A breath of fresh air: Lebed method helps area patients

Patients at the Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano are taking new steps to a healthy recovery with a class specializing in lymphedema - Healthy-Steps.

According to Lebedmethod.com, lymphedema is a serious condition that can result in swelling, reduced energy, loss of mobility and ultimately depression. By focusing on the areas of the body with the largest lymphatic collection sites, and opening lymphatic "drains," Healthy-Steps opens up the lymphatic system and reduces lymphatic fluid buildup through gentile rhythmic movements and deep breathing.

Stacye Mayo is the manager of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano. Mayo said the program was first designed to help those with cancer.

"Healthy-Steps was designed by Sherry Lebed and her two brothers, who are medical doctors," Mayo said. "They designed it to help their mom, who was diagnosed with cancer. Once Sherry became a breast cancer survivor, they redesigned it to help with lymphatic flow and to act as a support group, bringing joy to people through exercise and music."

The class begins with exercises specializing in lymphatic opening. Mayo said there were usually five different routines throughout the class with two 10-minute breaks. Activities can be done sitting or standing and as Mayo said, "are not done quickly."

Although the classes specialize in exercise and rehabilitation, Mayo said they also serve as a place to make friends.

"A lot of them are cancer survivors, so they have other people who are very much like themselves," Mayo said. "There is a freedom to talk and giggle. Quite a few of our patients are bald. They have their lymph sleeves on and use each other as references. It helps being able to be in a group of people similar to yourself and to be able to swap 'war stories.'"

One war story Mayo shared was about a man who was suffering with swollen legs that would swell so badly he was sometimes unable to walk.

"His legs would swell so great that they would split," Mayo said. "He could barely walk down the hallway and had been suffering for eight years. It got so bad that they were going to amputate his legs. Before, he couldn't wear jeans because his legs were so grossly swollen. He couldn't participate in a lot of activities. He's been with the group a little over six months and can now wear jeans; he's been to Maui, bought a sports car - it's been a life-changing experience."

For those who still have drains or who have recently had plastic surgery, Mayo suggested waiting until the drain is removed and those with plastic surgery have clearance from their doctor. The class is for anyone who would like to attend and is free of charge at this time. Healthy-Steps meets from 2:30-3:30 p.m. every Thursday at Baylor-Plano.

For information about the Lebed Method, visit lebedmethod.com.

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