Including National Lymphedema Network Conference Highlights
CRA monthly news & updates
Keep up to date with CRA news, interesting facts, and things to look forward to in the coming weeks.
Did You Know We Treat?
Cording or Axillary Web Syndrome

Axillary Web Syndrome, or cording, a common side-effect of surgery and radiation can cause pain, restrictions in motion and a decreased ability  to perform daily activities. The incidence of cording during breast cancer treatment is between 50-70%. The latest research emphasizes "a gentle approach including range of motion, stretches, elongation of structures, and soft tissue work". At Cancer Rehab Austin we follow the same management protocol to treat cording, and we always choose to use the most research-based practice for your benefit.

Click here to read more on Axillary Web Syndrome.

Do you need treatment for cording (AWS)? Call or email CRA today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Angela Wicker-Ramos PT, DPT, CLT-LANA.


Upcoming Seminars and Workshops
Neuropathy: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Presented by Cancer Rehab Austin practitioners:

  • Dr. Angela Wicker-Ramos PT, DPT, CLT-LANA (Physical Therapist/Lymphedema Therapist)
  • Dr. Agnes Nowakowski L.AC (TX), MACOM, DIPL.OM (Acupuncturist
  • Geri Ruane LMT, OMT, CLT (Massage Therapist)

Learn more about neuropathy and how to manage it. CRA's expert practitioners will collaborate on this presentation and Q&A. 

When: Wednesday, September 28 at 6 PM - 7:30 PM

Where: Cancer Rehab Austin

1517 W Koenig Ln Bldg A, Austin, Texas 78756

RSVP Here

Healing Through Art: Personal Power Shrines

Lead by Molly H. Guzzino, ATR-BC, LPC, LMFT

  • Time to re-ignite your power? During times of personal challenge and change, it is easy to lose touch with our sense of control and self-empowerment. This evening's exploration invites you to create a pocket-size, portable piece of personal power (try saying that quickly 5 times). Let your curiosity flow and get reconnected to your internal power source. Absolutely no artistic ability is necessary for your complete success. If you can wield a glue stick and a pair of scissors, you are ready. All supplies will be provided. However, if you have something very small that you want to include in your shrine, please bring it with you. We'll be working with boxes that measure 2.5" X 4.5". The instructions are easy to follow. So come join us for an evening of fun and personal power reclamation.


When: Thursday, October 20 at 6 PM - 9 PM

Where: Cancer Rehab Austin

1517 W Koenig Ln Bldg A, Austin, Texas 78756

RSVP Here
National Lymphedema Network Conference Highlights

National Breast Cancer Lymphedema Registry

The purpose of the National Breast Cancer Lymphedema Registry is to collect health information in order to study lymphedema as a complication of breast cancer treatment. The investigators hope to learn whether early diagnosis will help to prevent lymphedema or, if it does occur, to reduce the severity.

Help this study by enrolling in the registry at:

http://breastcancer-lymphedema.stanford.edu/   

Placebo-controlled Lymphedema Study for Arm or Leg Lymphedema 

This study compares the effectiveness of an oral anti-inflammatory drug versus placebo in the treatment of lymphedema to the untreated condition, in the same individual. This clinical trial is currently still open. Results are looking favorable that a particular undisclosed anti-inflammatory drug may reverse or slow down lymphatic disease. 

Blood test accurately predicts lymphedema, study shows with certain protein markers

Scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a set of proteins circulating in the blood whose levels accurately flag the presence of lymphedema. Read more here.

Early Detection of Lymphatic Disorder and Treatment for Lymphedema following Breast Cancer

Lymphatic function disorders could be detected before volume changes. By early intervention with conservative treatments, lymphatic function improved in just under one-third of cases. Indocyanine green lymphography for high-risk patients may be useful for detecting lymphatic disorder early, thereby increasing the chance for disease cure. Read more here.

