#017 – Lymphedema & Lymphatic System Intro – Part-1 – Dr. Paula Stewart
June 20, 2022
About This Episode:
If you’ve been diagnosed with a disease or had a major injury, you may have heard your Doctor talk about their focus on your “lymph nodes.” But do you know much about the lymphatic system, and how important the flow of lymphatic fluid is in your body?
Lymphedema is a disease that could affect cancer patients or anybody that has sustained an injury that could disrupt our bodies’ lymphatic system. Because this amazing fluid collection system in our body operates so effectively, it’s only in times when our bodies are compromised and lymphatic fluids begin building up in affected areas that many of us learn of its existence.
Dr. Paula Stewart, President of the Lymphology Association of North America, joins the Our Cancer Journey Podcast in this Part-1 of a two-part interview for the program. In this first episode Host Bruce Watkins and Dr. Stuart discuss how the lymphatic system was discovered, what it is and how it works, and the way the lymphatic system keeps our body healthy.
Problems with the flow of lymphatic fluids can cause serious harm to our body, and people that have had surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and possibly immunotherapy to address an illness are at higher risk of developing the disease of Lymphedema. This episode and its Part-2 companion are important for all patients and their caregivers to hear, because the topic is difficult for medical professionals to explain, and it’s often times misunderstood by patients.
Patients knowing the signs of lymphedema and seeking early intervention is critical to preventing the more serious effects of this disease. Host Bruce and Dr. Paula make a point to break down this complicated topic into very accessible and easy-to-understand concepts so everyone can benefit from this information.
Hear PART-2 of the interview with Dr. Stewart:
ANNOUNCING SEASON 2 of the OCJ Podcast!
The improbably positive and up-beat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience, IS BACK for its 2nd Season! We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics, and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we had to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!!
HEAR the Season 2 Trailer for the Our Cancer Journey Podcast Trailer by Clicking Here:
Have fun listening to the clips from the Trailer, this sonic ride, and don’t miss a new show by Following the Our Cancer Journey Podcast on your podcast apps, by following the show’s Official Facebook Page, or by visiting the Official Our Cancer Journey Podcast Website!
SPECIAL Announcement:
As mentioned in this episode, outside of hosting the Our Cancer Journey Podcast, Host Bruce Watkins is a writer, a media producer, and a speaker. In one of his recent projects, Bruce was tapped to produce a long-form Lymphedema Education Video for the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center (UCCC) in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. The University of Cincinnati, UCCC, and UC Health were kind enough to allow Bruce and the OCJ Podcast show to share this video with our listeners. Click Here to watch the UCCC Lymphedema Education Video.
References and Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Lymphology Association of North America website: https://www.clt-lana.org/
Books by Dr. Paula Stewart:
100 Questions & Answers About Lymphedema
Lymphedema Wellness Manual: The Interactive Lymphedema Management System for Patients and Therapists
Episode Guest: Paula JB Stewart MD
Paula JB Stewart MD, MS CLT-LANA graduated from Stanford University with a BA in Human
Biology and a Masters in Neurobiology. After graduating from Medical School at the University
of Minnesota in 1987, she completed her residency in PM&R at the Mayo Clinic in 1991. Dr. Stewart went on to establish one of the largest lymphedema clinics on the Eastern seaboard in Charlotte, NC at the Charlotte Institute of Rehabilitation where she served as the Research Director for 10 years, and eventually contributed to the Institute winning designation as a Model System for TBI for CIR.
In 1999, along with Dr. Joseph Feldman, Dr. Stewart participated in the founding of the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA), where she served in multiple leadership roles including Vice-President and eventually President of the Association. She has written multiple articles, co-authored books, and spoken nationally and internationally on the topic of lymphedema. Throughout this advocacy work, she has also held positions as a treating physician at clinics and medical centers in various locations.
Episode Host: Bruce Watkins
A Father, Cancer survivor, producer, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all.
After surviving cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind, and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving back.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/
About the Podcast:
If you are just discovering the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, …….
This Podcast is a place for those impacted with illness, their caregivers, their loved ones, and everyone wishing to prevent illness and enhance their life.
The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/
Follow Our Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcast
Subscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter:
https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/
View our Content Advisory Note Here: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/content-advisory-note/
Feedback and Subscribe
FEEDBACK: We’d Enjoy Hearing Your Feedback! Click Here to submit a message to the Our Cancer Journey Podcast.
SUBSCRIBE to our NEWSLETTER: Sign up to get on the Our Cancer Journey mailing list. We do not sell our subscribers’ information and will do our best to send meaningful information without “spammy” noise. We Promise! Click here and scroll down the page to the Subscribe button.
Thanks! The OCJ Team
Content Advisory Note:
The content of the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, our website, and of all other associated media forms is provided for informational, inspirational, and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. The information shared in our content and the views expressed by the hosts and guests of the program are their own. The Our Cancer Journey podcast with Bruce Watkins, its related media, and Fairlead Media do not suggest or intend that information or opinions shared in these media should or must replace the relationship you have with your chosen healthcare professional(s) and practitioner(s). The mention of any product, service, organization, activity, or therapy on a podcast should not be construed as an endorsement. If paid or free promotional content is included during the podcast or within other media, such content will be separated into its own unique promotional spot or mention.