Welcome to the online information resource and support group for those with lymphedema and for the family, friends, and therapists who care for them.

Are you new to Lymph Notes?

• To discover the many features are available here, please read Exploring Lymph Notes
• Are you looking for a special topic? To find it, use this Search function.
• Are you looking for a specific article? Go to Lymph Notes Table of Contents for a listing of the articles you will find on on this website.
• Looking for a definition? Go to the Lymphedema Glossary and type in that term.
• Are you curious about the stories that accompany the photos in the upper right corner? If so, just click on the photo when it appears in that box.  
• To receive a free “Lymphedema Alert Wallet Card,” e-mail your name and mailing address to ann@lymphnotes.com. _____________________________________________________________________

Helpful Books from Lymph Notes

Voices of Lymphedema is an exciting book written by patients, therapists, and others who know lymphedema best. As one of the enthusiastic reviewers described it, "This is a must read!" For more information and reviews (including those from the National Lymphedema Network (NLN), plus ordering information click here.

Living Well with Lymphedema by A. Ehrlich, A. Vinjé-Harrewijn PT, CLT-LANA, and E. McMahon PhD. “The most comprehensive lymphedema book on the market. Wonderful for patients and those at risk. So many sources tell lymphedema patients what they can’t do. This book encourages us in what we can do!" Tracy Novak

Overcoming the Emotional Challenges of Lymphedema by Elizabeth McMahon PhD. "Empowering and practical, with exercises the reader can jump right into and know they are taking steps to help themselves. I love the emphasis throughout the book that the patient is in control." Christine P. Thomas, MSPT, CLT-LANA. For details on Dr. McMahon’s speaking engagements click here to visit her website.

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What is Happening?

Would you like to have your support group meeting, lymphedema related event, or news listed here? Making this happen is easy and cost free. For details. e-mail Ann at ann@lymphnotes.com.

• The good news is out! New information on the prevention of lymphedema has been released. To read the press release, click on Exciting News! To better understand the content, also read Bioimpedance for Lymphedema Prevention.

• According to an anouncement from the MD Aderson Cancer Center, osteoporosis is a secondary condition that may be developed more often by cancer survivors. Since many women are already at risk of developing osteoporosis, perhaps you should ask your physician about a painless bone density test.If you have lost bone density, treatment should be started as soon as possible. This is particularly important among young women who have had breast cancer.

• On Wednesday, August 27, 2008, from 1 to 5 PM, Elizabeth McMahon, PhD, author of “Overcoming the Emotional Challenges of Lymphedema” and co-author of Living Well With Lymphedema" will present a pre-conference seminar on “Responding to Non-Compliance and Preventing Personal Burn Out.”

• Save August 27-31, 2008 for the 8th NLN International Conference “Lymphedema: Riding The Wave of Discovery” which will be held in San Diego, CA. This educational program is intended for all medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, allied healthcare professionals, and basic scientists interested or involved in the field of Lymphology. For more details visit the NLN website.

What is New?

• The cap is back! Congress went home for the holiday without taking action to prevent the physical therapy cap from going into effect again. This cap is $1,810 per year. How many essential lymphedema treatments will this cover for you? How many visits will be paid out of your pocket -- or just not happen? If you think this is unfair, please contact your congressional representatives NOW!
• Learn more about Lymphedema Out-of-Pocket Costs.
• Robert Weiss M.S., the Lymphactivist, has provided important information about Filing A Claim For Reimbursement For Compression Garments. Our thanks to him for all of his helpful efforts.
• Low Level Laser Therapy provides information about the only form of laser therapy approved by the FDA for treatment of post-mastectomy lymphedema.
• Bioimpedance for Lymphedema Prevention introduces a new method of quickly obtaining accurate measurements of limbs affected with lymphedema.
• Learn about newer types of the Lymphedema Pumps and discover the special features of each. 
• Mary Speaks Out is a real letter that may inspire you to make your voice heard too! UPdate: Go to this web site and view the video that Mary helped to bring about since her first letter. http://www.ktvu.com/health/index.html

• Did you know that Ingrid Bergman had lymphedema? In 1982, while making the TV film "A woman called Golda,” she suffered from severe lymphedema. She was awarded an Emmy for the film, and died later that year of the recurring cancer.