There was a woman today at Curves who appeared to have her entire arm tattooed... as I looked closer, I saw that it was a compression sleeve...she said she got it from a website called "lymphedivas." I don't have lymphedema, but if I did, I'd go there--very pretty--almost a fashion statement! Just thought I'd pass this on.. Joyce

Portland, OR. DX: 6/09/05 IDC lb Age: 54 PR/HR+ Her- Lumpectomy/SNB 6/22/05 Nodes Neg! 33X Rads Comp 10/12/05 Tamoxifen: '05-'10 PT for lymphydema in breast '06 BRCA Neg 7/08! Tamoxifen induced uterine issues '07-'11 Total LA hysterectomy 12/11

Thanks for the info Joyce, I'm glad to say I don't have it either but know some who do and will pass this on.:)

Tricia Keegan...From Ireland Dx July '05 IDC 3/9 nodes pos..triple positive..a/c x 4..Taxol/herceptin x 12
Herceptin 1yr ..rads x35 oophorectomy Aug '06
Currently taking Arimidex /Zometa 1 x yearly
Carepage- survivortricia

Joyce,  Thanks for sharing that.  I don't have lymphedema but thought it sounded like a adding a bit of fun to a serous situation.  I use temporary tattoos on my 'bionic boob' :)

Hug
Elaine

 A person's greatness is the power to stand alone;to be able to make her own choice; in action,to write anew her own law; to choose her own sacrifices; run her own dangers; win her own freedom; venture her own destruction; to choose her own happiness 
 

I'm not in Oregon, or that woman could have been me! I ended up with lymphedema and really love Lymphedivas as a source of compression sleeves and gauntlets.

I hated...hated...HATED the Ace bandage look of the Jobst sleeve and gauntlet I got to start with. It was uncomfortable, too, binding at the elbow like crazy. The Lymphedivas site claims that their special knitting process reduces binding, and I've definitely found that to be the case.

However, anyone needing more compression may not be able to wear a Lymphedivas sleeve. My lymphedema massage therapist said that my sleeve was a lighter weight knit than is usual and didn't work for another patient of hers who'd tried one. Works for me thankfully. When you have to wear something like that, colorful is lots more fun.

My oncs and their nurses love seeing what my latest design is. In fact, my rads onc's nurse said I'll have to stop in and show her my newest style when I get one since I'm now seeing my rads onc every other year. She said she'd feel left out not knowing what my latest fashion statement is. < grin >

They are, however, more expensive than a standard Jobst sleeve and gauntlet. The Jobst ones I had cost about $110 total. The Lymphedivas patterned ones are $145 if you buy both the sleeve and gauntlet as a set.

Unfortunately for me, our insurance doesn't pay anything on compression garments which really bites for those of us dealing with lymphedema. That's about $300 every six months since you really need one set to wear and one to wash. Plus, I have some trunk lymphedema and need compression garments for that although thankfully I don't have to wear those as much as I do the sleeve set.

I really recommend trying a Lymphedivas set but can empathize with those who find they don't give sufficient compression, particularly those who must have a sleeve custom made. Lymphedema sucks!

dx 11/29/10 DCIS/IDC
1/5/11 lumpectomy, SLND 2+, ALND - 
T1c, clean margins!
er +/pr + (My little nasty was an estrogen drunk, said my med onc.) HER2 -
Chemo: TC Done 4/30/11 
Rads:  Done 6/30/11 
Arimidex 7/11-?