Lymphedema Books

THE AUTHORS:
Ann Ehrlich: professional medical writer with Lymphedema following breast cancer treatment.
Alma Vinje-Harrewijn: licensed physiotherapist with more than 15 years of experience and postgraduate training in MLD per Vodder, Foldi, Chikley...
Elizabeth McMahon, PhD: clinical psychologist with over 25 years helping persons with chronic medical conditions manage anxiety, depression and other emotional issues.

WHY READ THE BOOK? The self-care knowledge and techniques presented can thwart a host of illnesses in addition to Lymphedema. Also see www.lymphnet.org

EDEMA: the body's normal swelling response to an injury.

LYMPHEDEMA: abnormal swelling due to damage or improper development of the lymphatic system, which, left untreated, can become worse, dangerous or life-threatening. Primary Lymphedema is hereditary; secondary Lymphedema results from damage to lymphatic system. Treatment is the same. Onset may be immediate or delayed for years. Approximately 5 million Americans affected.

RISK FACTORS, SECONDARY LYMPHEDEMA: biopsies; burns; scars; obesity; circulatory malfunctions; fractures; joint dislocations; other injuries; paralysis; multiple sclerosis; inactivity. Cancer treatments lead in developing nations.

EARLY SYMPTOMS: infection; swelling; pitting edema; "pins & needles;" heaviness; tight skin, ring, bracelet, shoe or sleeve; shoulder/hip aching; decreased joint mobility...

STAGE1: Swollen tissues are soft, and pitting edema is present. Elevation relieves temporarily. Early treatment can improve it greatly.

STAGE2: Tissues feel firm, even hard, and pressure leaves only a slight indentation. There may be more swelling, fibrosis, infections and skin problems. Intense treatment may improve.

STAGE3: Swelling and tissue fibrosis cause the skin to harden. Folds of tissue disfigure and limit mobility. Fungal infections and open wounds develop. Intense therapy improves it or prevents worsening. Reversal is rare.

FIBROSIS: an inflammatory reaction to stagnant, protein-rich lymph, which further slows the lymph circulation, which traps more stagnant lymph and causes additional swelling. Infection risk increases.

DIAGNOSIS: 90% based on symptoms and family history. 10% require more sophisticated testing and questioning. Any heart condition will be diagnosed and treated first. Sudden swelling - could be thrombosis; slow progressive swelling of legs - could be chronic venous insufficiency; Rapidly-progressive and painful Lymphedema-type swelling - could be a fast-growing tumor. Check practitioner's credentials.

COMBINATIONS: explanation of Lymphedema interactions with obesity; lipedema; congestive heart failure; chronic venous insufficiency; dependent edema; cellulitis; diabetes; peripheral neuropathy.

SELF-PROTECTION: For the affected or at risk limb, avoid: injections, blood draws, finger pricks, IV placements, acupuncture, burns, injuries, tattoo parlors, excess weight, flying or exercising without compression garment.

TREATMENT-MLD: Manual lymph drainage moves lymph away from the affected area. Contraindicated if cellulitis, fever, infection, developing infection, uncontrolled major illnesses. More often contraindicated for the elderly due to co-occurring illnesses.

TREATMENT-COMPRESSION, FUNCTIONS: Bandages and garments maintain progress; prevent additional swelling; support natural lymph drainage; help muscles pump lymph; soften fibrotic (hardened) tissues. Remove for sleeping.

TREATMENT-PUMP: In the early 1990's Complete Decongestive Therapy (MLD+compression+self-management) was found more effective than the pump, which can increase fibrosis and displace the swelling of the limb into the trunk or genitalia. However, the (newer generation) pump can be used successfully: if therapist sees and evaluates the patient first; if MLD has already been performed on the neck, the abdomen and the uninvolved leg/arm; if there is careful monitoring for progress, fibrosis or increased swelling in surrounding tissues.

POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF NEGLECT: cellulitis, erysipelas, athlete's foot, toenail fungus, orthopedic problems, fibrosis, hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis, weeping Lymphedema, lymphangitis,
lymphangiosarcomalJ(rare)

LYMPHEDEMA THERAPIST CERTIFICATION: Lymphology Assn of North America (LANA) requires 135 hours of specialized education... Prerequisite is a professional license in physical therapy or related profession.

RESOURCES: www lymphnotes.com lists treatment facilities and support groups and other resources, and provides a network. Also contact cancer support groups.

INSURANCE: Excellent chapter on Insurance; Family and Medical Leave Act; Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998.

