Shortly after her mastectomy in 1989, Marilyn Mendelson looked down and saw that her arm was more than double its normal size. “In many ways, it affected me more than the cancer,” she says. An actress, she became so self-conscious about the arm that she dropped her involvement in live theater.

Mendelson had lymphedema, a swelling of part of the body—most often a limb—caused by the build-up of lymph fluid, which helps the body fight infection. The condition can be caused by surgery to remove a cancerous tumor and nearby lymph nodes. (Lymph nodes are removed so they can be checked for cancer cells to see if the disease has spread.) Removing the lymph nodes interrupts the normal flow of lymph fluid, causing it to “back up” in tissue

The Roswell Park Cancer Institute Lymphedema Center—the only physician-managed lymphedema program in Western New York—provides specialized treatment that includes the removal of excess fluid through a special type of massage and wrapping the affected limb with bandages. The Center also provides instructions on how to keep swelling down and prevent infections after cancer treatment is complete. Mendelson says she visits the Roswell Park Lymphedema Clinic “once a year, for a tune-up.”

Financial support from Gift Shop proceeds at Roswell Park help fund the purchase of new products for the Clinic, as well as elastic sleeves and stockings for lymphedema patients who do not have insurance coverage.

Kathleen Fassl, Co-director of the Center, emphasizes that it’s never too late to seek help if lymphedema develops. “Sometimes we see people who have had lymphedema for 20 years, and we get results. Most of the time, our patients get between a 40%-60% reduction in swelling.” Clinic services, which are available to all patients, including those who are not being treated at Roswell Park, are covered by most insurance carriers.

Says Mendelson, “I’m just so thrilled that there’s help for people.”

Contact your insurance provider to find out whether you’re covered for lymphedema care. The Lymphedema Center can at Roswell Park be reached by calling 716-845-8111.