Specialists are experts in their area of specialty; Whenever possible consult a specialist. (cardiologist – heart, pulmonologist – lungs, Hematologist – blood, Certified Lymphedema Therapist – Lymphedema) 

 Years ago I was talking with a friend who had worked for a local radiology center for many years. She said, “Always see a specialist. General practitioners are just that, generalists. For anything other than annual checkups, specialists are the way to go.” That conversation was a while before my cancer diagnosis and it stuck with me. I often tell women and men, if they don’t have a cardiologist they need to get one. Everyone should have a cardiologist, especially if they are being medicated for cholesterol or any other heart related condition. They are the experts on those conditions and the treatment approaches.

The same is true for lymphedema. Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLT) are experts on the topic of lymphedema. Like any specialist we should be up on the most recent research and treatment products available. If you are a cancer survivor who has had radiation, chemotherapy or surgery directly impacting your lymphatic system, you should see a CLT. It is their area of expertise.

If you have lymphedema questions, I have answers. And if I don’t I will find them for you. What questions can I answer today?

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