The June Lymphedema Patient Roundtable brought together patients, advocates, and clinicians for an engaging conversation in recognition of Wound Care Awareness Month. Special guest Dr. M. Mark Melin, vascular surgeon and wound care specialist at Mayo Clinic, joined the panel to explore a topic that doesn’t receive nearly enough attention: the critical role the lymphatic system plays in wound healing.
Throughout the discussion, Dr. Melin emphasized that healing a chronic wound often requires looking beyond the wound itself; swelling, lymphatic dysfunction, tissue health, and circulation all influence the body’s ability to heal. Drawing on both clinical expertise and personal experience, Dr. Melin and patient Catherine Rosenberg highlighted that successful treatment frequently depends on a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach.
The conversation also focused on patient advocacy and education, including how to recognize signs that lymphatic dysfunction may be contributing to delayed healing, the challenges of finding providers knowledgeable about lymphedema and lipedema, and the importance of partnering with clinicians who are willing to listen, collaborate, and address the whole patient—not just the visible symptoms.
In honor of Lipedema Awareness Month, the conversation expanded to include the unique challenges of living with both lipedema and lymphedema. Panelists Angela Jones and Tora Rocha shared their experiences living with lipolymphedema, discussing the emotional and physical realities of managing overlapping conditions, navigating diagnosis, and adapting treatment plans over time. Their insights sparked a thoughtful discussion about resilience, self-advocacy, and the importance of recognizing that every patient’s journey looks different.
The Roundtable concluded with updates from the National Commission on Lymphatic Diseases and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council meeting at the NIH, where patient voices were included in discussions about the future of lymphatic disease awareness, research, and care. The panel also previewed Camp Watchme, a summer camp for children with lymphedema and their families, highlighting the profound impact that community and connection can have on patients of all ages.
From wound healing and lymphatic health to advocacy, community, and hope for the future, this Roundtable highlighted the importance of treating the whole person—and reminded us that no one has to navigate these challenges alone.
Special thanks to this month’s panel:
- Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA (karenashforth.com)
- Evy Dominguez, Lymphedema Patient (@evycalifornia)
- Olivia Eggers, Lymphedema Patient (@olivianeggs)
- Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient and Lympha Press Marketing and Communications Specialist (@lymphielife)
- Angela Jones, Lipolymphedema Patient (@2018gethealthy)
- Dr. M. Mark Melin
- Tora Rocha, Lipolymphedema Patient (@toranado12)
- Catherine Rosenberg, Lymphedema Patient (@crosenberg1982)
Links and resources mentioned during the program:
- Mayo Clinic Wound and Vascular Primer Symposium 2027
- Catherine Rosenberg: A Holistic Wound Healing Journey
- The April 2026 Lymphedema Patient Roundtable (Compression Session)
- Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster by Peggy Huddleston
- Hivamat Deep Oscillation
- A Deeper Look at Wound Healing with Dr. M. Mark Melin
- Camp Watchme
- How One Mom Revolutionized Pediatric Lymphedema Care (Brittany Williams interview)
Wound care supplies recommended by Dr. Melin:
- Vashe Gel
- Vashe
- Plurogel
- Lymphatic Formula from VitaSupportMD
A note from Dr. Melin: “I have no disclosures on these products, we use them routinely, available from Amazon, or Medical Monk, OneByPrism, other medical sites.”
This Roundtable was originally recorded live on June 9, 2026, and has been edited for time. The views and opinions expressed in this Patient Roundtable are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Lympha Press.
This video is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your condition or treatment.
Lympha Press is proud to offer these monthly Lymphedema Patient Roundtables and support the lymphedema community. The Roundtables are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:00 PM EST. Sign up to attend any of our live webinars at https://linktr.ee/LymphaPress.