Breast cancer treatment doesn’t end when active treatment does — for many survivors, the next chapter includes managing lymphedema, a swelling condition caused by damage to the lymphatic system from surgery or radiation. According to the Lymphedema Education & Research Network (LE&RN), up to 1 in 5 breast cancer survivors will develop it, sometimes months … Read more
If you’ve finished treatment for breast cancer, a gynecologic cancer, melanoma, or any cancer that involved removing or irradiating lymph nodes, you’ve probably heard the word “lymphedema” at some point along the way. Maybe your surgeon mentioned it before your operation, or a nurse handed you a pamphlet you tucked away and forgot about. It’s … Read more
Cancer treatment changes your body in ways nobody can fully prepare you for. Some changes are expected and get plenty of attention — hair loss, nausea, fatigue. Others are quieter. You may not know whether something is just “part of treatment,” or a sign a physical therapist could help with. Maybe you’ve left an appointment … Read more