In July 1965, I emigrated to Canada as a Home Economics teacher, working in Squamish, Burnaby and North Vancouver. After obtaining an M.Ed. in Counselling Psychology, I completed my career as an itinerant Area Counsellor in the N. Vancouver elementary school system. Upon retirement in 1997, I moved to the Sunshine Coast, an amazing place for an active outdoor lifestyle.

My lymphedema journey started in spring 1992, when, for no apparent reason, my right arm swelled to over twice its regular size. After multiple tests over several months, I was diagnosed with primary lymphedema tarda, with guidance to “wear a compression sleeve when flying and elevate your arm as much as possible.” That summer, with no idea how to manage the swelling, I headed to France on a cycling trip in the Loire Valley. I thought that placing my arm in cool market square fountains at the end of each day might help! If only I had known that wearing a compression sleeve would make all the difference.

At that time, volunteer organizations such as BCLA or CLF did not exist, and the use of internet searching was in its infancy. Every few years I would ask my doctor, “Is there any new learning about lymphedema?” You can guess the reply.

As you can imagine, the absence of a daily management strategy led to problems, including: increased swelling to stage 2.5, lymphorrhea, and several cellulitis attacks, including one while on a kayaking adventure in the wilderness. Eventually I learned to carry an antibiotic prescription whenever I was away from home, even for one night.

The first year after diagnosis I saw an MLD therapist but found it ineffective: without compression my arm swelled again within hours of treatment. My “saving grace” in those early years were lifestyle choices including exercise and diet.

Following the birth of my first child in 1970, I learned that I had hypoglycemia and that without changing my diet I would be at risk of developing diabetes.

For the first year, my diet involved controlling insulin surges by reducing stimulants such as sugar, alcohol, coffee and tea. Consuming protein at every meal and foods that are slow to digest such as whole-grain & vegetables. Basically, an ant inflammatory diet which proved valuable in managing edema once the swelling started.

The other half of the plan was to exercise regularly to draw energy stored in the muscles rather than going for a sweet treat or caffeine stimulant to give me a boost. Since then, I have established a routine of almost daily exercise including; aerobics, weight training, cycling and swimming. Each of these activities maintains muscle tone to help keep lymph fluid moving.

In 2012, I had my most serious bout of cellulitis, requiring seven days of intravenous injections and a great deal of pain. My GP referred me to a vascular surgeon for a lymphoscintigraphy and an official diagnosis of lymphedema by sheer chance was made. At the end of the appointment the specialist mentioned Dr. Elliott Weiss as someone who might know something about lymphedema! 

From that point on I was on the right track. I was referred to Holy Family Hospital for three months of reduction treatment followed by a prescription for compression. The best part of all was that I heard about BCLA. Through their conferences and workshops, I learned self-management strategies and for the last 13 years have maintained the reduced volume and have had only one minor infection.

I wear a compression sleeve every day, and although the dietary restriction has eased a little, I maintain an anti-inflammatory style of eating and avoid sugar and processed foods. I eat homemade granola for breakfast most mornings and regularly participate in some form of exercise. I have recently been paying more attention to weight training to avoid fragility by maintaining muscle mass and bone density that are so common in older people.

Being active plays an important part in my attitude and energy level. I am fortunate in that, compared to many, my lymphedema is now mild thus I have the energy and time to help others whose lives are more severely impacted. 

The past 20 years have seen huge developments in awareness, research, new programs and treatment options for lymphedema. It is an exciting time to be involved, with so much to learn. This is what keeps me motivated to keep advocating for compression garments and appropriate treatment, I am passionate about helping others to ensure are they are not left for years without the education and tools to take care of themselves.

Christine Chandler 

PS: Fifty-five years later I have never developed diabetes!

Thanks to Irving and Diane Kipness foundation, research to better understand lymphedema is underway at the University of Alberta under Dr. Spencer Gibson.

I attended a webinar hosted by the AQL (Lymphedema Association of Quebec) where Dr. Gibson presented the research they are doing to find a cure for lymphedema.  He explained that understanding basic science has driven major medical breakthroughs and gave one example:

• From studying Fruit flies – there was a breakthrough in targeted therapy for breast cancer 

In their research to date, they have a theory that stress on the lymphatic system is what blocks the lymphatic system from self-repairing.  In using mice as models, they saw improvement in lymphatic system stress when changing the mice’s diet after surgery.  This along with a study in Italy targeting lymphedema in overweight breast cancer survivors shows promise in a mediterranean diet helping reducing lymphedema (Molina et al 2025 Nutrients). 

