spokesperson for LE&RN: Lymphatic Education and Research Network.

“I decided to be their spokesperson because I learned that more than 10 million people suffer with this – more than muscular dystrophy, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and AIDS combined," she says. "My jaw dropped. The strange thing is that many celebrities are suffering with this, but nobody wants to talk about it.”

Bates discusses the need for education to train therapists specifically in lymphatic draining and the need for more research.

You can join Kathy Bates in the LE&RN Network in their first 5K Run on Bates’ birthday, June 28 in Venice, California.

Watch the interview here: http://on.fb.me/1aXfvTf

Hodgkins Lymphoma and Hair Loss

Read a recent review on Yelp from one of our clients! Thank you for sharing your experience with us to the world Megan!

"If there were more than 5 stars available, I would use that to rate Ricky Knowles Hair & wellness. I was recently diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and undergoing chemotherapy treatment. As a 32 year old woman who is active and social, losing my hair has been one of the most dreaded parts of this whole experience for me.

That is...until I was directed to Ricky Knowles H&W by a friend and survivor who used their services for her treatment. Kristen and Ricky are of the utmost in professionalism, so incredibly knowledgeable about not only the hair loss portion of chemotherapy - but honestly knew so many tips and tricks to pass along about cancer in general. I left excited to have a wig, confident with how I would look, and with my friends who came with me jealous that they don't get to be fashioned a wig by these experts.

They truly transformed what I anticipated to be a horrifically negative and sad experience into what I call a 'pep rally for my cancer treatment.' So positive, so reassuring, unbelievable customer service, and demonstrated deep expertise on all things related to hair loss and the options available.

This place is a miracle and I'm so grateful to have found them just in time." - Megan R. (Austin, TX)

Samantha Harris Reveals Her Deepest Fears From Her Cancer Diagnosis

Former Dancing with the Stars host and Entertainment Tonight corespondent, Samantha Harris is chronicling her journey through breast cancer treatment by posting a video blog and doing in-depth interviews with Entertainment Tonight.  Last night they highlighted her mastectomy surgery and lymph node removal and spoke about lymphedema and how it is a condition that has no cure but that can be managed with compression garments and modifications to daily life.  We are really thrilled that not only breast cancer is getting a huge spotlight, but that Entertainment Tonight is calling attention to lymphedema awareness.

Watch the segment that aired yesterday here:

Lymphedema Treatment Act Needs Your Help!

The Lymphedema Treatment Act now has four new cosponsors, bringing the total to 37: Hastings (R-WA4), Lobesack (D-IA2) Schakowsky (D-ILL9) Yoho (R-FL3).

Have you called/written your representative since the bill was introduced on January 15th?

Take 5 minutes of your time and contact your representative and ask that he/she cosponsor our bill HR 3877.

http://www.capwiz.com/lymphedematreatmentact/home/

Specific goals of the Act are:

• -to provide comprehensive lymphedema treatment coverage, according to current medical treatment standards;
• to enable patient self-treatment plan adherence by providing necessary medical supplies for use at home, as prescribed for each patient (including gradient compression garments, bandages, and other compression devices); 
• to reduce the total healthcare costs associated with this disease by decreasing the incidence of complications, co-morbidities and disabilities resulting from this medical condition.

Help support this important legislation! 

How to Prevent and Manage Lymphedema

From the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Following radiation treatment or surgery to remove lymph nodes (lymphadenectomy), patients can develop lymphedema, a condition that involves abnormal swelling, usually in the arms or the legs, due to an accumulation of lymphatic fluids. This fluid buildup is caused by blockage or removal of lymph nodes or lymph vessels.

Lymphedema is often associated with breast cancer patients, but can result from treatment of other cancers, such as melanoma, prostate, or advanced gynecological cancer.

In addition to discomfort, lymphedema can also lead to infection, as the fluid buildup can increase bacteria growth. Pay attention to signs of infection, including pain, heat, swelling, rash blistering, redness, and fever. If you notice these symptoms, call your physician immediately.

