Rachel Levin Troxell 1970-2008

Our Story

The story of LympheDIVAs began in Philadelphia when two young breast cancer survivors, Rachel Troxell and Robin Miller, developed lymphedema, a side effect of breast cancer treatment that can cause permanent swelling in the arms. Their physicians and lymphedema therapists recommended a compression sleeve as the most effective way of controlling the swelling. When they researched the options for the sleeve they found that the only ones available were rough textured, heavy, hot, beige, and bandage-like. Frustrated and dismayed over the lack of options they had for compression sleeves, Robin and Rachel met with Kristin Dudley, a fashion designer, to discuss their idea of creating a more elegant and comfortable compression sleeve.

In late 2007, Robin left the company. Soon after, Rachel discovered her breast cancer had returned. While she was being treated, she continued building LympheDIVAs, which brought her much joy during a difficult time in her life. Rachel died January 22, 2008, at the age of 37. Her determination and compassion to improve the lives of breast cancer survivors is very much ingrained in the spirit of LympheDIVAs.

Today, LympheDIVAs’ products can be found in retail locations nationwide and internationally. At Rachel’s request, her father Dr. Howard Levin and her mother, Judy Levin took over the responsibility of running the company which their daughter helped found. In August of 2010, Rachel’s little brother, Josh Levin, joined the company and is now running it with his parents. They all hope that LympheDIVAs’ compression apparel will continue to inspire breast cancer survivors everywhere to feel as beautiful, strong and confident as Rachel was.

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Medical AdvisorsLympheDIVAs works with physicians, physical therapists, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants to assure our customers that the products we design are medically correct. Our medical advisory team oversees the development of our products and helps us monitor product testing.

Andrea L. Cheville, M.D.Medical School: Harvard Medical School, Fellowship: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterDr. Cheville currently is Senior Associate Consultant at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, specializing in cancer rehabilitation, lymphedema, and survivorship. Until August 2006, Dr. Cheville directed the Cancer Rehabilitation and Lymphedema Programs at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. A leader in the field of cancer rehabilitation, pain control and symptom management, Dr. Cheville has published papers on cancer rehabilitation and is a nationally recognized expert in this field. Lymphedema is a primary focus of Dr. Cheville’s research, and she serves on the Medical Advisory Committee of the National Lymphedema Network and is a board member of the Lymphology Association of North America. Dr. Cheville has been recognized in Philadelphia Magazine’s May 2002, 2005, 2006 Top Docs issue, and has been recognized by Best Doctors in America 2005-2006.

Howard A. Levin, M.D.Medical School: New York University, 1966Dr. Levin is the father of the founder of LympheDIVAs, LLC, Rachel Levin Troxell. Following graduation from Medical School, he was trained in Internal Medicine in the Harvard training program at Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Mass. He spent the next four years as a post doctoral fellow in Immunology and Rheumatology at Harvard University and a year at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel as a Fullbright Scholar. In 1972 he then received an appointment as Senior Staff Fellow in the Immunology Department of the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. From 1976-1988 he practiced Internal Medicine and Rheumatology and served as Medical Director of the 70 physician San Jose Medical Group in San Jose, California. After several years as a medical director for an insurance company he spent 10 years as a management consultant and partner with Milliman, USA, an Actuarial and Management Consulting Company. Dr. Levin is currently vice president and chief medical officer for LympheDIVAs. Jeannette ZuckerGraduate School: New York University, 2002Jeannette Zucker holds a clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from New York University. She received her lymphedema certification from Klose Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy in 2002 and started her career at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in 2003. In 2004, Jeannette assisted with the establishment of the lymphedema therapy program at the main campus and as the Lymphedema Clinical Specialist she continues to work on further developing the service to promote the awareness, early diagnosis and risk minimization of lymphedema. She leads the support groups for patients who have, and are at risk, for lymphedema through the Post-Treatment Resource Program. Jeannette received her LANA certification in 2005 and was awarded the Susan G. Komen Conference scholarship by the National Lymphedema Network (NLN) in 2006. In 2007, she helped to develop the Lower Extremity Lymphedema Prevention Program for MSKCC and joined the Scientific Committee of the NLN. She continues to serve on the committee and provide lectures at the biennial NLN Conferences. In 2009, Jeannette joined the faculty of the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. In 2010 she joined the editorial board of the NLN’s electronic newsletter E-Channel. Her current focus on treatment intervention is edema management regardless of etiology, scar management, and improving facial mobility and skin mobility through manual lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, compression therapy, kinesiotaping and laser therapy.

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Sleeve and Gauntlet Donning

1. Turn down the top of the sleeve so it’s folded over itself.

2. Pull the sleeve over your hand until the end of the sleeve is at the pictured position on the wrist.

3. Gently pull the rest of the sleeve evenly up over the arm to the armpit. Make sure the sleeve is equally spread over the whole arm and that there are no constrictions or wrinkles.

To remove sleeve, hold the top of the cuff and pull down until it slips off your hand.

Garment Care

Wash garments as needed. Machine wash the garment in warm water using a gentle fabric detergent. Use a lingerie bag in machine. Machine dry at medium high heat.

Frequent washing prolongs the useful life of the garment and maintains the ideal compression characteristics. Using creams, oils, and lotions may shorten the life of the garment. With proper care, your LympheDIVAs sleeve and gauntlet should last up to six months.

Do Not: Wring dry, hand wash, iron, dry clean, use any chemical solvent, bleach, fabric softener or any other laundry additive.

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Sizing Chart

How To MeasureIf possible, have a friend help you to get the most accurate measurements. Begin by relaxing your arm and resting it on a table, bending it slightly to create a small bend in the elbow. Your arm should not be completely straight, nor fully bent.

