速
AUTUMN / WINTER 2013
RACHEL LEVIN TROXELL 1970-2008 2
OUR STORY The story of LympheDIVAs began in Philadelphia when two young breast cancer survivors, Rachel Troxell and Robin Miller, developed lymphedema, a side effect of breast cancer treatment that can cause permanent swelling in the arms. Their physicians and lymphedema therapists recommended a compression sleeve as the most effective way of controlling the swelling. When they researched the options for the sleeve they found that the only ones available were rough textured, heavy, hot, beige, and bandage-like. Frustrated and dismayed over the lack of options they had for compression sleeves, Robin and Rachel met with Kristin Dudley, a fashion designer, to discuss their idea of creating a more elegant and comfortable compression sleeve. In late 2007, Robin left the company. Soon after, Rachel discovered her breast cancer had returned. While she was being treated, she continued building LympheDIVAs, which brought her much joy during a difficult time in her life. Rachel died January 22, 2008, at the age of 37. Her determination and compassion to improve the lives of breast cancer survivors is very much ingrained in the spirit of LympheDIVAs. Today, LympheDIVAs’ products can be found in retail locations nationwide and internationally. At Rachel’s request, her father Dr. Howard Levin and her mother, Judy Levin took over the responsibility of running the company which their daughter helped found. In August of 2010, Rachel’s little brother, Josh Levin, joined the company and is now running it with his parents. They all hope that LympheDIVAs’ compression apparel will continue to inspire breast cancer survivors everywhere to feel as beautiful, strong and confident as Rachel was.
3 3
STUNNING INNOVATIONS
OUR PHILOSOPHY
We set out not to just make a
We are dedicated to creating medically
pretty sleeve but also one that is
correct compression apparel for the
more comfortable and improves the
savvy breast cancer survivor with
managment of lymphedema.
lymphedema that will inspire her to feel beautiful, strong and confident.
360° STRETCH
The medical requirements are obvious,
All of our garments are knit with 360°
but the emotional aspect of healing is
stretch, which allows our garments to
important and often ignored. A positive
stretch as your arm bends and flexes.
mindset can often lead to a much
Prevents binding at the elbow.
better physical response.
MOISTURE-WICKING
A FASHION STATEMENT
Our products include moisture-wicking technology, which pulls sweat away from the body, cools the arm and is fast drying! ALOE VERA A fabric finishing process which adds unscented aloe vera moisturizing micro-capsules for added softness and skin protection. GRADUATED COMPRESSION All garments are available in Class 1 (20-30mmHg) and Class 2 (30-40mmHg) compression.
FINE KNIT A fine knit construction producing a smooth surface, lightweight, and replicating a ‘second skin.’
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We believe that getting the hottest and latest patterns to our customers is important. Our team studies the newest trends in patterns and colors by scouring the runways, attending trendspotting trade shows and sourcing fashion publications. Just like the fashion power-houses in New York, London, Milan, Paris and Tokyo, we introduce new patterns biannually in the Spring and Autumn.
FUCHSIA Sleeve and Gauntlet
5
MEDICAL ADVISORS LympheDIVAs works with physicians, physical therapists, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants to assure our customers that the products we design are medically correct. Our medical advisory team oversees the development of our products and helps us monitor product testing.
ANDREA L. CHEVILLE, M.D. Medical School: Harvard Medical School Fellowship: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Dr. Cheville currently is Senior Associate Consultant at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, specializing in cancer rehabilitation, lymphedema, and survivorship. Until August 2006, Dr. Cheville directed the Cancer Rehabilitation and Lymphedema Programs at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. A leader in the field of cancer rehabilitation, pain control and symptom management, Dr. Cheville has published papers on cancer rehabilitation and is a nationally recognized expert in this field. Lymphedema is a primary focus of Dr. Cheville’s research, and she serves on the Medical Advisory Committee of the National Lymphedema Network and is a board member of the Lymphology Association of North America. Dr. Cheville has been recognized in Philadelphia Magazine’s May 2002, 2005, 2006 Top Docs issue, and has been recognized by Best Doctors in America 2005-2006.
HOWARD A. LEVIN, M.D. Medical School: New York University, 1966 Dr. Levin is the father of the founder of LympheDIVAs, LLC, Rachel Levin Troxell. Following graduation from Medical School, he was trained in Internal Medicine in the Harvard training program at Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Mass. He spent the next four years as a post doctoral fellow in Immunology and Rheumatology at Harvard University and a year at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel as a Fullbright Scholar. In 1972 he then received an appointment as Senior Staff Fellow in the Immunology Department of the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. From 1976-1988 he practiced Internal Medicine and Rheumatology and served as Medical Director of the 70 physician San Jose Medical Group in San Jose, California. 6
After several years as a medical director for an insurance company he spent 10 years as a management consultant and partner with Milliman, USA, an Actuarial and Management Consulting Company. Dr. Levin is currently vice president and chief medical officer for LympheDIVAs.