This theory will lead to future studies where they will need patients to help move the research from a mice model to human model.

Jean LaMantia, Registered Dietician has written several books on how diet can help lymphedema and LifestyleRX is another program to look into.  One of the things you can do on your own is track your food intake and if you notice increased swelling – check which foods you ate the day before to identify foods that are inflammatory for your system.

Written by: Sandi McConnach

Having tools to help with moving your lymph at home makes life a tad easier. Two that I have found very handy over the years are a vibration plate and a rebounder.

Vibration Plate

What is interesting about a vibration plate is the different ways it can be used to help move your lymph. Standing, sitting down with your feet on the vibration plate or having your arm on the vibration plate.

I find I like setting up my vibration plate in my kitchen close enough to the counter so I can grab it if I get off balance. If you feel pins and needles when you are using your vibration plate don’t panic. It is a sign that you have been moving your lymph. I have found that I need to have shoes on when I use my vibration plate. 

Start with the vibration on a low level. As Jean LaMantia says in Complementary Therapies for Lymphedema ‘If you plan to try a vibration plate “start low and go slow.” Start with 5 to 10 minute sessions and low vibration. Drink water before and after your session. 

Vibration plates range in price, depending on what features you want. Check out the weight restrictions before you decide. Check with your lymphedema therapist and see what they would recommend.

There are some good vibration plate videos on YouTube. Here is a link to some of them 

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&hs=VZP&sca_esv=7127d2bfff853169&rls=en&udm=7&q=using+a+vibration+plate+for+lymphatic+drainage&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiuj-LmlP2TAxWTEDQIHaGTHPwQ8ccDKAJ6BAgdEAQ&biw=1203&bih=557&dpr=2#ip=1

Rebounder

Interestingly for all the popularity of the rebounder in the Lymphedema community there are no studies on it as how it helps Lymphedema or Lipedema. There are studies showing it’s benefits for other conditions include lung function, anaerobic performance, blood pressure, bone density and quality of life. Anecdotally many dealing with lymphatic conditions find it helps move the lymph and feel better after using their rebounders.

My rebounder has a senior bar that I can hold onto when bouncing. It comes in handy for those of us dealing with balance issues. Again start slow, move your feet and get the feel of the movement before doing any bouncing. Bounce for 10 to 15 minutes and again drink some water before and after a session. I find having my rebounder set up so I can watch tv while bouncing. Again there are several rebounder work outs on YouTube.

One advantage of both of these tools is the ability to use them year round. The more we move our lymph the better we feel, either vibrating or bouncing.

Written by: Willa Condy

The gold standard for managing lymphedema (LE) includes compression, manual lymph drainage, skin care, and exercise—but nutrition plays an important role as well.

I’ve learned that an anti-inflammatory approach to eating can be especially beneficial. After completing the Lifestyle RX program, I gained practical strategies to support lymphatic health through diet. Personally, I’ve lost a few pounds, feel more energized and am motivated to make healthier food choices—though it can still be challenging at times.  

A few changes I made: the biggest was increasing my protein intake, which helps me stay full longer and has significantly reduced my sweet cravings. My go-to protein sources include beans and lentils, plain non-fat Greek yogurt, dry curd cottage cheese, chicken breast, and fish like sardines & salmon. I also swap white pasta for chickpea pasta, which is higher in both fibre and protein.

I now fast for 12–14 hours each day and include sauerkraut in my daily salads. Because of these changes, I only occasionally enjoy a small baked treat or something sweet—and I feel healthier because of it.
I’ve learned to focus on progress over perfection—better, not perfect!

Here are a few key tips:

1. Stay well hydrated throughout the day—water is the best and easiest choice. 

2. Focus on whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, unprocessed proteins, and plenty of herbs and spices. 

3. Limit ultra-processed foods. It’s not always easy, but it can make a meaningful difference. 

4. Aim for at least 30 grams of fibre daily. Include foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, and whole grains such as oats, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and psyllium. For example, adding a tablespoon each of chia, hemp, and ground flaxseed to cereal or oats with berries is a simple boost. 

