Charlotte Varcoe
A SECOND Lymphedema machine has been donated to the Limestone Coast Local Health Network in an effort to further screen those for the condition.
The $20,000 machine will be used to take base-line measurements prior to high-risk surgery as well as monitor and identify changes post-operation changes early and was donated by the Mount Gambier Breast Cancer Awareness Group which provided the funds for the machine.
Lymphedema – which is swelling in an arm or leg caused by a lymphatic system blockage – is commonly caused by lymph node removal or damage due to cancer treatment.
Mount Gambier McGrath Foundation breast care nurse Dana Mulraney said the new machine will enable her to observe base-line readings before patient’s undertake surgery and thus allow her to identify early post operation changes.
“This can be detected and immediate conservative treatments can be put in place,” Ms Mulraney said.
“Baseline measurements are important for ongoing surveillance after surgery which then allows us to identify any risks earlier.
“We are so lucky to have the Breast Cancer Awareness Group, especially with their fundraising efforts with all funds staying locally and through their dedicated fundraising efforts they have been able to purchase this machine and we are so grateful for that.”
Ms Mulraney will now work closely with lymphedema therapists within the region to undertake the baseline measurements and provide a local service for those at risk of the condition.
“I really look forward to providing this service locally and supporting our clients and patients closer to home,” she said.
“This will not only service those in Mount Gambier but also those around the Limestone Coast who will travel to Mount Gambier for their pre and post operation care.”
Breast Cancer Awareness Group president Jill Gilmore said the money for the machine came from the group’s saved funds which came from both fundraising and community donations.
“Having two machines available in Mount Gambier has been fought for for a very long time,” Ms Gilmore said.
“Lymphedema has been a topic which has been overlooked for a long time and we were more than happy to provide this extra service to those in need.”
Ms Gilmore said having the two machines would open up treatment availability for those in need.
“Having this extra machine open for the public means it will close the gap that is currently there,” she said.
“It is not a cheap treatment so to have as many people access it as possible is fantastic.”
All patients referred, will undertake a baseline reading prior to surgery as part of their education session, referral to our lymphedema therapist for ongoing management post surgery and monitoring will be included.
The machine will be available at the Mount Gambier Community Health Connect.