JEANNETTE ZUCKER Graduate School: New York University, 2002 Jeannette Zucker holds a clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from New York University. She received her lymphedema certification from Klose Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy in 2002 and started her career at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in 2003. In 2004, Jeannette assisted with the establishment of the lymphedema therapy program at the main campus and as the Lymphedema Clinical Specialist she continues to work on further developing the service to promote the awareness, early diagnosis and risk minimization of lymphedema. She leads the support groups for patients who have, and are at risk, for lymphedema through the Post-Treatment Resource Program. Jeannette received her LANA certification in 2005 and was awarded the Susan G. Komen Conference scholarship by the National Lymphedema Network (NLN) in 2006. In 2007, she helped to develop the Lower Extremity Lymphedema Prevention Program for MSKCC and joined the Scientific Committee of the NLN. She continues to serve on the committee and provide lectures at the biennial NLN Conferences. In 2009, Jeannette joined the faculty of the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. In 2010 she joined the editorial board of the NLN’s electronic newsletter E-Channel. Her current focus on treatment intervention is edema management regardless of etiology, scar management, and improving facial mobility and skin mobility through manual lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, compression therapy, kinesiotaping and laser therapy.
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ABOUT LYMPHEDEMA WHAT IS THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM AND LYMPHEDEMA? The lymphatic system is structured like a web, occasionally draining into small lumps or nodes that filter the lymphatic fluid. The system works through the pumping power of the body’s muscles. The muscles contract, increasing pressure within the lymph vessels, which causes the fluid to move. A series of one-way valves ensure that the fluid moves in the right direction. Lymphedema, the build up of protein rich fluid in the subcutaneous interstitial compartment occurs when either lymph fluid is impeded from flowing through the lymph vessels and lymphatic system or there is an excess of fluid that exceeds the carrying capacity of the lymph system. It collects in the subcutaneous and deep tissues causing swelling of the affected area and predisposes to chronic inflammation.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN LYMPHEDEMA OCCURS IN PEOPLE AFTER BREAST CANCER TREATMENT? When a sentinel node is removed, a number of nodes are removed, or if the nodes receive radiation therapy, the body is at risk for lymphedema. The loss of lymph nodes and vessels can result in lymphedema in the arm or other parts of the body. The amount of fluid collection is variable and at this time, unpredictable because of the variability of the insults and the lymphatic system itself.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AWARE OF THIS? Any event which stimulates the formation of increased protein fluid and floating cells between the cells in the arm (such as infection, trauma and sun burn) or slows the flow of lymph fluid out of the arm (such as have blood pressure taken with a cuff) can increase the chance of fluid accumulating in the arm. Since no truly curative therapies exist, medical intervention is focused on preventing occurrences and recurrences and is most often dependent on patient self management and adherence. Prolonged or severe fluid build up can result in a more severe and permanent lymphedema.
AN ENHANCED MEDICAL DEVICE Lymphedema is managed and treated through a variety of therapies. Compression armsleeves and gauntlets are one such therapy. LympheDIVAs armsleeves and gauntlets are Class 1 (20-30mmHg) and Class 2 (30-40mmHg) medical devices. Like other armsleeves they utilize graduated compression, the highest pressure is at the wrist and hand that acts as a pump to encourage the lymph vessels to push the lymph fluid toward the body. LympheDIVAs garments are regularly tested. Patient compliance may also be improved through the increased comfort and style of LympheDIVAs garments.
A FASHION STATEMENT At LympheDIVAs we believe that a majority of sleeves that were prescribed and purchased were worn a few times and then hidden in a drawer because of distaste and discomfort. Knowing that the compression sleeve cannot reduce the chance of occurrence or swelling by remaining in the drawer, LympheDIVAs has made lymphedema management easier by adding a dose of fashion and having superior comfort. A LympheDIVA enjoys wearing her sleeve because it is stylish, fashionable and fun. Women are more likely to derive the benefits of the garments simply because they are more likely to wear them and less likely to suffer from complications! 8
WHO SHOULD WEAR A LYMPHEDIVAS SLEEVE? LympheDIVAs sleeves are appropriate for those with mild to moderate lymphedema, or for those at risk. Our Class 1 sleeves are not recommended for severe swelling.
WHEN SHOULD A SLEEVE BE WORN? We recommend consulting with a doctor or lymphedema therapist in order to find the most appropriate therapy for each individual. All women who are at risk for lymphedema or who have mild to moderate lymphedema should, at a minimum, wear their sleeve and gauntlet during air travel and while exercising.
GUIDELINES FOR REDUCING THE RISK OF LYMPHEDEMA FOR THOSE WHO HAVE HAD LYMPH NODE REMOVAL AND/OR RADIATION DO TRY TO AVOID INFECTION Have blood drawn and shots given on the unaffected arm. Keep the skin clean and protect it from cuts and scratches. Always carry band-aids!
