I have a compression sleeve. I just don’t wear it much—mostly because I’m not at high risk for developing lymphedema, but also, I think, because the thing is sorta scratchy, and it pretty much blends into the corner of my closet withs its flesh-colored boring-ness, and, so, I usually forget to wear it when I mow the lawn (which, to be honest, is rarely) or when I travel by plane (which I hardly ever do). I’ve got to tell you, though—I’m pretty sure times are gonna change.
I just received a new fancy, schmancy sleeve from LympheDIVAs—a small, family-run company that provides fashionable, medically correct compression garments for upper extremity lymphedema. Lymphedema in breast cancer patients is manifest as swelling that can occur when a sentinel node or a number of lymph nodes are removed or when the nodes receive radiation therapy. Having a sleeve on hand is key—it’s one of the tried and true therapies for lymphedema. Now that I have my newbie, I’m thinking it might become more fashion accessory than cancer-surviving burden.
There’s a great story behind LympheDIVAs: The company was founded in 2006 by three inspirational women, two of whom had lymphedema themselves. One of these women—Rachel Levin Troxell—pushed that hot, thick, itchy, beige compression garment option into the shadows by launching some comfortable, breathable, aloe-vera infused, and fashionable arm candy. Seriously, isn’t my arm beautiful?
Sadly, Rachel passed away in 2008, but her creation lives on, thanks to her dad and brother, who are working to fulfill Rachel’s mission to bring lymphedema awareness to the breast cancer community and beyond. Thanks also to Anna, the designer of all the beauty—the same Anna who is GIVING AWAY one sleeve and one gauntlet to one lucky reader.
Ready, set, enter to win:
- Browse the LympheDIVAs online shop and pick out your favorite pattern; leave a comment naming your fave.
- Leave your comment no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, July 26, 2012.
- You may enter only once.
- Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who are 18 and older.
- One winner will be selected in a random drawing via random.org.
- One winner will receive one sleeve and one gauntlet in the pattern of her choice. Gift valued at $153.
- Winners will be notified by email, so make sure to check next week to find out if you’ve won!
Angi on 7/19/2012 at 11:23 pm said:
Just in time, as I’m in need of a new sleeve. My doctor is always asking why I don’t wear mine. There are so many pretty patterns to chose from, but I really like the tattoo one the best!
Cormac on 7/20/2012 at 12:42 am said:
That looks amazing. I thought it was a tatoo, to begin with. I guess I’m very ignorant. But at least I learned something new there. Thanks
dodo on 7/20/2012 at 10:23 am said:
the motives of armsleeve are really fashionable. they don’t look like a therapy for me, I think it’s added value from therapy so that patients got some style than ordinary people
sherry eva neely on 7/20/2012 at 12:36 pm said:
Chloe is my favorite pattern
Ann Ward on 7/20/2012 at 12:54 pm said:
I love the Lotus Dragon Tattoo design and I think the comment on the site sums it up for me;
“Tattoos are more than just images, they can be symbols that provide boosts to your body and soul. Combine the power of the Dragon with the Lotus’ ability to triumph over hardships with this traditional and realistic tattoo sleeve – let your chi flow through this design and create a feeling of strength and zen.”
My sword arm may be weakened but this warriorwoman is not ready to give up the fight.
Rahlo on 7/20/2012 at 2:21 pm said:
i have yet to see one that couldn’t be my next favorite…thank you Rachael for improving the look of lymph edema, and thanks to her Dad and brother for continuing to carry on her vision and make lymph edema a little easier to live with! I am in love with the new Liz Lange leopard….grrrrrrrr
Andrea Heitz on 7/20/2012 at 2:50 pm said:
Liz Lange is my current favorite pattern.
Diane A on 7/20/2012 at 3:42 pm said:
Love the Darling Tan one – simple enough to wear with anything.
And just a note…I only had THREE nodes removed…but have received a lymphedeme diagnosis. I never thought I’d deal with it – it’s mild, and hopefully will stay that way. I do love the pretty sleeves – so many to choose from!
Renae Davison on 7/20/2012 at 5:44 pm said:
The sunburst sleeve is my fav! I work at a children’s hospital on a cancer ward and the brighter my scrubs the better! It would be great to add a beautifully bright sleeve to my wardrobe! The kids would love it!
Sandra Wagaman on 7/20/2012 at 11:41 pm said:
I love the reactions I get from people when I wear my Lymphediva sleeves. I’m looking forward to having “Midnight Lace” to add to my collection (it is really difficult to choose!).
Robin Fajardo on 7/21/2012 at 12:40 am said:
I would love to be the proud owner of the pink C4YW set. I have had it in my shopping cart for months.
My ugly black sleeve just doesn’t match my personality (I am only in my 30s).
Denise on 7/21/2012 at 1:43 am said:
I love these beautiful sleeves, eespecially the Viva Vida sleeve. I like the neural backgrown wih all the colors to coordinate with jeans and any top. I didn’t think I was at much risk for lymphedema either but this spring, eight years after my diagnosis, I noticed the swelling and fullness in my arm and was diagnosed. I ordered a couple other sleeves before I found lymphadivas. These sleeves are so comfy for me that I sometimes forget I have it on. Thanks!
Renee White on 7/21/2012 at 8:06 am said:
I am browsing for a friend who has just recently been diagnosed. There are so MANY sleeves to choose from! One for every mood and occasion! I like the Namaste… it seems cheerful and fun. PS… I love reading the stories left in these comments! Good Stuff!!!
Debi Persing on 7/22/2012 at 11:36 pm said:
I love the Butterfly Meadow sleeve. I have to wear my sleeves everyday and it helps that Rachel came up with the idea of something other than the plain old beige sleeves. Their is something for everyone and every occasion. I still tend to be drawn to sleeves with beige backgrounds. Almost daily I get some kind of comment from strangers about my cool tattoo’s!
But the Butterfly Meadow reminds me of my sister, Mary. She was killed nearly 3 years ago and I know if she were picking out a sleeve for me it would be that one. She loved Butterflies and pink was her favorite color. At her memorial service 5 little butterflies flew out of nowhere, circled me and landed on my arm with the sleeve. We all knew it was a sign from Mary that everything would be okay. The butterflies were Delaware Skippers. Dewey Beach Delaware was our favorite vacation spot. Coincidence? Not a chance.
Stacy on 7/23/2012 at 3:11 pm said:
My favorite is the YSC Beige!
Becky on 7/24/2012 at 11:43 am said:
They are all fantastic. Been wearing sleeves for 12 years!
I am blessed. So happy to put some spice back into my life. I have solids and now going to patterns. C4YW is awesome. 30-40
Lisa Burgess on 7/26/2012 at 4:16 pm said:
Love them all! Lotus Dragon Tattoo is neat!
Nancy's Point on 7/26/2012 at 7:50 pm said:
Hi Jacki,
I guess we did both pick the same sleeve! That’s pretty funny. Great taste, great minds – what else can I say?
Camp System on 9/25/2012 at 6:33 pm said:
Good post, keep up the good work… I also like “LympheDIVAs Compression Sleeve (GIVEAWAY)” for the title. I appreciate you sharing this with the rest of us Jacki.