5. “Eat the rainbow” by including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your meals. 

6. Support gut health with fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, and kombucha. 

7. Limit alcohol intake. 

8. Target about 1.2–1.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily (roughly 30–50 grams per meal). Good sources include lean meats, chicken breast, fish, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, tofu, tempeh, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. 

9. Reduce saturated fats by choosing healthier options like olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil instead of butter or lard. 

10. Consider a lower-fat version of the Mediterranean diet—cut back on fatty meats, processed foods, excess salt, and high-fat dairy. 

Some great resources on lymphedema and diet:

The Complete Lymphedema Management and Nutrition Guide: Empowering Strategies, Supporting Recipes and Therapeutic Exercises, by Jean LaMantia & Ann DiMenna 

Lymphedema and Lipedema Nutrition Guide, by Chuck Ehrlich & Associates

Lifestyle RX - a MSP covered, virtual lifestyle medicine program which was initially a program to reverse Type 2 Diabetes and improve metabolic health, but now also includes several other conditions including high cholesterol and lymphedema. https://lifestylerx.io/

Grace Dedinsky-Rutherford, BSc, RMT, CDT (Dr. Vodder)
Registered Massage Therapist, British Columbia

I have been a Registered Massage Therapist in British Columbia since 1992. After completing my Bachelor of Science degree at the University of British Columbia, my intention was to pursue a career in rehabilitation medicine. However, life intervened in a way that profoundly reshaped both my personal and professional path.

Shortly after graduating from UBC, my father was diagnosed with a Grade IV glioblastoma brain tumour. Faced with the reality of his prognosis and wanting to remain close to home to support him during his illness, I enrolled in and completed the two-year Massage Therapy program in British Columbia. What began as a practical decision soon became deeply meaningful.

During the final months of my father’s life, as his body systems began to shut down, he developed significant edema. With only the foundational manual lymph drainage (MLD) skills I had learned in school, I did what I could to offer comfort and relief. While I did not yet fully understand the lymphatic system or the scope of what MLD could offer, I witnessed firsthand how gentle, skilled touch could ease discomfort, reduce tension, and provide a sense of calm during the most vulnerable phase of life. That experience stayed with me long after my father passed away following a 22-month journey with cancer.

Years later, while teaching at a massage therapy college, the topic of manual lymph drainage was raised during instruction. In that moment, my clinical work and my personal history converged. I recognized that my experience “walking with cancer” alongside my father—and the limited yet meaningful relief MLD had provided him—was calling me to deepen my knowledge. I enrolled in the Dr. Vodder School and became a Certified Dr. Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage Therapist. I have never looked back.

Now, after more than 26 years as a certified Dr. Vodder therapist, I have had the privilege of working with hundreds—indeed thousands—of individuals living with lymphatic and vascular conditions. These include primary and secondary lymphedema, lipedema, venous insufficiencies, post-surgical swelling following hip and knee replacements, and complex oncologic presentations. Each patient brings a unique story, yet they are united by the quiet perseverance required to navigate the world with chronic swelling, altered body image, recurrent infections, and ongoing self-management demands.

In 2009, after years of treating patients and advocating within the medical community in North Vancouver, I collaborated with my patients to host a Lymphedema Awareness Day. This event marked a significant milestone, as it coincided with the launch of the British Columbia Lymphedema Association (BCLA). The day provided a rare and powerful opportunity for individuals living with lymphedema to gather, share experiences, and recognize that they were not alone in managing a swollen arm, leg, face, or trunk. The collective sense of validation and community was profound.

Reflecting on decades of clinical practice, it is impossible to select a single defining patient story. Instead, what stands out is the cumulative impact of walking alongside individuals who manage their conditions daily through manual lymph drainage, compression therapy, bandaging, exercise, meticulous skin care, and constant vigilance against cellulitis. Their resilience is humbling, and their trust has been one of the greatest gifts of my professional life.

What began as a desire to help my father became not just a career, but a vocation. Over the past six years, that vocation has evolved further as I assumed leadership within the Dr. Vodder School International educational program. Through this role, I have had the opportunity to support the education of therapists and, by extension, the care of patients across Canada, the United States, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Each day, I am reminded that lymphatic care is both a science and an art—one rooted in anatomy, physiology, and evidence-based practice, yet equally grounded in compassion, patience, and human connection. My cup is truly full, and I continue to find deep joy and purpose in the work I am privileged to do.

