Has someone you know had breast cancer and had lymph nodes removed?
She/he is now a candidate for the development of Lymphedema ...
a potentially painful, disfiguring and fatal condition.
My story:
I am a breast cancer survivor who opted for mastectomy. During the
initial surgical process, all of the lymph nodes under my right arm
were removed. I am now unable to have any injections, draws or blood
pressures done in that arm, for fear that, as a result, lymphedema
might develop.
Before my most recent surgery, I went to the hospital for pre-surgical
bloodwork. The individual responsible for extracting the blood started
to set me up for a draw from the right arm, until I told him that this
was not acceptable. Similarly, on the morning of the surgery,the nurse
responsible for placing the IV failed to read the medical history in my
chart and began the process in the right arm, until I alerted her that
this was not appropriate.
One incident would have made me nervous, but two incidents made me
decide to take some action. I asked myself what would happen if
something were to occur that left me unable to advocate on my own
behalf. To re-emphasize, lymphedema is a condition that can be very
painful, disfiguring and potentially fatal. I did not want to take a
chance.
Not one to wear much jewelry , I opted against the medical bracelet or
medical necklace. I considered a tattoo, but the process involves
needles and is therefore invasive...not an option.
I came up with the idea of the Lymphedema Alert temporary tattoo. A
non-invasive removeable 1-1/2" square patch, made with organic
"FDA-approved skin safe" ingredients, this tattoo was designed to be
applied to the affected arm. to draw attention and provide information.
I wear the tattoo on a daily basis, but it would also be ideal for
doctor visits, medical testing and hospital/rehab/nursing home stays.
Easily applied and easily removed, it is highly affordable at $15.00
for a year's supply of eighty (80) tattoos.
LYMPHEDEMA ALERT TEMPORARY MEDICAL TATTOO
ADVANTAGES:
-easy to apply - remove the protective plastic covering, position on arm
with tatto side down, place damp cloth or tissue over tatto for 30
seconds, remove paper backing.
- easy to remove - soak area for 30 seconds with hand sanitizer or rubbing
alcohol, then gently rub off tattoo with cloth or paper towel. Repeat as
necessary.
- made with FDA approved skin-safe ingredients (organic, vegetable-based).
- designed to draw attention to the specific arm area - easily readable -
color red is universal for "stop"
- each tattoo lasts anywhere from 5 to 14 days, even with daily exposure
to bathing or swimming.
- 5 year shelf life.
- provides flexibility for location of tattoo...can be "hidden" under a
sleeve if desired.
- non-invasive...unlike a permanent tattoo, this temporary tattoo does not
require the use of needles to apply.
- excellent for daily use or for hospital/rehab/nursing home stays,
physician appointmewnts or medical testing.
- provides additional level of confidence/security comfort in the
knowledge that the information is immediately available in the event that
something happens that renders the individual unable to communicate.
- Inexpensive and affordable - a full year supply for daily wear for 1
person = $15.00
Contact:
Judith Eppolito
PO Box 452
93 Greenwoods Road East
Norfolk, CT 06058
(860)680-5598
By Email: ashenberry@ntelos.net
Sample of what the Tattoo looks like - this is much larger, of course:
Payment:
I accept VISA, MasterCard, Postal or Bank
Money Orders, personal checks with phone number.
Payment must be received before the item is sent out.
Judy
Bears © by Judith Eppolito