EMOTIONS: Handling emotional challenges affects your self-management competence. Dr. McMahon's, Overcoming the Emotional Challenges of Lymphedema, is recommended. Practice relaxation; take action on problems without waiting to feel better; confine worrying to a scheduled time; talk to yourself with respect; get professionals to answer all of your questions.

SELF-MASSAGE: coordinate w/Dr. and Lymphedema therapist; does not replace MLD by trained Lymphedema therapist; technique and sequence are explained and illustrated, but you must be trained; Self-massage not recommended if...certain malignant tumors, leukemia, acute inflammation, infections, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, acute allergic reactions, erysipelas, thrombosis, precancerous skin conditions, chronic inflammation, thyroid disorders, bronchial asthma, dysautonomia, granulomas, or occlusive artery disease.

SELF-BANDAGING: Get instructions. Eight pages on technique, safety, materials and effectiveness. Contraindications: infection; open wounds; congestive heart failure; other.

EXERCISE: Illustrations. Precautions. Coordinate with Lymphedema specialist; Wear compression; Exercise increases lymph flow rate 15 times and combats depression & fatigue; Deep breathing moves lymph through abdomen; goal to enjoy 1-hour hike 3 times/week.

AQUATIC THERAPY: The buoyancy enables relaxation, pain decrease, additional motions, reduced joint stress, and cardiovascular system strengthening. Many precautions, guidelines.

NUTRITION: Good nutrition is essential to managing Lymphedema's stress on the body. Obesity is risky. Consume adequate protein. Stay well-hydrated.

HEALTH JOURNAL: calendar, visit records, current medications, healthcare team roster, medical history, Lymphedema records, compression garment records, hospitalization records. Helps with informing doctor and with insurance claims.

HAVING FUN: laughing; tennis; basketball; golf; bowling; travel; saunas & steam rooms (avoid); hiking; backpacking; trampolining; dancing; yoga. Limitations and safe participation are explained.

UNDERSTANDING THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM: 22 pages of outstanding explanation and illustration. This material can improve one's self-care via own-body respect.

SUGGESTION 1: Dual-Purpose Cancer Prevention: Pre-knowledge of the Lymphedema side-effect from cancer sagas would have made more of the recipients of biopsy, surgery, radiation and chemotherapy proactive on prevention. Numerous books teach cancer prevention, and Mary Kerney Levenstein's Everyday Cancer Risks and How to Avoid Them aptly and comprehensively does this. (Enter "Mary Kerney" or "0895295059" for a quick find on Amazon.com.) Also see Singer and Grismaijer's, Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras, wherein lymph flow restriction is deemed culpable.

SUGGESTION 2: Read, Coping With Lymphedema by Swirsky and Nannery, 1998 - also excellent but significantly different.

SUGGESTION 3: I suggest writing booknotes (mine~5000words) for understanding, reference and retention.

This is a wonderful book for anyone with lymphedema or a caregiver. The book covers all aspects of lymphedema and I especially like the chapters on how to manually drain the lymphatic nodes to help reduce the swelling of the affected limb. This is a must have book.

I've had lymphedema since 2001 as the result of breast cancer treatment and now I help run a support group for lymphedema patients. "Living Well With Lymphedema" is the best book out there for patients and is the most up-to-date book of its kind right now.

We recommend it to all the members of our lymphedema support group. Our organization has bought additional copies to distribute to libraries in our area so anyone who needs it will have free access to it.

This book is a straight forward, readable instruction book for the lymphedema patient. The medical information is
thorough and current. The authors have done an incredible job surveying the patient population for suggestions and practices that work. Plus there is information on the emotional aspects that patients have to contend with and coping recommendations.

With this book, living well with lymphedema is what it's all about and definitely an attainable goal for most patients. What a positive message!

Highly recommended.

With this book as a recent purchase I would have to say its one of the best. I diagnosed with LE in the right leg 6 months ago have been trying to find all kinds of info on it to help me understand it more. Also it has helped my family understand what I and the rest of us have to endure. It still makes me mad that we live in a time where Doctors are either not willing to diagnose our conditios correctly or they have no clue about the condition.

This book has helped me in so many ways. I agree with Tami and Nancys comments, TOTALLY!!

I actually gave my book away to a Massage Therapist. I am purchasing a second one so I can go back to it over and over again. This book has given me more information than any Dr. has even tried to do. I have been battling LE in my left leg for 33 years and just found out there is help out there.

Great source of information!!

Unique in its focus on the emotional aspects of lymphedema, this book was a lifesaver for me as a patient, since lymphedema can be an isolating disorder with minimal social support. This comprehensive guide is replete with worksheets and suggested coping mechanisms and resources...a must for patients, caregivers, and health professionals. My own journey through two bouts of breast cancer and lymphedema is chronicled in Mourning Has Broken.

