GIFT DOUBLE Your goes
In December and January, your gift for lymphedema goes double!
Yes! Donate, and the friendly partners of the LAQ will match your gift!
The leading compression manufacturers are pumped to burst with generosity this holiday season. So give generously to support people living with lymphedema. Thousands of Quebecers are affected by this chronic swelling and need the LAQ’s help.
GO AHEAD! Take advantage of your tax deductions between now and December 31. Or share the holiday spirit with us - before or after you unwrap your gifts.
HELP TWICE AS MANY PEOPLE BY GIVING TODAY!
IT’S EASY TO MULTIPLY THE IMPACT OF YOUR GIFT. JUST CLICK ON THIS BUTTON MY GIFT GOES DOUBLE
Thank you for supporting the activities of the Lymphedema Association of Québec (LAQ), the only organization dedicated to helping people living with lymphedema and advocating on their behalf.
A huge thank you to our partners, all “pumped up” to double your donations
BY YOU and FOR YOU! THE LAQ
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Imminent closure of the MUHC Lymphedema Clinic
Dear Patient,
We are sorry to inform you that, due to lack of Medicare funding, the MUHC Lymphedema Clinic based at 5252 boul. de Maisonneuve West is threatened with closure or significant downsizing and may no longer be able to offer you services as of April 2025.
The Lymphedema Program of the McGill University Health Centre has been an internationally recognized leader in the field and a LE&RN Network of Excel lence, in the same league as the lymphedema programs at the Mayo Clinic and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the USA. To date, it is the only such program thus recognized in Canada. The clinic has been charitably funded by various generous Foundations, Associations, and individuals since 2006. That charitable funding cannot be sustained. But why should basic clinical services be charitably funded? Public funding for cancerrelated lymphedema diagnostics and patient services is long overdue. Since February 2024 the MUHC administration has been working hard to secure new public funding to ensure patient care and access to our specialized lymphedema program, which serves all of Québec. We are now advised that no new government funding is available and that the MUHC may not have the budget to integrate this clinic.
To obtain services privately from lymphedema therapists in the community, please refer to the Resource Guide on the website of the Lymphedema Association of Québec. If you want to support lymphedema care development in Québec, you may wish to become a member of the LAQ.
If you have comments about this situation, you may wish to contact the ombudsman of the McGill University Health Centre through the online form (English), via email at ombudsman@muhc.mcgill.ca, or Tel: 514-934-8306. You may also wish to contact hospital administrators, and/or your government deputy.
On behalf of myself and the staff of the MUHC Lymphedema Clinic, we would like to express our great regret at having to convey this potentially distressing news to you. For support, please contact your primary healthcare providers.
With best regards,
Dr. Anna
Towers, MD Director, MUHC Lymphedema Clinic anna.towers@mcgill.ca
PROTEST!
Put pressure on the MUHC with us!
Don’t let us close or further underfund our Lymphedema Clinic at the MUHC - the only supra-regional lymphedema center in Québec!
We’ve prepared a text for you to email to the decisionmakers who hold the future of our only leading-edge center of expertise in their hands. Click here and follow the instructions. Make your voice heard!
We need your testimonial
Are you a patient of Dr. Towers’ Lymphedema Clinic? Is your lymphedema related to cancer?
We need your testimonial to get the media talking about the real people who need the Clinic’s services. Write to us at aql@infolympho.ca, indicating “Testimonial for the Clinic”.
Thank you for speaking up!
Canadian prevalence: A 25% leap
The Canadian Lymphedema Framework (CLF) has just finished doing research to update prevalence figures for lymphedema in Canada. The rate is increasing at a worrisome rate. The article detailing this will be published on December 6th. Over 1.25 million Canadians have lymphedema. The number of people affected in Québec is therefore estimated at 271,000, or 30 out of every 1,000 individuals. This represents an increase of 25% compared to the latest data for 2017. However, lymphedema is not recognized and is largely undiagnosed and untreated in Canada.
