In 2017, I was diagnosed and treated for early-stage breast cancer in both
breasts. The first tumor was found using 3-D mammography, and a second showed up on an MRI. Both were very small and slow-growing, so my prognosis is good.
But the standard treatment at the time included removal of six sentinel lymph
nodes for dissection, even though they appeared healthy on the MRI. Bilateral
breast cancer is so rare that my surgeon did not realize she was creating
lymphedema risk in both of my arms, and leaving me without a safe arm for
medical procedures like blood draws and IVs. I realized that my voice was needed to help make changes in the patient care system for early stage lymphedema.
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The Revised Starling Principle – A Paradigm Shift on the Lymphatic System
Review of “All Edema is Lymphedema: Progressing Lymphedema and Wound Management to an Integrated Model of Care,” an article that brought attention to the groundbreaking research of Levick and Michel.
https://sharonshepardcom.wordpress.com/2023/11/11/a-survivor-mentality/?share=press-this&nb=1
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Finding Balance
Standing superhero pose atop a living sand dune one year after treatment. The form’s not perfect, but I like the metaphor. For inspiration from Melody Beattie…
https://sharonshepardcom.wordpress.com/2023/11/11/a-survivor-mentality/?share=press-this&nb=1
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Your Invisible, Essential Lymphatic System
Under-appreciated until something goes wrong, the lymphatic system not only drains fluids from all parts of the body, but is essential to the digestive and immune systems, as well as brain health. Start with a basic understanding of this fascinating system.
https://sharonshepardcom.wordpress.com/2023/11/11/a-survivor-mentality/?share=press-this&nb=1
Sharon S. Shepard 