Lymphedema is swelling caused by the abnormal accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the skin. Lymphedema can be caused by burns, injury, surgery, radiation therapy, obesity, or circulatory problems. Many breast- and prostate-cancer survivors have, or risk developing, lymphedema. There is also an inherited form. If not treated, lymphedema can be painful and lead to life-threatening infections. This book will help you live well with lymphedema through treatment, self-management, and helpful tips for daily living. It will also help you understand how the lymphatic system works, how lymphedema is diagnosed, how to cope with the emotional challenges of lymphedema, how to find treatment, and deal with insurance issues. Living Well is for those with, or at risk for, lymphedema as well as healthcare professionals, caregivers, and friends and family.

Caregiver's Guide is the first book to provide detailed instructions for caregivers on all aspects of lymphedema (or lymphoedema) home care including physical care (skin care, simple lymph drainage, compression, exercise, etc.), communications skills and emotional support, and activities of daily living. Caregivers will also learn ways to protect themselves from injury and burnout. Caregiver's Guide outlines a systematic approach to determining the patient's care needs, arranging care, and coordinating multiple caregivers. Trained lymphedema caregivers are in short supply now and we face a 'care gap' in the near future as the number of people needing care increases while the pool of potential family caregivers shrinks. This book is an important first step in the process of providing trained caregivers. This book will help: * People with lymphedema and their families and friends understand what care is required, locate caregivers and other resources, and navigate the reimbursement maze. This book also covers coordinating multiple caregivers, preparing the home for care, and many other practical topics. * Caregivers understand lymphedema, their role in lymphedema care, specific skills for providing physical care and emotional support, and how to manage equipment and supplies for home care. They will also learn ways to protect themselves from physical injury and emotional burnout as caregivers. * Lymphedema therapists work more effectively with their patients and the patient's caregivers. * Home care planners and administrators understand lymphedema and the special requirements of lymphedema home care. About the authors: * Mary Kathleen Kearse, PT, CLT-LANA, has worked full time withlymphedema patients for nine years and practiced physical therapy for 24 years. * Elizabeth McMahon, PhD is a clinical psychologist and co-author of Living Well with Lymphedema, author of Overcoming the Emotional Challenges of Lymphedema, and co-editor of Voices of Lymphedema. * Ann Ehrlich, MA is a professional medical writer, co-author of Living Well with Lymphedema, and co-editor of Voices of Lymphedema.

Chronic swelling due to lymphatic fluid, or lymphedema, affects 3-5 million Americans including 20-40% of cancer survivors. Lymphedema is so little known-even among doctors-that it has been called the 'silent epidemic' but there is effective treatment that can break the cycle of recurring infections and even reverse lymphedema related disability Patients, therapists, and doctors share: .Inspiring personal stories. .Advice on getting a diagnosis and finding treatment. .Solutions to common problems and practical tips on self-care. .Activities they enjoy and travel tips. .Support groups and outreach to the medical community. .Issues in treatment coverage and reimbursement. About the Editors: Ann Ehrlich and Elizabeth McMahon are coauthors of Living Well With Lymphedema (Lymph Notes 2005). Ann is a professional medical writer and breast cancer survivor with secondary lymphedema. Elizabeth is a clinical psychologist and author of Overcoming the Emotional Challenges of Lymphedema (Lymph Notes 2005).

Lymphedema is swelling caused by the abnormal accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the skin. Lymphedema can be caused by burns, injury, surgery, radiation therapy, obesity, or circulatory problems. Many breast- and prostate-cancer survivors have, or risk developing, lymphedema. There is also an inherited form. If not treated, lymphedema can be painful and lead to life-threatening infections. This book will help you live well with lymphedema through treatment, self-management, and helpful tips for daily living. It will also help you understand how the lymphatic system works, how lymphedema is diagnosed, how to cope with the emotional challenges of lymphedema, how to find treatment, and deal with insurance issues. Living Well is for those with, or at risk for, lymphedema as well as healthcare professionals, caregivers, and friends and family.