Below are some ways to prevent infection and manage lymphedema symptoms that arise:

Infection prevention techniques:

*Be sure to keep your skin clean and moisturize daily.
*Exercise when possible. A physical therapist can help you determine what types of exercise your body can handle. 
*Avoid injury (cuts, sunburns, and insect bites) and wear gloves for gardening or cleaning.
*Avoid injections and blood pressure readings in the surgery site, or in the area that is affected by lymphedema.

Lymphedema management tips:

*Do not lift heavy objects with an arm affected by lymphedema and avoid continuous circular motions, like mixing.
*Elevate the limb above heart level as often as possible.
*Avoid extreme temperature changes when bathing or alternating between ice packs and heating pads.
*Avoid constriction. Wear loose clothing, do not wear tight jewelry or elastic bands around affected fingers or arms.
*Maintain ideal weight and a diet rich in protein and low in salt. 
Read more about how patients can keep a healthy diet.

If lymphedema is caused by infection, a doctor can prescribe antibiotics. If not, mechanical compression sleeves and stockings can prevent further accumulation of fluid in the affected limb. A trained therapist can also introduce manual lymphatic draining, if necessary.
 

Certain surgeries may lead to limbs swelling

Stephanie Turner, Aiken Standard

For some people, they will never be fully healed. An illness has crept inside them, swelling their limbs to abnormal sizes.

This swelling can be a sign of lymphedema, according to Holly Shurtleff, Hitchcock Healthcare occupational therapist.  "You can eat perfectly healthy and be the ideal weight, and, yet, you can still get lymphedema," she said.

March is deemed Lymphedema Awareness Month.

"This illness can be really scary," Shurtleff said.
Lymphedema stems from your body's lymphatic system, which helps protect our bodies from germs and bacteria, as well as help us release waste, Shurtleff said.

"It is part of the circulatory system of veins and arteries," says the National Lymphedema Network.

Shurleff explained that the "controlling center" of the lymphatic system are called the lymph nodes, which are located in the lymph vessels.

When lymph fluid passes through these nodes, they rid the fluid of harmful bacteria and viruses.

"Networks of the lymphatic system comprising these vessels ... and nodes are situated in several areas of the body," the National Lymphedema Network stated.

These networks reach places like the neck, the armpits, the pelvic area and the groin.

Surgery that results in the lymph nodes being removed are one way a person can get lymphedema. These surgeries are often used as treatment methods for cancer patients, Shurtleff said.

"Surgical removal of a tumor and adjacent lymph nodes and vessels may block lymph fluid from flowing naturally through its system," the National Lymphedema Network says.

Having radiation therapy can also leave its effects by causing scar tissue to form. This will also disturb the flow of lymph fluid.

Some are born with lymphedema, Shurtleff said.  "The whole baby's body can swell," she said.

If the swelling goes untreated, your skin can harden and/or you can get infections, the National Lymphedema Network stated.

Treatment methods include exercising, using compression garments and bandages and taking antibiotics. Methods are determined based on the cause and severity of the illness, the National Lymphedema Network stated.

Your affected limb can return to its normal size but only if it swelled up to less than 5 percent of its normal size, Shurtleff said.

"The further it is, the greater the possibility it won't get back to your normal size," she said.

One treatment method she uses is massaging. That and exercise can "get the fluid moving throughout the whole area," she said.  Lymphedema cannot be cured, she added.

The swelling can reoccur; therefore, those with this ailment must take precautions.

Besides keeping your weight to a healthy level, avoid wearing tight jewelry and doing stressful movements with the affected limb. Avoid injuries by wearing protection as you work around the house or at your job. Keep the limb away from heat, and keep it elevated as much as possible.

Those with affected limbs should not to get blood drawn or shots put into them.

Those who need to have their lymph nodes removed can work to prevent themselves from catching lymphedema, Shurtleff said.

After surgery, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, protect the limb and exercise.

If you are experiencing unusual swelling and discomfort, tell an oncologist or your regular physician.

