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!