I was diagnosed with cancer in 1998 at the age of eleven. The cancer was a grade-two fibrosarcoma on my left thigh. It was a rare kind of cancer for a child of my age. I went through sessions of strong chemotherapy, had surgery to remove the tumor, and follow-up radiation treatments. I have been cancer-free for fifteen years now. My ongoing problem was lymphedema on my lower left leg. Since lymph nodes were removed during my surgery, circulation in my left leg had not worked properly. Extreme swelling of the toes and lower left leg happened over the years.
 
I've tried many different treatments, but nothing worked. I did sessions of bandaging and massage. I wore a prescribed, custom-made leg garment. I also went to a lymphedema specialist at Northwestern. No good news from him. He said not much could be done due to the lack of money for drainage and other treatments. So, basically, I had to live with the lymphedema.
 
In December of 2011 I broke my left femur. My healing process was slow and I started walking with a cane. In September 2012, a friend recommended that I get acupuncture from Lok-Kwan. I said I would try it, since I’d tried everything else. In October 2012, I walked into Lok-Kwan's office with my cane and started weekly acupuncture treatments.
 
Every week, little by little, my life started to change. The acupuncture and herbs slowly started to work. After several weeks, I stopped using my cane. Then I slowly started walking without a limp. Also, my lymphedema started to soften in my leg. Weeks went by, and more and more changes started to happen. My leg felt lighter and I was able to walk faster and longer. Seven months later, my lymphedema has gone down by at least 45%. Now I am able to swim and do water workouts and my legs is much softer and lighter, all thanks to the acupuncture, herbs, and stretches and self-therapy routines that Lok-Kwan taught me to do at home. But the biggest thing is to have faith and positive attitude toward your treatment and toward life, not letting yourself give up or let go.
 
I have great weeks, but even when some weeks aren't so great, I never give up or lose faith in acupuncture now. I see a huge difference, and so do my friends. But the greatest feedback comes from Lok-Kwan on how much I have accomplished.
 
So to anyone one who has lymphedema I stand here and say that I really recommend acupuncture therapy. It has made a huge difference in my life, especially as I have been living with the condition for 15 years. So every weekend, I look forward to my acupuncture and the peace I get with it.
 
- Ashley Garcia