New lymphedema prevalence figures. It’s been seven years since the first numbers for Canada were published. The Canadian Lymphedema Framework has updated their numbers based on the newly released cancer and non-cancer related incidence rates data published in October.
The astonishing number is 1.25 million Canadians estimated to be living with lymphedema. To put it in perspective, that’s the equivalent of a third of the population suffering from diabetes. Yet diagnosis and treatment are still beyond reach for most Canadians, despite our national healthcare program.
Groundbreaking evidence on best practices for lymphedema diagnosis, treatment and education, was also recently released. Eight Canadians were among the 35 North American opinion experts involved in bringing this extensive body of work to fruition. The abstracts of the collection of 13 Research Papers and Consensus Statements are listed in the Winter 2025 Pathways. Several follow-up interviews and articles, exploring the impact to clinical practise, are scheduled over the next 12 months.
Cancer survivorship issues. Lymphedema is one of the most debilitating cancer survivorship issues that patients face, causing long-term physical, psychological and social-economic problems for patients and greatly impacting quality of life. Repeated infections are one of the major risk factors for lymphedema progression. Untreated, these infections spread extremely quickly and are life threatening.
Lymphedema cannot at this time be cured but management strategies are internationally agreed upon. Early recognition is key to successful management.
Strategies include:
• Assessment and diagnosis
• Compression therapy to reduce swelling and compression garments to control swelling once reduced
• Manual therapies.
• Exercise
• Meticulous skin care to reduce the risk of infections
• Education in self-management strategies
Barriers to care. Access to care and the cost of care are the key barriers to lymphedema management. In the past many cancer centers in Ontario had lymphedema clinics as part of survivorship programs, but many of these programs have fallen victim to cost cutting measures in hospitals. As a result, many patients go undiagnosed and untreated, leading to more serious progression and complications. Fortunately, in Québec, compression garments can be covered up to 75% by the RAMQ’s Lymphedema Compression Garment Program, but obtaining a diagnosis, which remains the prerequisite for access to this program, is often very difficult for patients. Other important and expensive components of care are not covered.
A Reimbursement Study done by the CLF highlighted the lack of compression coverage in many of the provinces.
Canada has only a handful of physicians specializing in lymphedema care. The MUHC Program, also known as the Lymphedema Support Centre of the Québec Breast Cancer Foundation is the only MSSS-accredited supraregional lymphedema center in Québec and the one and only Canadian Centre of Excellence for lymphedema care (LE&RN).
Disparity. In the 2023 federal budget, the Canadian Government invested more than $200 billion over 10 years to support the Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians Plan. Yet cancer survivorships and rehabilitation were not among the priorities outlined in the plan. Many existing hospital-based lymphedema clinics are forced to close their programs, due to lost funding (for example charitable support).
The figures speak for themselves, as do the scale of need and distress. When will we finally act to provide a truly structured care network for those who bear the heavy burden of lymphedema?
On the road to Santiago de Compostela Story of an inner journey for lymphedema
By Delphine Watieaux
I suffer from primary lymphedema of the lower limbs, a rare disease caused by a malformation of the lymphatic system, diagnosed late at the age of 42. This pathology, which causes chronic edema, is disabling and requires daily care. Yet it remains largely unknown to the general public. In 2021, I joined the Association Vivre Mieux le Lymphœdème to meet people living with this condition and break the isolation it imposes.
WHY COMPOSTELLE?
In May 2023, I decided to set myself a challenge: walk the Camino de Compostela to reconnect with myself, go beyond my limits and raise awareness of this rare disease. With my friend Sébastien, who had already walked the route several times, we set off from Le Puy-en-Velay to reach Conques in ten days. The aim was twofold: to draw attention to lymphedema and to give visibility to the association.
It was a complicated start. I had huge doubts about my physical capabilities and my ability to keep up with such a pace. But step by step, I regained my self-confidence. Meetings with other pilgrims, friendly exchanges and the support of Radio Camino, a
platform that connects walkers, helped me a lot. These moments of sharing helped me to overcome my fears. When I reached Conques, I was proud to have walked those 200 km, but part of me felt a lack. I wanted to go on. The path was calling me.
