Lymphedema Education: Specialty Store Helps Post-Surgery Patients
Education is an important part of preventing and treating lymphedema. Patients may not realize improperly fitting garments can be a contributing factor, especially after certain types of surgery such as lymph node removal and other breast cancer surgery:
Following lymph node removal, patients can develop lymphedema, which causes the arm to swell. A poorly fitted bra can be a contributing factor to developing lymphedema.
Doctors frequently prescribe special sleeves to be worn on the arm, which a certified professional may help to fit properly.
Many women put off purchasing bras and forms, not realizing Medicare will cover much of the expense, as will most private insurance companies.
After breast surgery, locating a certified fitter is essential to a woman’s physical and emotional well-being. The surgeon, nurse, and breast cancer peers are good resources for finding a fitter.
Certified fitters have specialty training which allows them to provide a valuable service to post-surgery patients, such as selecting properly fitting undergarments that can help reduce the risk of lymphedema.
We’re thrilled to hear about programs that help patients improve their quality of life, such as Lynn’s Boutique, a specialty store for cancer patients which carries lymphedema sleeves and specialty bras for women, located at Franciscan St. James Health in Chicago:
Lynn’s Boutique carries different bra colors, styles and sizes with many forms and shapes to achieve a truly customized fitting. As their certified prosthesis and bra fitter, I have the privilege of helping women look and feel better following breast cancer surgery.
Located in the Comprehensive Cancer Institute on the Franciscan St. James Olympia Fields campus, the boutique was created specifically to serve cancer patients and carries many different items to meet their needs.
Read the full article on Southtown Star.
