If you have been treated for breast cancer, you need to be aware of your risk for lymphedema. About 25 percent of breast cancer surgery patients experience lymphedema -- a disfiguring, painful swelling, most frequently of the arm. Lymphedema can occur with anyone whose lymphatic system is compromised so that it can be overloaded to the point that swelling begins. Many doctors suggest that little can be done for the condition -- if they mention it at all. But help is available in this book.

Complete with more than 50 illustrations, Linfedema also tells the encouraging stories of women who have dealt with lymphedema successfully using the methods described in the book.

Linfedema describes the many options women have for preventing and treating lymphedema. It emphasizes active self-help and provides extensive information on:
preventing lymphedema
reducing lymphedema through professional therapy
reducing lymphedema through exercise and self-massage
selecting and using wraps and compression garments
eating right to manage lymphedema
finding emotional support
locating resources for additional help

Gwen White has been a practicing physical therapist for 30 years, and specializes in the treatment of women with lymphedema. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Dominique Reynolds Diaz is a practicing physical therapist who is bilingual in Spanish and English. She works with the well-known oncologist Dr. Francisco García Rodríguez at the Spanish Hospital in Mexico City, rehabilitating mastectomized patients, and also volunteers to help prevent lymphedema in low-income patients.