RESUMING THE ROUTE
In September 2023, with renewed determination, I picked up where I left off, with the aim of completing the French section to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The trip was another opportunity to raise awareness of the disease, meet healthcare professionals and exchange ideas with other pilgrims. Each stage was a lesson in surpassing oneself. A few days before the Col de Roncevaux, Sébastien joined me to accompany me on this emblematic part of the route.
Climbing the Col de Roncevaux was a real ordeal, but also a moment of triumph. Just a few months earlier, I’d doubted I could walk 200 km, but now I’d crossed one of the most symbolic sections of the route. I was immensely proud. After this stage, Sébastien accompanied me as far as Pamplona, before leaving to attend to his personal obligations. I was now alone to face my challenge.
GOING ON ALONE, DESPITE FEARS
Walking alone in Spain, a country where I speak neither Spanish nor English, terrified me. But the will to reach Compostela was stronger. The encouragement of my family, my children and the people who followed me on social networks gave me the strength to keep going. Every day, I made a little more progress, one step at a time, bringing me closer to my goal. I kept telling myself, “Lymphedema won’t win.”
As the miles went by, I learned to see this disease as an imposed companion. I would talk to it, as if it were a person, and tell it that it would no longer prevent me from living life to the full. These inner dialogues helped me to tame my condition and give it less weight in my life. Fears and doubts gradually turned into courage.
LIBERATION AND TRANSFORMATION
The journey was a liberating experience. I cried many tears, but those tears took away my anxieties. Every step made me lighter, physically and emotionally. The disease, once so invasive, seemed less of a burden. I realized that I was capable of much more than I had thought. On November 30, after 1515 km, I finally reached Compostelle.
It was a moment filled with immense pride. I, who had doubted so much, had accomplished the unthinkable. Those 1515 km symbolized much more than distance: they represented my inner transformation, my regaining of self-confidence. When I arrived, I no longer felt sadness or frustration, but an immense desire to live life to the full.
A SHARED ACHIEVEMENT
Sébastien was there to welcome me to Compostelle. We celebrated this victory together. His look of pride touched me deeply. These moments of shared joy will stay with me forever. On my return to France on December 2, I was able to recount my adventure to my family, hoping to pass on the hope and strength I had found on the way.
AFTER COMPOSTELA
Why walk the Camino de Compostela with lymphedema? To come to terms with my rare disease, realize my abilities, gain self-confidence and accept myself as I am. To raise public awareness of the disease, of physical differences and of the association.
This journey will remain a turning point in my life. It enabled me to make more people aware of lymphedema, to break the taboos surrounding this disease and to show that, despite the obstacles, it is possible to surpass oneself. Today, I no longer see lymphedema as a hindrance, but as a part of me that I’ve learned to accept. Compostelle transformed me. And I carry this transformation with me, every day, as a reminder of my ability to bounce back in the face of adversity.
Discover “À toutes jambes vers Compostelle”
The inspiring story of Delphine Watieaux, who has suffered from primary lymphedema since the age of 12. Between medical wandering, a late diagnosis at the age of 42, resilience and incredible adventures, this book tells the story of a battle against the invisible, a life-changing reunion and a 1515 km pilgrimage on the Camino de Compostela. A tale of hope, openness and courage, to show that it is possible to bounce back despite illness. The book will be published shortly by Éditions Albatros. Coming soon to Quebec bookstores!
Convincing research on lymphedema at the MUHC Incidence of lymphedema related to various cancers
Conducted by Marie-Eve Letellier, Marize Ibrahim, Anna Towers and Geneviève Chaput of the Lymphedema Clinic of the MUHC, the literature review “Incidence of Lymphedema
Related to Various Cancers” examines how lymphedema - a common but often overlooked condition - affects people with different types of cancer.
