Self-Care E-Book

Breast Cancer’s Best Kept Secret:

Your Complete Guide to Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Risk

You don’t have to live in uncertainty or confusion.

This e-book is your guide to understanding and managing your lymphedema risk and/or symptoms, so you can live proactively, with confidence.

Want to know more? Scroll on for details.

Did you know that almost every person treated for breast cancer has some level of risk for developing lymphedema in their lifetime?

Yet, proactive education on this condition is alarmingly scarce.

Many survivors say things like, "I had never heard of lymphedema until they told me I had it," or "My doctor said I would either get it or I wouldn’t but not much else."

This lack of information leaves countless people unprepared for the possibility of a condition that can significantly impact their quality of life or help them recognize the early warning signs when it is still reversible!

It's time to change this narrative. You deserve to be informed about your health risks and empowered to take proactive steps.

This e-book is designed to bridge that knowledge gap, offering you the insights and tools needed to understand and manage your lymphedema risk and/or symptoms effectively.

Don’t worry, if you’re thinking “I’ve never even heard of this…” I’ve got you covered. Start with this article I wrote for Young Survival Coalition.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, confused, or even a little angry about lymphedema risk—you’re not alone.

Lymphedema risk is one of those things you’re somehow expected to manage without ever being clearly taught what it is or how it works.

Maybe you’ve heard vague warnings about swelling. Maybe you’ve been handed a (short) list of what not to do, with no explanation why. Maybe you haven’t heard anything at all and wonder what on earth I’m going on about.

It’s a disorienting place to be—trying to protect yourself from a condition you don’t fully understand, hoping you’re doing enough, and fearing it might already be too late. And when every article you read sounds like a threat and every restriction chips away at your freedom, it can start to feel like cancer is still calling the shots.

You deserve better than that.
You deserve real information.
You deserve options.
You deserve clarity so you can reduce fear.

Lymphedema isn’t rare. What’s rare is good information about it.

Why It’s So Hard to Get Straight Answers.

  • The statistics are confusing and inconsistent.

    A quick Google search will show rates of incidence ranging from 6% to over 50% and the studies don’t narrow it down much. This makes the idea of risk feel haphazard and abstract.

  • Most doctors aren’t trained in lymphedema.

    Lymphatic health receives very little attention in medical school, even in oncology. Many providers don’t know how to explain risk, prevention, or early signs.

  • Standard care focuses on treatment, not prevention.

    Most people are only offered support after they’re already showing symptoms. By then, lymphedema can be harder to manage and often lifelong.

  • There’s no consistent guidance on risk management.

    You might get a handout, a brief warning, or conflicting advice from different providers. It’s hard to know who (or what) to trust.

  • The “do’s and don’ts” are often fear-based and rigid.

    Instead of clear, detailed guidance, survivors are often given brief suggestions—without context or conversation—limiting informed decision making.

I work in this field and still wasn’t given clear guidance when it was my turn in the gown.

Meet the Author: A Survivor and Expert by Your Side

Hi, I’m Amy Hartl—a BRCA1+ breast cancer survivor and oncology massage and lymphatic drainage therapist with over 13 years of experience specializing in integrative oncology and lymphatic health.

In my career I’ve had too many clients develop lymphedema without ever being told it could happen and, after my own diagnosis and treatment, I realized how little proactive guidance was available for managing lymphedema risk, which is why I’ve made this work my mission, both in and beyond the treatment room.

I wrote this book because I believe it is the resource that every person diagnosed with breast cancer needs and I’m so honored to share it with you.

Lymphedema isn’t “all or nothing”. Early signs can be reversed and risk can be reduced.

Now here’s the truth.

Lymphedema is an unfortunate possibility after breast cancer treatment but there are ways to understand your risk, make informed choices, and care for your body in a way that supports lymphatic health—today and long-term.

And you can’t do that if no one ever explains what lymphedema is all about or how to recognize the signs early enough to make a difference.

This e-book was created to change that.

It’s not a fear-based warning. It’s not a watered-down pamphlet.

It’s the kind of detailed, body-based guidance I wish every survivor had access to—especially in that strange, unsupported space after treatment ends and real life begins again.

