Marlene Marty Heffner LMT, CMLDT

03/06/2026

This.

For the woman whose husband makes an "extra stop" after work every evening.
For the woman who is mourning the loss of a pregnancy that nobody else knew about.
For the woman who still leads from the front even although she’s lost inside.
For the woman who was fired for her fourth late because she has been awake for a straight week with a sick child.
For the single mom who doesn't know how the utilities are going to stay on this month.
For the woman who has gone through 2 IVF's and has tried for five years without success but still shows up to every baby shower for her friends.
For the woman who still hasn't forgiven herself for the abortion that she had 20 years ago.
For the woman who has a line of judging eyes at her and her children as she counts out coins or has to put something back at the supermarket.
For the woman that opens the door to the news of her husband being killed overseas three weeks before he was to return home.
For the woman that lives with a quiet anxiety because nobody understands what you could possibly be stressed about.
For the woman that gives to her family all day- everyday and just.needs.a.break.
For the woman that smiles at strangers all day in public- but weeps silently every night.
For the woman who has wanted to end it all but found strength to carry on.
For the woman that heard the rumor about herself at church today.
For the woman sleeping next to a stranger every night.
For the woman whose genetics will never allow her to look like the ones in the magazines.
For the woman that endures one broken relationship after another because there was no father around to teach her what love looks like.
For the woman raising a fatherless daughter and praying that history doesn't repeat itself.
For the woman who loves with all her heart who’s desperate to be loved.
For every single woman that cries in the shower so that nobody else can see. Because if you aren't strong-nobody is.
Just because the water washes your tears doesn't mean that you don't cry. Just because you cry doesn’t mean that you’re not strong enough to handle it.
I am you. I see you. I am with you, I cry with you. I love you.
-Brittany Latham

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

If a provider dismisses your experience or doesn’t offer the support you need, don’t stop seeking care. You deserve someone who listens, believes you, and knows how to help.

Use our Provider Directory to explore professionals who treat and/or diagnose Lipedema. Your experience matters, and so does your provider.

https://www.lipedema.org/provider-directory

03/06/2026

Manual lymphatic drainage massage can help! 978-500-2517 text for an appointment

Day three of Lymphoedema Looks Like This, please share.

03/06/2026

Lymphedema doesn’t look the same for everyone.
Different stages. Different impacts. Different stories.

And sometimes the same person may need assistance one day — and not the next.

Visibility doesn’t determine validity. Every story matters.

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

Lymphedema does not discriminate. Men develop lymphedema too—after cancer treatment, injury, surgery, or genetic causes. Awareness, early diagnosis, and continued research are essential as we work toward better treatments—and ultimately, a cure.

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

Diagnosis takes years - not because people delay care, but because clinicians misunderstand the disease.

Lipedema fat behaves differently. It is more resistant to nutrition interventions and exercise and requires specialized evaluation and management.

We fund research that defines the biology, improves diagnosis, and advances treatment. Learn more: https://www.lipedema.org/

03/06/2026

March is , a time to bring greater visibility to a condition that impacts millions but is still too often overlooked.

awareness isn’t just about recognition. It’s about earlier diagnosis, informed treatment decisions, and ensuring patients know they have options for managing swelling and supporting their lymphatic health.

Awareness changes outcomes. Learn more at lymphapress.com.

03/06/2026

Lymphedema: It Can Affect More Areas of the Body Than Most People Realize

Lymphedema happens when the lymphatic system is damaged or not working properly. This causes lymph fluid to build up in tissues and leads to swelling and other symptoms.

Many people are told it only affects arms or legs — but that isn’t true.

Body areas that can be affected:

• Arms
• Legs
• Hands
• Feet
• Fingers
• Toes
• Breast / Chest area
• Trunk / Torso
• Abdomen
• Back
• Neck
• Face
• Eyelids
• Groin
• Ge***al area
• Buttocks

💡 Why lymphedema can happen:

• Lymph node removal
• Cancer surgery
• Radiation treatment
• Injury or trauma to the lymphatic system
• Infection
• Primary (congenital) lymphatic conditions

⚠️ Important things people should know:

• Lymphedema can cause real pain — including heaviness, burning, tightness, and aching.
• Symptoms can start mild and gradually worsen.
• Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent progression.
• Not everyone is warned about the risk, which is why awareness matters.

📢 The more people understand where lymphedema can occur, the more likely it is to be recognized and treated earlier.🩵🦋