Lymphedema Podcast Betty Westbrook

Lymphedema is alot! Genetics is alot! We dive deep into the fascinating world of the lymphatic system and how it can go haywire with Dr. Cohen. From birthmarks to complex anomalies, we explored it all. Here’s a sneak peek of what we covered:









* 🌿 The Lymphatic System 101: We discussed how this vital system works to manage fluid balance, fight infections, and more.







* 🧬 Genetic Mysteries: Dr. Cohen shed light on how genetic mutations play a role in complex lymphatic disorders, often appearing as a game of chance.







* 🤯 Complex Lymphatic Anomalies: We uncovered the diverse range of issues that can arise, affecting everything from bone health to the way blood clots.







* 💔 Guilt-Free Understanding: For parents, it’s essential to know that these conditions aren’t due to anything they did – it’s all about genetic luck.









Dr. Cohen is a clinical fellow at the Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University in Saint Louis. Originally from New York, Dr. Cohen now lives in Saint Louis Missouri where he works as a clinical oncologist and hematologist for adult patients. He is also a clinical researcher in the field of lymphedema with a focus on molecular drivers of disease and targeted therapies. He has 2 children, Gabe, age 6 years and Ruby, age 10 years who was born with primary lymphedema and a central conduction lymphatic anomaly.







Stay tuned for part two where we’ll explore diagnosis, imaging, and exciting pharmaceutical developments. Remember, you’re never alone on your lymphedema journey. Keep sharing, keep learning, and keep supporting one another!

This week on the podcast we are going back in time to the very first episode “What is Lymphedema?”







My hope is that this will be a refresher for anyone who listens regularly, pin this important foundational episode to the top of my content, and prepare you for the two part series that will release soon with Dr. Cohen on genetics and their role in lymphedema presentation.







Enjoy this baby Betty episode pulled straight from the vault 🙂 Enjoy this baby Betty headshot as well

https://www.brylansfeat.org/campwatchme







Brylan’s Feat Foundation would like to sincerely thank each and everyone of our Camp Watchme sponsors for truly going above and beyond for our summer camp. We would not be able to host such a wonderful experience for the pediatric lymphedema community without Jobst, L&R USA, Airos Medical, Pure Medical, LymphaPress, Medi for Help, Juzo, LymphEd, Klose Training, Wear Ease Inc., and Bio Concepts. 







From the monetary support, bandaging supplies, garments, swag, pumps, and product education on-site, these companies/businesses are instrumental in creating such a life changing experience for all that attend. 







We would also like to extend a huge shout out to our incredible certified lymphedema therapists and patient advocates that volunteer their time and gift campers with their knowledge and expertise to ensure the best care possible. 

In this engaging episode of the Lymphedema Podcast, host Betty provides a comprehensive rundown of the exciting array of upcoming conferences and educational courses set to take place throughout the upcoming fall season. Click on the links below to access them.









* Pediatric Lymphedema certification course- Dallas TX







* Online Seminar//Lymphedema Seminars







* NLN conference// Philadelphia, PA







* Canadian Lymphedema Framework Conference// Toronto, ON







* Boston Lymphatic Symposium// Boston MA







* Lymphedema Skill Building course// Denver, CO







* ISL 2023// Genova, IT

This episode discusses recent changes in Medicare policies regarding a four-week trial for pneumatic compression pumps, used to manage lymphedema. While there was initial confusion that Medicare removed the requirement for a four-week trial, Betty clarifies that the trial is still necessary. However, certain wording and specific anatomical measurements have been relaxed, and the requirement for “no significant improvement” for coverage has been removed. Betty emphasizes the importance of continued education and research to provide accurate information to the lymphedema community.

Sidney Jacobs Primary Lymphedema Journey







Have you ever met someone and you hit it off immediately? It’s not until later that you look back and think “I am so glad our lives crossed paths!” That is Sidney Jacobs in a few words. Sidney is the guest host for Lymphedema Podcast this week where she shares her story. She takes you through her diagnosis, lessons learned, and her current inspiration for giving back to the lymphedema community. 







Please enjoy this episode and share with others who need some Sidney in their life!