New Book on Nutrition and Lymphedema and Lipedema

Lymphedema and Lipedema Nutrition Guide

by Chuck Ehrlich, Emily Iker, MD, Karen Louise Herbst, PhD, MD, Linda-Anne Kahn, CMT, CLT-LANA, Dorothy D. Sears, PhD, Mandy Kenyon, MS, RD, CSSD, and Elizabeth McMahon, PhD

This is the first book of it's kind to shed light on the current research and recommendations regarding diet and lymphatic disorders.

Multiple Surgical Treatments for Lymphedema were discussed including:

  • VASCULARIZED LYMPH NODE TRANSFER (VLNT)
  • LYMPHATICOVENOUS ANASTOMOSIS (LVA)
  • LYMPHATICOLYMPHATIC BYPASS
  • SUCTION-ASSISTED PROTEIN LIPECTOMY (SAPL)

Click here to read more about these surgical procedures

Picture to the right is of Dr. Granzow with Dr. Ming-Huei Cheng in Taiwan in 2005.

Gold Standard for Lymphedema Treatment Continues to be Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage
  • Compression Bandaging
  • Exercise
  • Compression Garments
  • Home Management Program

Click here for more information

Do you need a certified lymphedema therapist? Call or email CRA today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Angela Wicker-Ramos PT, DPT, CLT-LANA.
Meet a Member of our Team

Dr. Angela Wicker-Ramos PT, DPT, CLT, LANA

  • Angela is the owner, certified lymphedema therapist, and oncology physical therapist for Cancer Rehab Austin.

    Angela has received the following degrees and certifications:

    • Doctorate of physical therapy from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
    • Master's of physical therapy from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
    • Bachelor's of science in kinesiology from The University of Texas at Austin.
    • Bachelor's of science in allied health sciences from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
    • Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOLS) certified lymphedema therapist.
    • Lymphology Association of North America(LANA) certified lymphedema therapist.
    • Survivorship training and rehabilitation (STAR) program from 2012–2015.
    • Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute (PORi) oncology rehab certification.
    • Training through the APTA on Women's Health and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.
    • Advanced training in head/neck and genital lymphedema treatments.

    Since 2008 her specialty areas have focused on oncology rehabilitation and lymphedema treatment with continued training in pelvic floor rehab. She has developed several successful outpatient oncology, lymphedema and pelvic floor rehab programs at different locations/clinics including:

    Angela participates in community and national presentations/educational events including:

    She has also been interviewed regarding oncology rehabilitation and lymphedema for the following:

    Angela has been a frequent guest speaker at Austin Community College’s Moving Beyond Cancer educational events, and has presented on women's health to the faculty at Texas State University. She was a member of the Seton oncology work team (one of Seton rehab’s special interest groups) and continues to contribute to the Multidisciplinary Cancer Conferences at both the Cancer Care Collaborative of Seton and St. David's Hospital. The conferences include breast cancer, head and neck cancer and general cancer topics. She has been a member of the National Lymphedema Network (NLN) since 2008. She is also a member of the National Association of Professional Women.
Community Organization Spotlight
Livestrong at the YMCA
LIVE STRONG  at the YMCA is a FREE 12-week YMCA-funded and YMCA-managed physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their holistic health goals. 

In addition to physical benefits, LIVE STRONG  at the YMCA focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors and their families by providing a supportive community where people impacted by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond.

By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVE STRONG  at the YMCA helps people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.

Want to Help CRA Grow?
We would love your help!
Some ways you can help:
  • Let your medical practitioners know about us at your next follow up appointment. 

  • Tell others in your cancer support community that we are here to help.

  • Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and share posts that you find interesting or informative.

  • If you have received treatment at CRA we would appreciate a review on Yelp, Facebook or Google. People rely on reviews to find quality care and practitioners they can trust.

    We are so blessed to be in such an amazing Austin community. We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to make a difference one patient at a time.
Cancer Rehab Austin | Phone: 512-524-0964 | Fax: 512-524-0936 
email: angela@cancerrehabaustin.com| Website: www.cancerrehabaustin.com