DO TRY TO AVOID BURNS Protect your arm from sunburn. Use oven mitts when cooking and avoid splash burns from steaming foods. Do not use hot tubs or saunas.
DO KEEP SKIN PROTECTED Use moisturizing lotion and soaps that are pH balanced. Protect hands with gloves when cleaning.
DO AVOID USING SHOULDER STRAPS Carry briefcases and/or purses on the opposite arm.
DO AVOID RESTRICTIVE CLOTHING Wearing tight jewelry on the affected arm or hand will create a tourniquet effect you do not want. Blood pressure should be taken on the unaffected arm or thigh when both arms are affected.
DO TRY TO AVOID MUSCLE STRAIN It is okay to do normal activities and exercise with the affected arm, but do not overdo it! Everyone should consult with their doctor about the level of activity that is right for them.
DO KEEP A HEALTHY DIET Maintaining a healthy weight lowers the risk for developing lymphedema. Lower sodium intake.
DO »» »» »» »»
WATCH FOR A full feeling in your arm. A difference in size between the affected and non-affected arm. Weakness in your arm or not being able to move it as far. When pressing on the affected arm for twenty seconds, the impression of the finger remains.
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SIZING CHART SMALL
MEDIUM
LARGE
A. PALM
15 – 18.7 cm
19 – 21.9 cm
22 – 26 cm
B. WRIST
14.6 – 19 cm
16.5 – 21.6 cm
19 – 23.5 cm
C. MID LOWER
17.8 – 23.2 cm
23.5 – 28.7 cm
28.9 – 34.3 cm
D. MID UPPER
21.6 – 39.4 cm
27 – 45 cm
32.4 – 50.5 cm
A PALM
B WRIST
C MID LOWER
D MID UPPER
HOW TO MEASURE If possible, have a friend help you to get the most accurate measurements. Begin by relaxing your arm and resting it on a table, bending it slightly to create a small bend in the elbow. Your arm should not be completely straight, nor fully bent.
A. PALM For the gauntlet, you should let your fingers relax, and bring the measuring tape so it’s just under your knuckles. Pull gently so the tape has no slack. Record the measurement.
B. WRIST Hold measuring tape around your wrist, going over the little bone on the outside. Pull tape to the point of gentle tension; there should be no slack, but you should not be pulling so hard that the tape creates an indentation. Write down this measurement in inches or centimeters.
C. MID LOWER Next, move the measuring tape up your arm so that it goes around the thick part of your forearm. Use the same amount of gentle tension and record the measurements.
D. MID UPPER Finally, bring the measuring tape to the upper part of your arm, halfway between your elbow and your armpit. If you have any extra skin here, gather it together as much as possible. You should hold the tape a bit tighter here so that all your skin is encircled evenly. If you are in between sizes, please consult a medical professional, professional fitter or LympheDIVAs to ensure proper fit. 10
GARMENT CARE Caring for your garment is as easy as 1-2-3! Following the care instructions will ensure that your garment lasts the full four to six months while retaining compression.
1
2
3
Place the garment
Machine wash in
Machine dry at
in a lingerie bag to
warm water using
medium heat.
prevent snagging.
a gentle detergent.
DO NOT DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING Doing any of these can potentially ruin the garment and compromise the compression.
hand wash • wring dry • line dry • dry clean use any chemical solvent, fabric softener, bleach or any other laundry additive
SLEEVE & GAUNTLET DONNING Turn down the top of the sleeve so it’s folded over itself.
Pull the sleeve over your hand until the end of the sleeve is at the pictured position on the wrist.
Gently pull the rest of the sleeve evenly up over the arm to the armpit. Make sure the sleeve is equally spread over the whole arm and that there are no constrictions or wrinkles.
TO REMOVE SLEEVE , hold the top of the cuff and pull down until it slips off your hand. 11
SOLID COLORS
BEI CHIC
FUCHSIA
MOCHA
ONYX
WHITE
12
CRYSTAL SWIRL & CRYSTAL RIBBON AVAILABLE ON BEI CHIC, FUCHSIA, MOCHA, ONYX AND WHITE
13
NEW PATTERNS
PRIMROSE
SAPPHIRE
SOUTH PACIFIC
SPICE
ZAHARA
14
LEO LEOPARD Sleeve
15
PAISLEY PATTERNS
BLUE BANDIT
NAMASTE
MARAKESH
PURPLE PAISLEY
VERCACHE
16
WHITE VERCACHE Sleeve and Gauntlet
17
WILD STYLE PATTERNS
BODHI - Beige
LEO LEOPARD
LOTUS DRAGON TATTOO
SERPENTINE
VIVA VIDA
18
BODHI - Mocha
FEATHERIE Sleeve and Gauntlet
19
LACE PATTERNS
DARLING - Fair
DARLING - Tan
DARLING - Dark
LOVELY LACE
SHADOW
20
MIDNIGHT LACE Sleeve and Gauntlet
21
PATTERNS THAT GIVE BACK
C4YW PINK
GRAND KREWE
LIZ LANGE
VERSAILLES
SALES CONTRIBUTE TO THESE WONDERFUL ORGANIZATIONS
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LympheDIVAs continues to give back to organizations that my sister Rachel, our founder, loved like Living Beyond Breast Cancer and the Young Survival Coalition’s Conference for Young Women (C4YW). We have also partnered with Crickett’s Answer for Cancer to help provide compression garments for those that can’t afford them.
