Hey Lymphie Friends!
Welcome LympheDames new blog, your go-to resource for all things lymphoedema, fashion, and empowerment! I'm Ashley Spencer-Smith, the founder of LympheDames, and I'm so excited to share my journey with you.
New Diagnosis...New Reality
My story, like many of yours, began with a life-changing diagnosis. In April 2014, I was diagnosed with cancer, a journey that led to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Just as I thought I was on the road to recovery, lymphoedema reared its head two months after finishing radiation in December 2014.
A Wardrobe Crisis
The lymphoedema diagnosis brought a whole new set of challenges, including the dreaded compression garments.
Back in 2015, the options were extremely limited, and my early experiences were nothing short of disastrous. From ill-fitting sleeves that dug into my skin to bulky garments that made me feel like I was lugging around a small child—I actually nicknamed my arm “Big Bertha”—I quickly realized that the available options weren't exactly designed with real life in mind. I felt frustrated, self-conscious, and frankly, a little defeated. My next blog will talk more about that whole experience.
My first sleeve was Magnolia, a classic best seller from our tattoo range of styles. Wanting to be a bit edgy after a rough year of cancer treatments I decided on some tattoo options. My mother's first words when she saw it were... "Oh, Ashley! You didn't!"
A little heads-up: The photo you see is a stock image that I've digitally added the Magnolia sleeve to so you can an idea of how awesome it looks with or without a handbag full of peonies!
Like most folks with lymphoedema I'm not exactly rushing to snap selfies of my arm. (How do you do that anyway) and I'm terribly awkward in front of cameras. Trust me, this is a much better way for you to see this awesome sleeve in action.
A Spark of Inspiration
But instead of giving up, I decided to channel that frustration into something positive. I knew there had to be a better way – both functional and fashionable garments, comfortable and confident-boosting. That's when a "breast buddy" (a fellow breast cancer survivor) in the States told me about Lymphedivas and their fabulous designs.
We were chatting one day, and she was lamenting about her own lymphoedema garments. Trying to lighten the mood, I quipped that she should get someone to draw cartoons on them to cheer her up. Her response? "You haven't seen Lymphedivas, have you?"
Intrigued, I decided to get myself a Lymphedivas garment as a Christmas present that year. After hunting through 100 different styles I chose 2, Magnolia and Hummingbird.
I was instantly hooked! The quality, comfort, and style were a world apart from anything I'd ever tried before. But there was one problem: I couldn't find anyone in South Africa who would import them or help me get them covered by medical aid. When folks here refused to help, my entrepreneurial spirit kicked in, and I decided to found LympheDames in 2017 to import them myself.
Starting LympheDames
More Than Just Garments: A Patient-Centric Community
You see, LympheDivas, is more than just a compression garment supplier. It's a community, a movement, and a celebration of lymphie strength and resilience. Founded by three breast cancer survivors, the company is a patient-centric and patient-driven. They actually live in their sleeves 24/7 and know what it's like to wear them day in and day out. They understand the real pains and struggles of patients, not just the theory behind the garments.
Needless to say, I felt like I found my tribe, and I wanted to bring that tribe here to South Africa.
Announcing...
Your Go-To Resource for all things Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema
There is no one-size fits all solution to lymphoedema. What works for one person may not work for another. What works one day may also not work the next!
That is why we are starting this blog, called Vivory with stories, tips and tricks that go beyond survival so that you can thrive in your new life.
Here you'll find everything from product reviews and styling tips to personal stories and expert advice. We'll be diving into the challenges and triumphs of living with lymphoedema, sharing resources and information, and empowering you to embrace your lymphie life with confidence.
So, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and join me on this journey. Together, we can navigate the world of lymphoedema with style, grace, and a whole lot of humour.
Your Turn
Have you ever had a disastrous compression garment experience?
Share your story in the comments below! We'd love to hear from you and offer support and solidarity. And don't forget to check out LympheDames' fabulous range of compression garments – we're confident you'll find something you love!