This book has everything, for the person who is just curious about lymphedema to the individual who want answers. With her intrinsically motivational style, Dr McMahon uses helpful checklists, graphs, and exercises in this engaging workbook. It is especially helpful for those people who are depressed or anxious.

I read this book and highly recommend it to anyone with lymphedema. It is supportive, thorough, and
practical.

Zuther's "Lymphedema Management" certainly is the most comprehensive guide for practioners! The book covers all aspects of lymphedema management in a clear, concise and logical fashion. I would highly recommend this book to practioners and patients alike. I believe that anyone involved in the treatment of Lymphedema should have this book as a valuable reference. Zuther leaves no questions unanswered and his knowledge, experience and expertise is evident in both the content and presentation of the extensive information. 5 Stars!!

This book is terrific! I have primary lymphedema and have lived with this for 28 years. I would love to put this book into the hands of the many doc's that shook their head and told me that lymphedema is something I would just have to "Learn to live with". I spent many hours and years researching this condition and want to express my sincere thanks to ACOLS and the many other professionals that help people with lymphedma. This text book is easy to read and written in terms that are easy to understand. I give it 5 stars.

The National Institutes of Health say that there is a virtual epidemic of obesity occurring not only in the US, but in almost every advanced country--except, curiously enough--France. Fifty percent of adults over 40 are overweight, and our children aren't much better off.

As a result of reading this book, I think I've found the cause, since I believe I have this problem with at least a couple of my more "aesthetically challenged" body parts. But getting back to the present volume, this book seems to be on a timely and weighty topic that seems to be weighing equally heavily on the behinds and minds of both the general public and our health officials.

A superb guide to the disease with the shortest "denial" stage in the medical book. I found it particularly useful in coming to terms with my condition and even taking pride in it. Perhaps a lighter take on the subject is to be found in Ernest Woodward Price's earlier work "Er, Does Sir Dress To The Right?"

This is the textbook for the Lymphatic Drainage Therapy program offered through the Upledger Institute. You can purchase it from them for $75 if Amazon is unable to stock it. It is written in medical language and is for the practicing therapist. It can also be a valuable resource for patients, however.

Dr. Chikly is THE Leader in his field and has truly displayed it in this amazing reference work. I have trained many modalities as a Licensed Therapist and his Manual Lymphatic Technique is one of the more astounding ones! I have been fortunate enough to learn them directly from him in Arizona. Bruno is a serious PhD expert, but at the same time one of the kindest, most genuine people ON THE PLANET~ we're talking Ghandi-like. The knowledge of this technique will forever shift your view of the body as well as the real power in gentle, almost touchless, techniques. Dr. Chikly has put his life work into this material and it is second to none on the subject. I really feel the medical community could benefit more from its increased usage, as could the general public for use at home. Anyone can learn from the mountain of information that's packed into this very nice hard covered book.

"Voices of Lymphedema" is a wonderful resource for lymphedema patients and their caregivers. Full of information and narratives from patients and therapists, the book is a joy to read. As a lymphedema patient myself, I recommend this book highly. Jan

This book is a must have for anyone with Lymphedema. It is a book you keep picking up over and over again. The stories are so close to home, showing us we are not alone in this world of LE. It also has symptoms of infections that really helped me. Families of LE patients need to read this book, it provides a better understanding of what LE sufferers go through. This book is full of stories, ideas and suggestions.

While out of date-- 1991, it is at the top two of texts on the lymphatic system.
Looking forward to an update.

I was delighted to find this book by the American Cancer Society. I have lymphedema in my right leg due to abdominal surgery with ovarian cancer as the outcome. This book has been invaluable because my primary physician does not have an understanding of lymphedema. I am a six year survivor without a recurrence but have the ache and swelling in my right leg as a reminder. The book is even in its treatment of lymphedema whereas other books only address the breast cancer issue.

This is a must for Lymphoedema Patients.I have scoured the Books and articles available, And this is hands down the most recent and complete up to date info I've found. I have already made gains in my ability to function normally, and it lifted my spirits to be able to join in on the Holiday fun pain free.

"Mourning Has Broken" is an insitghful, compassionate, and informative book. Anyone whose life has been touched by cancer will find Jan Hasak's story invaluable. She takes you inside the often confusing and frightening world of the cancer survivor and she does it with style, grace, and humor. I loved the way she sprinkled each chapter with appropriate Bible quotes. Her chapter on forgiveness was a real eye-opener. It helped me to get past several obstacles on my own road to recovery from breast cancer. The medical information contained in the book was extensive and very well-researched. I leaned a lot. I highly recommend this book.

Pat Derenburger