Oct. 28, 2025 6:30 AM PT
To the editor: I, too, have lymphedema, but not almost as debilitating as Kathy Bates described in her latest op-ed (“When surviving cancer isn’t the end of the fight,” Oct. 23).
About 10 years in the past, I had a sore on the underside of my left foot that was melanoma. It was eliminated together with 4 lymph nodes, the wrongdoer of my creating lymphedema. I had by no means identified about lymphedema or been instructed by my oncologist that this might outcome from the surgical procedure. It was the plastic surgeon that I adopted up with after the surgical procedure who instructed me the swelling in my foot was lymphedema and could be a lifelong situation.
I’m fortunate that my melanoma was caught early and handled rapidly. I labored with a bodily therapist who specialised in lymphedema, however that basically didn’t assist. I’m lucky to have good medical health insurance that covers a lot of the almost $300 worth for one custom-made compression knee-high sock (I’ve a number of) made in Germany that I have to put on each day. No strolling barefoot on the seashore for greater than an hour for me, because the ache is an excessive amount of with out carrying my compression sock.
Happily, the 2024 Lymphedema Treatment Act established a brand new profit class underneath Medicare Half B to partially cowl lymphedema compression clothes and different provides. That is great, however nonetheless the prices add up and don’t go away — and neither does the ache.
Julie Friedman, Malibu
..
To the editor: Many due to the nice Kathy Bates for her phrases on lymphedema.
Extra key issues to know, for folk like me who developed the situation with out most cancers: See a vascular surgeon; get a referral to a lymphedema clinic, like USC Keck’s terrific one; and hunt down an knowledgeable in short-stretch bandaging. This basically medieval approach is the perfect there’s to this point, and can assist maintain you from creating sepsis, which may kill you. Additionally, it will probably cease the ache: unimaginable aid!
Above all, take it severely — it’s critical.
Amy Richlin, Hancock Park
