Los Angeles, Aug 30 (IANS) Actress Kathy Bates says her doctor helped her turn her breast cancer diagnosis into something positive by encouraging her to become an ambassador for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LERN).
The “American Horror Story” actress, who underwent a double mastectomy three years ago, was angry when she developed Lymphedema, which is a build-up of soft body tissues after having the surgery, but she then decided to become an ambassador for the LERN on her doctor’s suggestion.
“About three years ago, I discovered I had breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. After the surgery, I developed Lymphedema. I have a very mild case, but I have to wear compression garments from time to time. My doctor helped me turn my anger about having this debilitating disease into something positive.
“She told me about the LE&RN, and I’ve become an ambassador,” the People magazine quoted Bates as saying, reports femalefirst.co.uk.
“Now when I attend social events wearing my compression sleeves, I feel less self-conscious. I want people to ask me about it. Lymphedema affects up to 10 million Americans. Hopefully, more people will come out of the shadows and talk about it,” she added.