Geneva center to discuss managing lymphedema

LivingWell Cancer Resource Center, a provider of nonmedical support at no cost for people living with cancer, will host a presentation on managing lymphedema from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at LivingWell, 1803 W. State St. in Geneva. It is open to the public.

Registered and licensed occupational therapist Kristen Hogberg of Central DuPage Hospital will give the presentation addressing this side effect of cancer treatment many survivors face in which lymphatic fluid is retained rather than circulated through the body. Hogberg will discuss prevention, and standard and newest treatment options for managing lymphedema, and offer information on where to go for further help.

"Managing lymphedema can mean the difference in this condition being non-disruptive rather than life-altering," said Kristen Hogberg, senior occupational therapist, Central DuPage Hospital. "Untreated lymphedema is unnecessarily uncomfortable and can even pose a risk of infection in the affected area. Ideally, cancer patients should know if they are at risk for developing lymphedema and prevention should be of utmost importance."

The Managing Lymphedema presentation is part of a Six Weeks of Wellness program focusing on Optimizing Health for Cancer Survivors.

Upcoming presentations include: "Maintaining a Healthy Weight After Cancer;" "Is it 'In the Family?' A Genetics Panel Discussion;" "An Unknown Side Effect: The Psychological Impact of Cancer;" "Can Alternative and Complementary Therapies Help?;" and "Optimizing Bone Health." Attendees are welcome to attend any number of the presentations and are not obligated to be present for the entire series.

LivingWell Cancer Resource Center is the one place in the Fox Valley region where people living with cancer, their families and friends, can go for information and support services that address the challenges of living with cancer free of charge to the participants.

LivingWell offers networking and support groups, educational programs, mind-body fitness classes, youth programs, a library, individual psychological and nutritional counseling and much more. Visit www.LivingWellCRC.org. LivingWell is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be contacted at (630) 262-1111.