For more information on lymphedema, visit www.lymphnet.org.

Lymphatic Flow and Yoga

Lymphedema is a condition in which the lymphatic system fails to drain lympatic fluid from the body properly causing increased swelling and volume in the affected area. This is a increasingly heightened problem for cancer patients who have had lymph nodes removed or otherwise damaged by radiation and cancer treatments.

Yoga is an especially effective exercise in helping to revive the lymphatic system and expel lymphatic fluid. By concentrating on muscle contractions of the whole body and by incorporating deep conscious breathing, it serves as a pump to help direct lymph through the deep channels of the chest.

Types of yoga-influenced exercises to help with lymphatic fluid are:

Inversions - by placing your legs up a wall or lying on an inversion therapy table you create anti-gravity and drain lymph and used blood from the legs

Abdominal Twists - working the abdomen with twists and side bends simulates the flow of lymph fluid up through the core of the body by squeezing the organs and muscles and then allowing fresh fluid to soak back in as the twist is relaxed

Aerobic Exercise - dynamic flow practices cause large muscles in the body to contract and relax, the primary way lymph fluid moves through the body

Bandages for Lymphedema

Bandaging is a mainstay of treatment for stage 2 and stage 3 lymphedema (moderate to severe lymphedema). Bandaging involves creating a soft cast on the arm or upper body by wrapping with multiple layers. This is a main component of the larger treatment regimen called complete decongestive therapy, or CDT, and many research studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of CDT. While there aren't many studies that focus just on bandaging, the small amount of research available suggests that bandaging can reduce arm volume.

At first, your lymphedema therapist should do the bandaging for you while teaching you the right technique. Some therapists provide an instructional DVD or written directions to guide you. The process starts with an inner liner made of stocking-like fabric or gauze, also known as a stockinette. The liner would be placed over the arm and hand after moisturizing the skin with a gentle lotion such as Eucerin or Curel. Try to avoid lotions with anything that could irritate the skin, such as perfumes or dyes.

In most cases, padding made of polyester, cotton, or foam would be placed over the stockinette, followed by multiple overlapping layers of short-stretch bandages. Short-stretch bandages look like the Ace bandages you might get at the drugstore, but they're much less stretchy. Generally, there would be more layers further down on the limb and fewer layers higher up, creating graded pressure that helps fluid move up and out of the arm. The bandages should feel snug but not tight.

Bandaging is also an option for lymphedema of the chest or trunk, as short-stretch bandages come in all sizes. Bandaging is a reductive therapy, meaning it makes the limb smaller. When your arm is bandaged, your muscles are "held in" by the multi-layer soft cast every time you use your arm. This is known as working pressure. When you do any prescribed exercises with the bandages on, or simply use your arm as for normal activities, this working pressure creates an internal pumping action that moves fluid out of the tissues and into vessels of the lymphatic system. The bandage cast helps prevent fluid from flowing back into the limb, and it also softens the tissue under the skin. This is why bandages are an important treatment for lymphedema that is causing moderate to severe swelling and/or soft tissue changes.

It is recommended to work with a certified lymphedema specialist to create a tailored plan to treat and manage your lymphedema. We have several certified lymphedema specialists on our Ricky Knowles Hair & Wellness team. Our therapists will work with you to address any problem areas and our certified compression garment fitter, Kristen, can create custom compression wear to help you improve your condition and mobility.

To schedule a free consultation, call a RNHW team member at 713-623-4247 today!

I have lymphedema and wear compression hose during the day. Is there an alternative to bandaging at night-time?

Let's face it, managing lymphedema can be a lot of work! Luckily with the awareness of the condition, there has been a lot of advancement in the availability of alternative compression garments.

Night garments, such as JoviPak or Tribute can be described as alternative non-elastic compression garments that are made to replace bandaging in order to improve quality of life by making the process of compressing the limb at night easier and faster to apply. So for clients who are in the management phase of lymphedema therapy, rather than having to set aside the time and energy to self bandage at nighttime, you can simply don a nighttime garment, allowing you to be more compliant in your treatment.

