Lymphedema &
Post Cancer Care
Lymphedema
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a chronic progressive disease that can occur at any time after lymph node removal and radiation during cancer treatment.
The compromise lymphatic system cannot manage the processing of fluid in a quadrant and backup can occur.
Manual work, compression bandaging and garments can help with treatments and managing symptoms and progression
Lymphedema
Stages of Lymphedema
There are three main stages of lymphedema.
Stage 0 is a compromised system with no swelling.
Stage 1, the system can manage the fluid in the quadrant, even if there is a situation that causes swelling.
Stage 2, the system cannot resolve swelling and a limb will start to become bigger.
Stage 3, tissue becomes hard, with skin changes.
Our Services
Who This Is For
Everyone has a lymphatic system and everyone can use some support.
Primary Lymphedema
Lymphatic systems grow differently in everyone. Some people develop lymphedema without cancer treatment. It can happen at times of hormone shift such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause.
Lymph Node Removal
Lymph vessels cannot grow through irradiated tissue, they have to grow around it. This longer path creates a higher chance of congestion.
Radiation
Lymph vessels cannot grow through irradiated tissue, they have to grow around it. This longer path creates a higher chance of congestion.
Scar Tissue
This creates dams that make it difficult for fluids to make its way lymphatic highways and nodes.
Assistive Device Program
What is ADP?
The assistive device program is run by the government of Ontario. If you have a diagnosis of lymphedema, the government will cover a substantial portion of the cost of compression garments.
Please visit the ADP website link found in our resource page to print off the paperwork needed to submit for garments. If this is your first time accessing ADP, you will need a specialist such as a oncologist, surgeon, or vein specialist to sign your papers.
Lauren Sutton, RMT LLCC is an ADP authorizer and can sign the next portion of paperwork. She has a good working relationship with custom comfort garment store in Aurora who is a fitter and vendor for ADP. If you have any questions regarding ADP please do not hesitate to ask.
"Motion is Lotion."
Kathy Bates, award winning actress, Lymphatic Education & Research Education spokesperson and Breast Cancer Thriver
The Process
How It Works
Initial Assessment
We will discuss your Health History, needs and goals. Baseline measurements of affected limbs will be taken. Treatment is done face up, either through clothing or sheets. Techniques are focused on the neck, underarms, abdomen and front of hips. We will discuss compression garment needs as well.
Follow-Up Sessions
It is recommended to have 2-4 sessions in a short time frame of 7-14 days apart. This helps keep the lymphatic system moving at an increased rate, clearing out fluid. Focus on limb fluid reduction can start.
Maintenance Care
Lymphedema stage and response to treatments will influence maintainence care schedules. Treatment may vary from every 2-6 weeks depending on needs.
How We Help
We help to empower you to better know yourself, listen to your body and spirit, and find the comfort and ease to continue your journey of wellness.