It might mean finally understanding what your lymphatic system even does. Or recognizing symptoms you didn’t know were connected. Or maybe it’s reading something and thinking, “No one ever explained it like that before.”

Because when you understand how your lymphatic system works, what your personal risk looks like, and how to care for your body day to day, you’re no longer stuck hoping for the best.

You’re equipped to make confident, informed decisions that feel right for you.

Time for a “fit check”. This might be for you if:

  • …what you haven’t been told about lymphedema risk.

    …missing the early signs and not realizing until it’s too late.

    …whether that tightness, swelling, or weird sensation means something.

    …not knowing what’s normal and what’s a red flag.

    …doing something “wrong” in your everyday life that could make things worse.

    …your doctors not taking your concerns seriously—or not knowing enough themselves.

    …having to deal with a chronic condition you might have avoided if you’d just known more.

  • …feeling confused, frustrated, or overwhelmed when it comes to your own body.

    …living by a list of do’s and don’ts that feel arbitrary or like they are missing something more.

    …feeling like cancer is still running the show, even if it’s no longer in you.

    …being expected to manage a risk no one ever really explained.

    …getting vague advice when what you need is clear, actionable guidance.

    …piecing together scraps of info from blogs, handouts, and YouTube videos.

    …being told “you’re fine” when your gut says otherwise.

    …the constant second-guessing that comes with not knowing what’s safe.

    …feeling like your only choices are “do nothing” or “live in fear.”

  • …get a little “sciencey” about your body so you can finally understand what’s happening and why.

    …take a more active role in your care—alongside your medical team, not instead of them.

    …make informed decisions that reflect your life, your goals, and your values.

    …navigate daily life with more confidence and less anxiety.

    …move beyond fear-based rules and into personalized, body-based self-care.

    …understand your risk without spiraling into worry.

    …trust yourself more—and feel supported while doing it.

    …reclaim a sense of agency over your health, your choices, and your healing.

How It Works.

Step One

Click here (or any button on this page that says “buy now”) to be taken to my sales platform where you can make your purchase or gift this to someone else.

Step Two

Check your email. You will receive both a receipt and a separate email with the link to download your e-book.

Step Three

Get reading! You can read this e-book on any electronic device that supports PDF’s (including some e-readers).

What You’ll Find Inside:

  • The lymphatic system is one of the least talked about yet most important parts of our body that is impacted by a breast cancer experience.

    >> Learn its functions, purpose, and connection to your overall health.

  • Almost every person who goes through a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment has some level of risk of developing breast cancer-related lymphedema during their lifetime. This chronic, secondary condition can range from mildly irritating to downright debilitating and NO ONE should end up with it without even knowing it could happen to them.

    >> Explore what lymphedema is, why it happens, and how common interventions like lymph node biopsies, removals, and radiation therapy contribute to this risk.

  • Living with a breast cancer diagnosis means living with the possibility of developing lymphedema. But risk is not a guarantee—it’s a possibility.

    >> Learn to understand the factors that contribute to your personal risk, empowering you with knowledge to take proactive steps.

  • While there is no surefire way to prevent lymphedema after breast cancer, there is a lot you can do to lower your risk. Go beyond the standard lists of do's and don'ts when it comes to activities that can set the stage for lymphedema symptoms and diving deep into  the mechanics behind them.

    >> Build on the foundational knowledge you've gained so far and dive into what can trigger lymphedema flare-ups along with how to make simple modifications around these triggers.

  • While your goal may always be to reduce your chances of ever having any lymphedema symptoms at all, it's still important to know what to look for so you can take action if needed. By understanding the difference between signs you can see and symptoms only you can feel, you'll be empowered to take action early and seek help when needed.

    >> Get educated on the early signs and symptoms that could indicate the onset of lymphedema, as well as the more advanced stages.

  • You don’t have to manage lymphedema risk on your own. From Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLTs) to Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapists (CMLDTs), knowing who to turn to and what they offer can make all the difference in managing your risk or diagnosis.

    >> This chapter highlights the importance of building a care team that includes experienced lymphatic and lymphedema professionals.

  • We’ll dive into everything from the movement routines that keep lymph flowing, to the hands-on techniques and mindful choices that create a solid foundation for a resilient, healthy lymphatic system.