The analysis reveals that cancer-related lymphedema (CRL) remains underdiagnosed and misinterpreted, particularly in certain demographic groups and due to prevailing healthcare biases.
One of the main aspects highlighted is the frequent misdiagnosis or under-diagnosis of lymphedema, which is often confused with obesity, cellulitis or post-operative edema. Many healthcare professionals lack the training or experience to recognize CRL quickly, which worsens the patient’s condition, as rapid diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. The analysis also highlights that CRL disproportionately affects women, as the majority of breast, gynecological and head and neck cancer patients are female, leading to a higher incidence of lymphedema in this group.
Part of the publication explores why CRL is so often overlooked. The insidious nature of the condition, combined with the absence of standardized diagnostic criteria, contributes to the healthcare system’s delay in recognizing and treating CRL. The variability of lymphedema manifestations between different cancer types and
individual patients complicates diagnosis, leading to inconsistent data and under-reporting.
The article also looks at the “lymphedema-obesity-insulin connection”, establishing a correlation between obesity and the risk of developing lymphedema. Obesity creates additional pressure on the lymphatic system, aggravating water retention and complicating the management of CRL. High insulin levels further exacerbate this burden, as they contribute to tissue inflammation and fibrosis, worsening lymphedema progression.
Overall, this literature review highlights the importance of early diagnosis, multidisciplinary care and lifestyle interventions for patients with CRL. With comprehensive and informed management approaches, healthcare professionals can better support people living with lymphedema. For more information, please refer to the full literature review.
Survey on lymphedema and sexuality
Do you have questions or concerns about sexuality and lymphedema? The Lymphedema Association of Québec (LAQ) wants to better understand your needs so that we can create resources tailored to you.
The Lymphedema Association of Québec is seeking your interest in learning more about lymphedema and sexuality. This anonymous survey is intended for anyone with lymphedema or at risk of developing lymphedema, as well as healthcare professionals in contact with them. The results of the survey will help the LAQ work in collaboration with the CHUM to develop useful resources concerning the intimacy and sexuality component that is also part of life for people with lymphedema. Thank you for taking the survey.
Together, we can break taboos and enrich the intimate lives of those affected by lymphedema.
IN REAL ACTION
THE LAQ CELEBRATES WITH BRADAY
On October 2, the LAQ met with participants, organizations and healthcare professionals at the 10th edition of the Soirée Bravoure at the CHUM. It was a return to the warm and festive atmosphere of this chic and dynamic event. The event, which demystifies breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors, enables the LAQ to raise awareness among women at risk of lymphedema.
To support us in our educational work, the very friendly Chantal Turgeon and Sibylle Frey, certified lymphedema therapists, volunteered at the LAQ booth. Our president took the opportunity to speak with CHUM nurses and fraternize with organizations such as the Centre Se reconstruire, the CHUM physio team, the Fondation Virage and the Fondation québécoise du cancer.
Last but not least, we have forged links with Dr Ahmad Kaviani, a surgeon with a keen interest in lymphedema, and Dr Julian Diaz-Abele, a leader in the surgical prevention of lymphedema. A very promising approach.
Missed the event? You can view the presentations given by CHUM experts at the 10th edition of the Soirée Bravoure. A most instructive gift!
From left: President Anne-Marie Joncas, therapists Chantal Turgeon and Sibylle Frey raised awareness of lymphedema at this magnificent event.
IN REAL ACTION
CONGRATS to the Vodder 2024 cohort
Another rich cohort of Vodder-certified lymphedema therapists is taking root in Québec.
At the request of instructors Linda Koby Blanchfield and Marie-Eve Letellier, the LAQ went to meet these newly-certified professionals to introduce them to the resources available to their clients. Our president took the opportunity to highlight the benefits to sufferers of being guided towards self-management. After all, regaining autonomy and a rewarding life is one of the main objectives.