Compression garments. We do need them but I think honestly we all have a love hate relationship. Buying it isn’t cheap. Replacing it has to be done on a regular basis. In summer they are hot and uncomfortable.  Why do we bother? That is the question that inquiring minds want answered.

Do you know compression was actually used in ancient Egypt and Rome? Doctors had figured wrapping legs with bandages helped with leg ulcers and other ailments.

How much compression is enough? That is a question to discuss with your medical support team and a qualified fitter. Something to always remember you can always go up to a higher grade of compression but once you move up it is harder to go down.

Why bother with going to a certified fitter? They can evaluate the area that you need compression on and determine which garment is best to work. They consider the shape of the limb involved determines if the patient can use a ready-made garment or requires a custom fit. 

When we are getting fitted our attention is on the finished product — not all the steps that the fitter takes to get that perfect fit. Three cheers for a good fitter! They also know from the severity of the Lymphedema or Lipedema what level compression to use. 

Compression is still the gold standard for helping control lymphedema and lipedema.

Tips for garments is to keep them clean. Washing daily is a must. Unfortunately garments do lose their elasticity and they need to be replaced after six months of daily wear.

Yes, you can get a sunburn through your garments. So use sunscreen before putting on your garments or wear sun protected clothing over top to protect your skin.

I know compression garments are now being used by top athletes. But the true heroes are those with lymphatic disease that wear their compression. 

Written by: Willa

Tina Martel is a professional artist, author/illustrator and retired art instructor. Her professional credentials include a Bachelor of Fine Arts from AU Arts in Calgary and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Calgary.  Both are in painting, which led her to a career as both a practicing artist and award winning instructor at Northwest Polytechnic in Alberta. She has exhibited across Canada, the USA, Germany, Estonia, Israel, China and Korea. In spite of the label of painter, her exhibitions have spanned a variety of media including mixed media acrylic, drawing, paper making, sculpture, installation and video. 

In 2011, after being diagnosed with Stage 2B breast cancer, she was treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The diagnosis led her to write and illustrate the book Not in the Pink, about her experience. She referred to it as the book she wanted to read and frequently describes herself as “an artist who accidentally wrote a book.” The book went on to win a place on several best seller lists as well as 11 awards, including the Whistler Independent Book Award in 2018.

Unfortunately, she was diagnosed again with Stage 1 breast cancer in 2015. Thankful for the early diagnosis, she was treated with surgery and radiation. Tina continued to teach through most of her recovery, eventually succumbing to exhaustion due to the relentless follow-up and stress inducing results. At this point in 2019 she opted for a double mastectomy, without reconstruction. This decision changed the course of her personal artwork as she started focusing more on her healing body as a source of inspiration. This opened up an avenue to become an advocate for women in her same situation. 

At this crossroads Tina started an Instagram account to find fashion that fit her own altered body and launched a very public forum of her opinion. Her account remains to this day a focus for her energy. The account now fluctuates between fashion for flat women and dealing with multiple cancer diagnoses, as she was diagnosed with an extremely rare and incurable Tcell lymphoma in 2021 followed by a diagnosis of MEC (mucoepidermoid carcinoma) in 2022. Lymphedema in both her neck and arm were diagnosed in 2023. Mental health and cancer was added to the mix of what she openly discussed on her account.

Creating the Kintsugi photos has been a dream of hers for several years. Tina was fascinated by the Japanese philosophy which espoused gilding the cracks in broken ceramic work instead of destroying them as useless. She applied that theory to her own body and gold leafed her numerous scars to illustrate that she wasn’t broken, that the scars merely add to the beauty of the human body. She is now releasing the images publicly. 

Tina lives happily in Langford with her husband and fellow artist Doug Wills. Her health status is currently stable and she lives fervently by the idea of living in the moment. When she is not in the studio or at medical appointments she can be found modelling, walking local runways, writing or on the beach with her beloved seals.

http://notinthepink.ca

http://www.tinamartel.com

This month, I wanted to focus on self-love. With Valentine’s Day in February and love in the air, it’s the perfect time to turn some of that love inward. What are you doing for yourself this month?

