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What is the highest peak in The Himalayas?
FROM OPP. PAGE
Lymphedema can be caused by a number of different reasons. Cancer related therapies can be one of them.
Lymhedema can be very debilitating for people, resulting in physical inactivity, a loss of confidence in the body, poor body image, psychological distress, a lack of self-confidence in social activities, recreational activities, and in performing self-care, social anxiety and avoidance and sexuality concerns
The SOZO machine is designed to detect small lymphedemarelated fluid changes in the limbs and LDex compares the fluid in a limb at-risk for lymphedema to a healthy limb in order to help detect lymphedema.
“We are now able to take baseline readings before our patients have their surgery which is great because it will allow us to identify early post op changes which can be detected and immediate conservative treatments can be put in place to try and minimise the effects,” Dana said. “Baseline measurements are important for ongoing surveillance after surgery which then allows us to identify any risks earlier and earlier detection can lead to better health outcomes and better management.”
In the case of the critical SOZO machine, it was the Mount Gambier Breast Cancer Awareness Group that donated the machine to the Limestone Coast Local Health Network Country Health Connect.
“The support of the group and the fundraising efforts locally are phenomenal,” Dana said. “We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated group who through their fundraising efforts locally have been able to purchase the machine.”
The cost of the machine and licencing was $15,000 and with the machine up and running, the LDex screening will become part of pre op education and screening. Baseline assessment will be included and early referral to the lymphoedema therapists for high risk patients for ongoing monitoring and management postsurgery (pictured).
The lymphoedema therapists will also have access to the machine for all their lymphoedema patients and their requirements not just breast ladies. “I work very closely with the lymphoedema therapists locally Shelley Jevtic, Jess Lewis and Alison Napper, based in Naracoorte,” Dana said. “Additional funding to expand these services would be ideal moving forward, however grateful that we are slowly closing the gap and able to provide services locally to those in need.”

OCTOBER BREAST CANCER

AWARENESS MONTH

