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Resources

At Bellisse, our hope is to help alleviate the suffering of women with chest and breast lymphedema by providing them with as much information as possible about the condition. Accordingly, this "Resources" section contains web links to organizations that provide support, information, and advocacy for lymphedema patients. We also have a brief bibliography of books and articles that may be of interest to patients and their families.

We have recently learned more about the rights of breast cancer and breast lymphedema patients under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998. If you are having difficulty getting coverage for the treatment of breast lymphedema related to breast cancer treatment procedures, we urge you to read this important information (pdf file, pdf reader required).

We have also included a link to Reconstructing Aphrodite, a beautifully-written and sensitively-photographed book that documents and demystifies the physical and spiritual reconstruction of women recovering from breast cancer. Whether you are a survivor, a family member, or simply a woman who – like almost all of us – sometimes feels afraid of breast cancer, we hope that this book will inform, reassure, and inspire its readers.

Research

The following is a brief bibliography of articles and publications on lymphedema that may be of interest. If you know of other articles that you think should be included on this page, please contact us at .

Bell, L. "State of Chest and Breast Lymphedema: A Brief Compilation of Lymphedema Research".
Read this brief, informative overview of current research on chest and breast lymphedema by lymphedema therapist and Bellisse co-founder Lesli R. Bell, PT CLT-LANA

Bell, L. "The Use of Foam Chip Pads for Radiation Fibrosis".
Read this brief article on the efficacy of foam chip pads in relieving radiation fibrosis when used with a compression garment as part of Complex Decongestive Therapy.

Bosompra K, Ashikaga T, O’Brien PJ, Nelson L, Skelly J, Bea DJ. "Knowledge about preventing and managing lymphedema: a survey of recently diagnosed and treated breast cancer patients". Patient Education and Counseling. June 2002. 47(2): 155-63.
Read the abstract of this article, or purchase the full text of the article online from Science Direct

Gergich, N. and Bell, L. “Focus on Breast and Chest Wall LE”, LymphLink. Jan-Mar 2004. 16(1): 22.
Read this article, written by two certified lymphedema therapists, on the symptoms of truncal edema and the appropriate use of foam chip pads, bandages, and compression garments.

Goffman Thomas E., Laronga Christine, Wilson Lori, Elkins David. “Lymphedema of the Arm and Breast in Irradiated Breast Cancer Patients: Risks in an Era of Dramatically Changing Axillary Surgery”. The Breast Journal, 2004 (10(5): 405-411.

This study assessed risk for lymphedema of the breast and arm in radiotherapy patients in an era of less extensive axillary surgery. Among 240 women who were treated for cure and who were followed up at least 1.5 years after treatment, the risk of breast lymphedema was 9.6%. BMI, size of tumor, and the number of nodes removed were significant factors influencing the likelihood of developing breast lymphedema. The study concluded that even modern, limited level 1-2 axillary dissection and tangential irradiation carries a risk of lymphedema that would argue in favor of sentinel node biopsy.

Click here to read the full text of the article.

Gottrup H, Andersen J, Arendt-Nielsen L, Jensen TS. "Psychophysical examination in patients with post-masectomy pain". Pain. Sept 2000. 87(3):275-84.
Read the abstract of this article in the National Library of Medicine online database

Mondry, Tammy E. and Peter A.S. Johnstone. "How I Do It: Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Lymphedema Limited to the Breast". Journal of Surgical Oncology 2002; 81:101-104.

An excellent paper that acknowledges the existence of breast and chest lymphedema as a common side effect of breast conservation therapy, and provides a clinical discussion of the highly successful MLD-based treatment program for breast lymphedema developed at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego.
Purchase "How I Do It: Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Lymphedema Limited to the Breast" article online

Summertime Tips for Lymphedema Sufferers
(file size: 106kb; pdf file, pdf reader required

By Lesli Bell

Summer is a difficult time of year for those with lymphedema, because symptoms can be exacerbated by increased body heat. The increased activity we usually enjoy during the warm months can also make it difficult for many folks to control their edema. This article by Bellisse co-founder and lymphedema therapist Lesli Bell offers some tips for staying well during the summer months.

Muscari-Lin, Esther (RN, MSN, APRN, BC, AOCN). ”Truncal Lymphedema”.
Lymphlink. Jan-Mar 2004. 16(1).

An excellent clinical overview of the prevalence, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of truncal lymphedema, this article is a welcome indication that truncal lymphedema is being increasingly recognized by the medical community.

Lymphlink is a publication of the National Lymphedema Network.
View this article online (pdf file, download the viewer)

Roberts CC, Levick JR, Stanton AW, Mortimer PS. "Assessment of truncal edema following breast cancer treatment using modified Harpenden skinfold calipers". Lymphology. June 1995. 28 (2): 78-88.
Read the abstract of this article in the National Library of Medicine online database

Roenkae Riitta H., Pamilo Martti S., von Smitten Karl A. J., and Leidenius Marjut H.K. “Breast Lymphedema After Breast Conserving Treatment”. Acta Oncologica 2004  43(6): 551-557.

This study, conducted at the Breast Surgery Unit of the Helsinki University Hospital, evaluated breast lymphedema after breast conserving therapy and sentinel node biopsy or axillary clearance. In 160 women with unilateral breast cancer, examination revealed breast lymphedema in between 23% (SNB only) and 48% (AC node positive). Breast lymphedema was less common one year after BCT in patients with SNB only than in those with more extensive axillary treatment.

Click here to read the full text of the article.

Stalker, Sarah A. "Physical therapy management for patients with truncal lymphedema." Rehabilitation Oncology 2001
 
In this article, Stalker discusses the incidence and symptoms of truncal lymphedema in breast reconstruction patients. She concludes that Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is highly effective for truncal lymphedema, and can increase comfort, level of function, and overall satisfaction with surgical outcomes. In particular, she recommends using a compression bra to increase patient comfort and prevent reaccumulation of lymph fluid.
 
Click here to read the full text of the article.

If you know of a link or article that you think should be in this section, or you would like to contribute a story or case study, please email us at .

 

We have recently learned more about the rights of breast cancer and breast lymphedema patients under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998. If your patients are having difficulty getting coverage for the treatment of breast lymphedema related to breast cancer treatment procedures, we urge you to read this important information and share it with your clients.

If you know of a link or article that you think should be in this section, please email us at .