    >> This chapter is all about practical, powerful ways to care for your lymphatic health daily. Whether you’re looking to reduce risk, actively manage mild symptoms, or simply take better care of your body’s inner workings, these self-care practices are here to empower you.

  • This chapter is the culmination of everything you’ve learned—a chance to see the bigger picture and move forward with confidence!


    With a deep understanding of your lymphatic health and lymphedema risk, you’re ready to take the lead in your own care.

    >> By transforming knowledge into action, you’ll go from passive recovery to active healing, reclaiming a sense of control, choice, and empowerment!

Lymphedema is not 100% preventable.

Some things just truly aren’t within our control to avoid 100% (read more on this perspective). However with lymphedema risk reduction is realistic with practical and relevant education and activities. Additionally, when caught early lymphedema symptoms are reversible, so education is a key component of managing and reducing your risk.

This book complements professional care.

As a professional in lymphedema care and a person living in survivorship I know that people with a well-rounded combination of professional and self-care tend to have the most ideal physical outcomes as well as the best day to day experiences living in their bodies. This book will allow you to communicate more effectively with your care team, not replace them.

No one resource has all the answers.

I believe I have written a very comprehensive guide to lymphedema risk management that can be a strong foundation for your education. That said, science is always evolving and you should continue to explore and stay educated in ways that feel right for you.

A few additional things to acknowledge:

True healing requires participation.

Let’s be honest: it’s easy to want to ignore lymphedema altogether. The fear of it is real—and sometimes crossing your fingers and hoping for the best feels easier than facing one more thing head-on.

But what I’ve found is that avoiding the topic doesn’t bring peace. Understanding it—and knowing what to do about it—does.

This e-book focuses on the practical, physical aspects of lymphedema risk—what’s happening in your body, how to reduce that risk, and what to do if early signs or symptoms show up.

But something even more powerful happens when you take an active role in your own care.

In my work—and in my own life—I’ve seen that learning to understand and care for your body doesn’t just support your physical healing.

It creates a ripple effect: building confidence, restoring self-trust, and offering a deeper sense of agency over your life after cancer.

Because when you show up for your body, you start to come home to yourself.

This is the heart of what I believe: that a body-based approach is the easiest entry point to whole person healing—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Read more about my philosophy and the framework I believe is the key to truly healing through and from a breast cancer experience.

Ready to take the next step in caring for your body, as you are now?

Still have questions? Keep Reading!

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FAQs

Who is this e-book for?

This e-book is for anyone at risk of lymphedema after breast cancer treatment, especially those who feel overwhelmed by medical jargon or want proactive steps to reduce their risk.

What is lymphedema, and why should I care?

Lymphedema is a chronic condition that can develop after breast cancer treatments, such as lymph node removal or radiation, due to damage to the lymphatic system. While it’s not curable, proactive care can reduce the risk of developing it or manage mild symptoms.

How does this e-book differ from other resources?

Unlike many resources that present strict lists of do’s and don’ts, this e-book empowers you with the knowledge to make informed, personalized decisions about your care. It’s written by a professional oncology massage therapist who is also a BRCA1+ survivor, blending expert advice with lived experience.

Is this a guarantee I won’t get lymphedema?

There is no 100% guaranteed lymphedema prevention—but the e-book is a comprehensive resource to help reduce your risk and empower you to make informed, proactive decisions about your health.

Does this e-book include therapies or exercises I can try at home?

Yes! It explores professional and self-care strategies, including practical tips and tools to support your recovery and manage your risk.

What if I’ve already started noticing symptoms?

This e-book includes information on recognizing early warning signs of lymphedema and actionable steps you can take to address concerns quickly.

Do I need to be a science expert to read this book?

No! It’s written in simple, approachable language to ensure that anyone can understand and apply the concepts.

How will I receive the e-book?

You’ll get access to the e-book via an email upon purchase, so you can start download it and start reading right away.

Do you offer refunds?

Due to the digital nature of this book I do not offer refunds at this time. However, if you have concerns about your purchase please reach out to me at hello@amyhartl.com and I will do my best to ensure a positive experience.

What if I still have questions after reading?

You can book an online consultation with me for 1:1 support! My “Ask Amy” sessions are the perfect way to get your questions answered or more personalized guidance.