65% of Breast Cancer Survivors Get What?

Have you heard of BCRL? Me neither. Until I got it.

Hi there! My name is Lia Colabello and I started this Substack to draw attention to breast cancer aftercare, specifically breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL).

During my aftercare journey I learned that up to 65% of women who get breast cancer surgery will get BCRL, a terrible lifelong challenge.

Have you ever heard of BCRL? I hadn’t. Which is weird, given how many women get it. Even though I technically had a 5% chance of it, I ended up getting BCRL, and it more than sucks.

Yes, I'm still on this side of the grass, which gives me great joy! However, I was not prepared for this aspect of breast cancer survivorship. It’s a lot to grasp and I’ll be sharing aspects about this challenge I rise every day to meet with you all, because chance are that you know a breast cancer survivor and they need to be aware that they are at risk for BCRL too.

So I'm working with, and learning from, a team of fantastic women to get the word out about BCRL. I'm dedicating this Substack to all the amazing women I have met who have encouraged me to keep putting one foot in front of the other. You know, like every superhero does when they are building back better. And I'm bringing the entire League of Breast Cancer Survivors with me!