PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
I. To assess the patient's increased knowledge of lymphedema signs/symptoms after education.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
I. The participant may detect lymphedema signs/symptoms at an early stage by having a pre-surgery comparison of bilateral upper extremities (BUE) circumferential measures to the 3 month post-surgery measures.
OUTLINE:
Participants complete a five question survey, designed by the Occupational Therapy staff, as an instrument to assess a patient's knowledge of lymphedema signs/symptoms before surgery. An Occupational Therapist (OT), Physical Therapist (PT), and/or Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) provide written handouts to participants on the pathophysiology, signs, symptoms, and treatment of lymphedema. Participants repeat the survey at 3 months post-surgery. BUE circumferential measurements are also collected before surgery and at 3 months post-surgery.