We take this opportunity to welcome six of these therapists who have qualified to become professional members of the LAQ. They are:
- Karine Lachance, Saguenay
- Mary-Ann Manzanal, L’Assomption
- Noémie Martinez, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield
- Magali Frève-Marchand, Lachenaie
- Marjorie Roy, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac
- Magdalena Ulanecka, Montréal
Did you know that by consulting a therapist who is a member in good standing of the LAQ, you are assured of being treated by a professional who complies with the LANA standards for lymphedema treatment?
Linda Koby Blanchfield, Certified Vodder Instructor, with Anne-Marie Joncas, President of the LAQ.
Self-massage of the upper limb with Louise Constant, TH
Your next online education and support group takes place on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Self-massage is a manual technique that is part of self-management. Different from lymphatic drainage performed by a lymphedema treatment professional, self-massage helps ensure proper lymph circulation at home.
With LOUISE CONSTANT, certified lymphedema therapist, learn and practice the basics of self-massage for the trunk and arm. ZOOM presentation in French. This free event organized by the LAQ will take place on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 7 p.m. Registration MANDATORY.
Lower limb self-massage
with Louise Constant, TH
Equally effective for the lower limbs, self-massage is a technique that needs to be mastered and performed daily.
Guided by LOUISE CONSTANT, certified lymphedema therapist, learn and practice the basics of self-massage for the trunk and leg. ZOOM presentation in French. This free event organized by the LAQ will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 7 p.m. Registration MANDATORY.
We look forward to seeing you!
This lymphedema event is made possible by the dedication of volunteer therapists and the Lymphedema Association of Québec. The LAQ’s mission is to support people at risk and those affected by lymphedema, while raising awareness of lymphedema as a chronic disease among health professionals.
Louise Constant
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
AQUALYMPHATICS: a wave of success!
The Tidhar Method® aqualympic therapy course, led by Maude Jubinville, was a real success this autumn, bringing together 8 participants. Thanks to water exercises that promote lymphatic circulation, this program publicized by the LAQ offered a gentle and effective approach to improving participants’ well-being. The next session is scheduled for this winter. Anyone interested in having a course in their area can contact Maude Jubinville, certified lymphedema therapist and aqualymphatic instructor.
READ PARTICIPANTS’ TESTIMONIALS OF APPRECIATION:
The hour spent in the pool with Maude is beneficial on so many levels. We are getting a therapeutic exercise session and having a fun time. This class is perfectly adaptable to any ability or medical condition. The hour passes so quick, twice a week would be great. Thanks Maude, for your passion in helping others regain their wellness. – Carole, Saint-Bruno
This course is an extraordinary discovery that allows me to do exercises in safety. I’m supervised by a professional in the field and being in the water makes everything easier. It’s the best gift I’ve ever given my body. Working with Maude is fun. - Lise, Saint-Hyacinthe
I’m super grateful to have access to a specialized aqualymphatics course adapted to everyone’s needs. The atmosphere is super fun, and the movements are easy to do, even for people with different physical conditions. Maude, our lymphedema professional, is an expert and a reference in this field. The class is light-hearted and fun, with simple yet effective movements to improve circulatory health. I highly recommend this class, which is a winning combination for anyone looking to improve their physical condition.
– Francine, Saint-Basile-le-Grand
I feel much better in the hours following the class, when my whole body is relaxed and at ease. I had always refused to exercise in an indoor pool before. Maude convinced me! I thank her for helping me feel better in my body, which has been injured for almost three years. – Myriel, Saint-Hyacinthe
Maude succeeded in convincing me to do water exercises. I have to admit that the benefits of her aqualymphatics class are very positive for my body as a whole, and the atmosphere is as fluid as the water. I’m in treatment with my physiotherapist and she has observed degrees of amplitude. I thank Maude for her professional guidance. – Lucie, Saint-Pie
Answer Dr. Towers’ call
Become a LAQ member
EXCLUSIVE LAQ MEMBER BENEFITS
• A Members’ Area containing all your tools, plus all RAMQ program documents, including the Request for Review form.