JOSH LEVIN President, LympheDIVAs
C4YW BEIGE Sleeve and Gauntlet
23
FLORAL PATTERNS
BLOOMIN’ BETTY LIGHT
CHLOE
MOONLIGHT
NIRVANA
NOUVEAU
24
BLOOMIN’ BETTY DARK Sleeve and Gauntlet
25
FLORAL PATTERNS
ROMANTIC ROSE
SCARLET
SWEET PEA
TATTOO BLOSSOM
TRANQUILITY
26
BALI NIGHT Sleeve and Gauntlet
BALI SAND
BALI SUNSET
27
PATTERNS TO MIX AND MATCH
CAMOUFLAGE
CAMOUFLAGE - Pink
DENIM DIVA
STELLA - Charcoal
STELLA - Navy
28
ANNA Sleeve and Gauntlet
29
DECORATIVE PATTERNS
DIVA DOTS
FIREFLY - Purple
FIREFLY - Blue
FIREFLY - Gray & Yellow
FIREFLY - Seafoam Green
WARRIOR - Blue
WARRIOR - Purple
30
WARRIOR - Seafoam Green
DAMASK Sleeve and Gauntlet
DAMASK - Bei Chic
DAMASK - Fuchsia
DAMASK - Mocha
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FUN PATTERNS
BUTTERFLY MEADOW
LUNA
SUNBURST
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•
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LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: facebook.com/LympheDIVAs FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: twitter.com/lymphedivas FIND US ON TUMBLR: lymphedivas.tumblr.com 32
NEON GLOW Sleeve and Gauntlet
33
INDEX 34
DESIGN NAME
PAGE #
DESIGN NAME
PAGE #
Anna
29
Neon Glow
33
Bali Night
27
Nirvana
24
Bali Sand
27
Nouveau
24
Bali Sunset
27
Primrose
14
Bei Chic
12
Purple Paisley
16
Bloomin’ Betty Dark
25
Romantic Rose
26
Bloomin’ Betty Light
24
Sapphire
14
Blue Bandit
16
Scarlet
26
Bodhi - Beige
18
Serpentine
18
Bodhi - Mocha
18
Shadow
20
Butterfly Meadow
32
South Pacific
14
C4YW Beige
23
Spice
14
C4YW Pink
22
Stella - Charcoal
28
Camouflage
28
Stella - Navy
28
Camouflage - Pink
28
Sunburst
32
Chloe
24
Sweet Pea
26
Crystal Ribbon
13
Tattoo Blossom
26
Crystal Swirl
13
Tranquility
26
Damask
31
Vercache
16
Damask - Bei Chic
31
Viva Vida
18
Damask - Fuchsia
31
Warrior - Blue
30
Damask - Mocha
31
Warrior - Purple
30
Darling - Dark
20
Warrior - Seafoam Green
30
Darling - Fair
20
White Vercache
17
Darling - Tan
20
Zahara
14
Denim Diva
28
Diva Dots
30
Featherie
19
TOPIC
PAGE #
Firefly - Blue
30
About Lymphedema
8-9
Firefly - Gray and Yellow
30
Donning and Doffing
11
Firefly - Purple
30
Garment Care
11
Firefly - Seafoam Green
30
Medical Advisors
6-7
Fuchsia
5, 12
Our Philosophy
4
Grand Krewe
22
Our Story
2-3
Leo Leopard
15, 18
Sizing Chart
10
Liz Lange
22
Stunning Innovations
4
Lotus Dragon Tattoo
18, 35
Lovely Lace
20
Luna
32
Marakesh
16
Midnight Lace
20
Moonlight
24
Namaste
16
LOTUS DRAGON TATTOO Sleeve and Gauntlet
35
7 NORTH STREET SUITE 205 PITTSFIELD, MA 01201 T: 866.411.3482 | F: 267-350-9187 | W: LYMPHEDIVAS.COM
FIND A STORE LOCATION NEAR YOU WWW.LYMPHEDIVAS.COM/STORE-LOCATOR
SWEET PEA Sleeve and Gauntlet