About Me

Hello, I am Andrea. I have been an Occupational Therapist since 2007. I became obsessed with lymphedema therapy when I developed lymphedema after finishing my breast cancer treatments in 2022.

I was diagnosed with Triple Positive Breast CA in August 2021. I underwent neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, lumpectomy with 1 sentinel node dissection, then radiation and finished my Herceptin immunotherapy shots. By July 2022, my chest and trunk started swelling up and my affected breast was so painful. I did not know what was going on with my body. I was diagnosed with cellulitis and was put on multiple antibiotics. The infection was treated but my breast kept on getting bigger and heavier. I finally had the courage to ask my oncologist and breast surgeon a referral to see a lymphedema therapist.

Then I realized that there was no certified lymphedema therapist within my healthcare system. I called the hospitals around surrounding cities. Either they do not accept my insurance or there is a long waiting list before I get seen. That’s when I decided to get certified. I took a comprehensive live virtual course with International Lymphedema and Wound Training Institute (ILWTI) and became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) during the pandemic. From there I took an in-depth in-person training with Klose Training. I took multiple oncology courses from Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute (PORI) that focus on breast cancer rehabilitation, chemotoxicity effects of cancer treatments and I became a certified Breast Cancer Rehabilitation therapist. Currently, I am working on my certification for Advanced MLD for Management of Post Plastic Surgery Procedures. I have been working as a lymphedema therapist since November 2022.

And now, opening up this little oncology rehab clinic is the start of a new phase in what I call “My second life.” I hope my passion in lymphedema therapy can help my fellow survivors and thrivers. For a lot of us, finishing cancer treatments does not end this challenge, there is alway that cloud of fear that linger as we go through survivorship. I hope my work can make a difference in someone’s life. I know that every patient that I work with, helps me with my own healing process.

“Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud.” - Maya Angelou