Show yourself—and your lymphedema—some extra love with a few gentle, nurturing practices:

• Practice diaphragmatic breathing

• Do manual self-massage in the morning or before bed

• Recite positive affirmations, such as:
  I am filled with loving kindness. I am healthy. I am happy. I have peace of mind and ease of heart.

• Get outside for some fresh air and walk among the trees

• Dance to your favorite song

• Soak in a bath, exfoliate, and moisturize your skin

• At the end of the day, lie on the ground with your feet and legs up the wall for 10 minutes

Take a moment to list all the things you are doing right for your lymphedema. Celebrate those efforts. You are special and worthy of love. Don’t wait for someone else to tell you—tell yourself.

A Resource I’m Loving

One of the people I follow on Instagram is Leah from The Lymph Love Club. I love how she confidently wears a bodysuit that shows the lymphatic system and shares such interesting, educational posts. While researching for this article, I finally explored her website and discovered a fantastic blog, including “4 Things to Expect After Your First Lymphatic Drainage Session” and “The Battle of the Betters: Rebounder vs. Vibration Plate.”

Wow—what great information! I’ll definitely be visiting her site more often, and I encourage you to check it out too.

BCLA President - Sandi McConnach

Heather’s Story, Finding Purpose Through Lymphedema 

May 2023 a diagnosis of a rare cancer led to a very radical surgery and subsequently being advised I was at high risk of lymphedema from multiple groin lymph node removal. Having been healthy and surgery free, I kept asking so what is this condition lymphedema? Online searches led to  American webinars that informed beyond expectations.  But it was online searches now focused on Canada and BC that brought me to the BC Lymphedema Association. This provided an ability to self manage and come up with treatment assessment, plans for MLD and compressions.

This is when I found purpose - increase local awareness of the BCLA!!  I learned  through home support workers and others how prevalent the condition was and that folks without benefit plans could not afford  MLD or compressions. A call to BCLA President Sandi McConnach provided permission to use their logo to create a business card size handout for sharing with client/patients so they had some self-help assistance.  Building a network in Chilliwack drove a desire to someday host a Fraser Valley or local event.

Beyond my dreams that day came from a general discussion with Sandi on another matter it led to her advising if I found the venue and marketing options it would BCLA would host event in Chilliwack and it could align with World Lymphedema Day (March 9). Having coordinated other events in Chilliwack I was more than ready! Quickly the 2025 event resulted with 40 attendees (some travelling 1.5 hours  to learn).

“All edema is lymphedema” is one of the new things I learned partnering with BC Cancer to present on lymphedema at the BC Cancer summit on November 20, 2025.  The topic was expanding access to lymphedema care with topics of:

• Lymphedema assessment and medical management

• Head and neck lymphedema treatment

• Upper and lower extremity lymphedema treatment

• Development of handouts for self-measuring arms and legs at risk of developing lymphedema. (This is available on our website here: 

• BCLA and BC Cancer goals for lymphedema care.

 Presenters from BC Cancer included:

Dr. Lauren Capozzi, MD, PhD, Cancer Physiatrist – Kelowna

Lisa Kuhn, Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) – Victoria

Stefanie Del Gobbo, Sarah Budding Smith – Physiotherapists – Vancouver

Both Christine Chandler and myself shared our patient stories and what BCLA offers.

We are currently in the planning stages for the May 8^th, 2026 Lymphedema Education Day for professionals where you can learn more about  what was presented at the BC Cancer Summit.

BC Cancer and BCLA share the same goals for improving lymphedema care in BC and it will be an exciting year ahead to see progress in the following areas:

• Provision of online tools and protocols for practitioners and lymphedema patients

• Standardized practitioner training in lymphedema

• Early diagnosis of lymphedema

• Pre-screening and measuring of both limbs prior to surgery and post treatment follow up

• Patient education for self-management once diagnosed. 

Interestingly at lunch, we met the BC Cancer librarian from Victoria, Lorraine Leitz, who shared with us how to search the BC Cancer library site to find information on Lymphedema as they have great resources to share.  

In checking out their site, I also came across a link to all the clinical trials underway for lymphedema – lots of great information.  

To find the current pre-screening measurement tools as well as links to research, check out our Resources\Health Professional Resources page on our website.

Of course, at BC Lymphedema Association, we will continue to advocate for those affected by lymphedema that have not had cancer.