Of course each client is different, but on average a nighttime garment should be worn for around 12 hours. It is important however to be properly fitted by a certified lymphedema therapist and to receive specific guidance on how long or often to wear the garment. 

Our goal at Ricky Knowles Hair & Wellness is to help you succeed in your self-care management. If you have questions about what types of compression garments might give you more quality of life, please call us for a free consultation with our BOC/ABC certified compression fitter at 713-623-4247.  

I Just Finished Breast Cancer Treatment, Am I at Risk for Lymphedema?

Women who have undergone breast cancer surgery and/or radiotherapy are particularly at risk for developing lymphedema.  An individual who has had any type of breast cancer surgery or therapy is at risk of developing lymphedema. The National Lymphedema Networks 10 Precautions for Women at Risk of Lymphedema include the following:

1. Do not ignore any slight increase of swelling in the arm, hand, fingers, neck, or chest. Call your doctor. The sooner treatment begins, the more effective it will be.
   
2. Never allow an injection, needle stick, or blood pressure cuff in the affected arm. Breaks in the skin allow infection causing bacteria to enter. Pressure on the arm may damage existing lymphatics.
   
3. Avoid heavy lifting with the affected arm. Never carry heavy handbags with over-the-shoulder straps. Be especially careful lifting children and groceries. Do not lift more than 15 pounds at a time as excessive weight lifting can place a burden on the lymphatic system.
   
4. Do not wear tight jewelry or elastic bands on the affected arm/hand as these may obstruct the lymphatics.
   
5. Avoid injuries to the arm such as cat scratches, cuts, sunburn, insect bites as these may serve as a portal for bacteria to enter and cause infection.
   
6. Avoid extreme temperature changes when bathing, washing dishes. Stay out of the sauna and hot tub. Keep the arm protected from the sun. Temperature changes may lead to increased swelling.
   
7. Wear gloves while performing gardening or housework. This will prevent any type of minor injury that could result in increased swelling.
   
8. Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Light exercise is beneficial.
   
9. Wear well-fitted supportive bras that are not too tight and without wires. Avoid a heavy prosthesis. These may put extra pressure on the collarbone and shoulders.
   
10. Wear a compression sleeve in airplanes, as the change in pressure may  increase the risk of swelling. Remember to drink plenty of water.

For more information about breast cancer treatment and lymphedema, contact Kristen at 713-623-4247. She is a certified BOC, ABC custom garment fitter and can help you find the right compression garment for your needs.

Is MLD massage right for me?

We are often asked this question from our lymphedema and edema patients. In most cases the answer is YES!  

MLD, or Manual Lymphatic Drainage helps your body's lymphatic system to drain and aids in removing wastes, toxins, bacteria and fluid build-up from your body's tissues.

The lymphatic system is a natural detoxification system. Your lymph nodes, in your armpits and groin, are responsible for filtering out waste, which plays an extremely important role in your immune system. The lymph system produces lymphocytes to kill bacteria, which helps you prevent and fight off infection. If MLD is applied correctly, it can have profound effects on your body. Having an MLD massage can help with the following:

• Lymphedema

• Muscoloskeletal problems

• Increase effectiveness of detox following a dietary detoxification (usually recommended by a Naturopathic doctor)

• Reduce pain signals sent to the brain

• Help post-surgical recovery

• Reduce scar formation

• Decrease general fatigue and "sluggishness"

If your lymphatic system has been compromised, due to a trauma or surgery, you may be at risk or have lymphedema. MLD is a proven primary tool in the treatment of this condition. Combined with compression therapy, MLD will help your lymphedema so you can achieve better mobility and a better quality of life.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. Manual lymphatic drainage is not an appropriate treatment if you have the following:

• Active cancer

• Inflammation (infection)

• Congestive Heart Failure

• Thrombosis

If you have additional questions about Manual Lymphatic Drainage, please call us at 713-623-4247 and book a consultation with one of our certified massage therapist. We will help you understand how MLD can improve your mobility and well-being.