• Monthly newsletter L’info AQL
• Printed quarterly Pathways magazine
• Self-management booklet Learning to take charge
• Cellulitis Assistance Card
• Self-measurement guidelines for arms and legs
• L’info AQL Surgery edition
• VIP invitations for support education and groups plus events
• Your tools are mailed to you AND accessible in your online Member Section
The annual dues for Regular Members are $42.
I want to become a member!
THANK YOU to all donors! Give generously!
KUDOS!
The winners of the pre-launch of the Your gift goes double campaign who had the chance to participate in the November support group are:
- Cécile Choinière, Granby
- Sylvie Fortin, Gatineau
Congratulations to you ladies who have each won a gift card!
Welcome to the new members!
Great news for patients!
Six new therapists are joining the ranks of the LAQmeeting our training standards in every respect. Their contact details will appear shortly in the Lymphedema Directory 2025. In the meantime, you can obtain their telephone numbers by calling the LAQ at 514 979-2463.
The LAQ is proud to welcome six new members therapists who joined us in October:
- Karine Lachance, Saguenay
- Mary-Ann Manzanal, L’Assomption
- Noémie Martinez, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield
- Magali Frève-Marchand, Lachenaie
- Marjorie Roy, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac
- Magdalena Ulanecka, Montréal
The LAQ is proud to welcome twelve new regular members who joined us in October:
- Peter Adriance
- Francine Bessette
- Manon Blanchard
- Danielle Blouin
- Raymond Ippersiel
- Carole Langlois
- Geneviève Lord
- Paul Montreuil
- Sam Noury
- Lise Petit
- Diane Thiffault
- Myriel Valiquette
The LAQ is proud to have 190 regular members and a network of 70 therapist members.
SELF-MANAGEMENT AND SKIN CARE
Back to Basics
FOR MEMBERS ONLY
Skin care is essential to protect you from infection, and a vital part of taking care of yourself.
The skin is our body’s first line of defense! It acts as a barrier. But it can also be weakened if neglected.
Become a LAQ member HERE
Your skin needs regular care. This means : Cleansing - Moisturizing - Observation
To achieve this:
- Cleanse your body daily with a mild, moisturizing soap.
- Cream your body daily with a mild, unscented moisturizer.
- Observe your skin for signs, including wounds, dryness, irritation, cuts, redness and inflammation.
Although less effective than physical activity, dry brushing can help stimulate lymphatic circulation.
Be sure to choose an ULTRA GENTLE bristle and use circular, pressure-free strokes. Stop immediately at the slightest sign of irritation.
Also, use an electric razor to avoid cuts and skin irritation. Be gentle with yourself and your skin.
Consistent, gentle and appropriate gestures will help you manage your condition.
AND YOU?
What’s your favorite shower gel or moisturizer?
Is your skin drier in winter than in summer?
How do you react to natural moisturizers like olive oil, coconut oil or aloe vera?
OF MONTH
ALCOHOL AND LYMPHEDEMA WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Enjoying a drink on a special occasion is common, but if you have lymphedema, it’s important to understand how alcohol affects your body.
Alcohol is a diuretic, causing your kidneys to excrete more fluid than you consume. While this might sound helpful for reducing swelling, it doesn’t address the high protein concentration in lymphedema-affected tissues. The protein continues to attract water, and a rebound effect can lead to increased swelling over time.
Alcohol also weakens the immune system, which could make lymphedema patients more vulnerable to infections like cellulitis. As a vasodilator, alcohol relaxes small blood vessels, increasing blood flow to tissues. This adds to the lymphatic system’s workload, which is already compromised, potentially leaving you feeling more swollen the next day.
If you choose to drink, consider these tips:
• Take time to enjoy your drink and consider taking just one glass.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water between alcoholic beverages.
• Elevate your limb: This can help reduce swelling, depending on your lymphedema stage.
• Wear your compression garments: While not a complete solution, they can lessen swelling.
• Offer yourself the gift of a lymphatic massage: Professional care can help manage swelling and clear toxins.
Be mindful of how your body reacts and adjust your habits accordingly. Your health always comes first!