GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Bridget Graham found a lump in her breast in 2021.
"I can remember every single detail," said Graham about what happened next.
After visiting the doctor and doing mammograms, she was told she had invasive lobular carcinoma, breast cancer. She found out on her 40th birthday.
"I felt, and I still feel so young," said Graham, "So, it was just not what I expected to happen."
She had a double mastectomy. Her lymph nodes tested positive during surgery, and they were removed on her right axillary area. She had 20 weeks of chemotherapy, and 25 radiation treatments.
"I can remember going to my first breast cancer appointment and getting a piece of paper and it said 'survivorship' on the top," said Graham, "And I was like, I made it. I am. I'm a survivor."
As happy as that moment was, she learned there was not a finish line for breast cancer. She later had infections on both breasts and needed to be hospitalized.
"I think when you finish treatment in your head, you think the journey is over," said Graham, "But what I've learned is that cancer treatment is not linear."
She then noticed her right arm swelling and became difficult to move.
"My lower forearm was big and my hand was so big I couldn't make a fist," said Graham, "It was difficult to carry things. My strength wasn't good. And so, it was really starting to impact my life."
She was diagnosed with lymphedema and started working with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation physical therapists.
"I help them to improve their posture, make them feel taller, and make them feel a little less uncomfortable with their bodies," said Cynthia Tan, a physical therapist.
Tan works with Graham and many other breast cancer survivors. She began by wrapping Graham's arm in gauze and tape.
"Since my lymph nodes aren't working, I need to help my body do the work it's supposed to do," said Graham.
Then, Tan teaches her stretches and exercises to improve her strength and reduce swelling.
"She's decreased her swelling," said Tan, "She is a really good compliant patient, which also helps because I can't be with them all the time. So for her to be able to do these things on her own and be independent, it's been a great journey for her."
Now, Graham is no longer wearing the bulky gauze wrap during the day, but a sleeve with colorful flowers to keep her swelling at a minimum. She says her arm has gotten so much better and her movement has improved.
She wants other survivors to know this help is available after surviving cancer.
"I feel so prepared now to handle it," said Graham about her lymphedema, "So when some one swelling happens, I know I have a strategy to deal with it."
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