A. PALM For the gauntlet, you should let your fingers relax, and bring the measuring tape so it’s just under your knuckles. Pull gently so the tape has no slack. Record the measurement.

B. WRIST Hold measuring tape around your wrist, going over the little bone on the outside. Pull tape to the point of gentle tension; there should be no slack, but you should not be pulling so hard that the tape creates an indentation. Write down this measurement in inches or centimeters.

C. MID LOWER Next, move the measuring tape up your arm so that it goes around the thick part of your forearm. Use the same amount of gentle tension and record the measurements.

D. MID UPPER Finally, bring the measuring tape to the upper part of your arm, halfway between your elbow and your armpit. If you have any extra skin here, gather it together as much as possible. You should hold the tape a bit tighter here so that all your skin is encircled evenly.

If you are in-between sizes, please consult a medical professional, professional fitter or LympheDIVAs to ensure proper fit.

A. PALMSmallMediumLarge

5 7⁄8” - 7 3⁄8” (15-18.7 cm)7 1⁄2” - 8 5⁄8” (19-21.9 cm)8 3⁄4” - 10 1⁄4” (22-26 cm)

My measurement:

B. WRISTSmallMediumLarge

5 3⁄4” - 7 1⁄2” (14.6-19 cm)6 1⁄2” - 8 1⁄2” (16.5-21.6 cm)7 1⁄2” - 9 1⁄4” (19-23.5 cm)

My measurement:

C. MID LOWERSmallMediumLarge

7” - 9 1⁄8” (17.8-23.2 cm)9 1⁄4” - 11 1⁄4” (23.5-28.7 cm)11 3⁄8” - 13 1⁄2” (28.9-34.3 cm)

My measurement:

D. MID UPPERSmallMediumLarge

8 1⁄2” - 15 1⁄2” (21.6-39.4 cm)10 5⁄8” - 17 3⁄4” (27-45 cm)12 3⁄4” - 19 7⁄8” (32.4-50.5 cm)

My measurement:

Stunning InnovationsWe set out not to just make a pretty sleeve but also one that is more comfortable and improves the managment of lymphedema.

MOISTURE-WICKINGOur products include moisture-wicking technology, which pulls sweat away from the body, cools the arm and is fast drying!

ALOE VERAA fabric finishing process which adds unscented aloe vera moisturizing micro-capsules for added softness and skin protection.

360° STRETCHAll of our garments are knit with 360° stretch, which allows our garments to stretch as your arm bends and flexes. Prevents binding at the elbow.

FINE KNITA fine knit construction producing a smooth surface, lightweight, and replicating a ‘second skin.’

GRADUATED COMPRESSIONAll garments are available in compression Class 1 (20-30mmHg) and compression Class 2 (30-40mmHg.)

DIVA DIAMOND BANDA latex-free, silicone-free gripper applied directly to the inside top cuff of the sleeve. The Diva Diamond Band will keep your garment in place and your skin less irritated.

6 Model is wearing Sunburst p. 13

7Model is wearing Featherie p. 9

Our PhilosophyWe are dedicated to creating medically correct compression

apparel for the savvy breast cancer survivor with lymphedema that will inspire her to feel beautiful, strong and confident. The medical requirements are obvious, but the emotional

aspect of healing is important and often ignored. A positive mindset can often lead to a much better physical response.

A Fashion StatementWe believe that getting the hottest and latest patterns to our customers is important. Our team studies the newest trends

in patterns and colors by scouring the runways, attending trendspotting trade shows and sourcing fashion publications.

Just like the fashion power-houses in New York, London, Milan, Paris and Tokyo, we introduce new patterns biannually

in the Spring and Fall.

8 Models are wearing Serpentine p.9

BEDIVALICIOUS!

and Purple Paisley p.11

FEATHERIE

LEO LEOPARD

LOTUS DRAGON TATTOO

SERPENTINE

“I just received my LympheDIVAs sleeve yesterday and did a 9 mile walk this

morning. It was quite hot and humid, but the sleeve was great. It didn’t overheat me at all, felt soft and comfortable and I was even color coordinated with my walking outfit.”

CONNIE

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DIVALICIOUS!

10 Model is wearing Marakesh p. 11

MAKEA STATEMENT

BLUE BANDIT

LOVELY LACE

MARAKESH

NIRVANA

“Just to say your products and services are much appreciated. I for one never give a second thought to putting on my sleeve

except for which color to wear. I forget I am wearing it until someone comments on it.

Thanks for making life normal.” SUSAN

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PURPLE PAISLEY

A STATEMENT

12 Model is wearing Sweet Pea p. 13

COOL&

COMFORTABLE

NEON GLOW

SUNBURST

SWEET PEA

TATTOO BLOSSOM

“I just received my order and want to tell you how pleased I am that

the sleeves and gauntlets are perfect. Thanks for the promptness, wonderful

packaging and great product.” ARLENE

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14 Models are wearing Fuchsia p. 15 and

UNLEASHYOUR INNER

DIVALotus Dragon Tattoo p. 9

BEI CHIC

MOCHA

FUCHSIA

ONYX

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WHITE

YOUR INNERDIVA

16 Models are wearing C4YW Pink p. 25 and

CELEBRATEYOUR

STYLE

Bloomin’ Betty Dark p. 17

BLOOMIN’ BETTY DARK

BLOOMIN’ BETTY LIGHT

DENIM DIVA

DIVA DOTS

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WHITE VERCACHE

18 Model is wearing Damask p. 23

1920 Model is wearing Bali Night p. 21

WHAT’SYOUR

STYLE?

BALI NIGHT

BALI SAND

BALI SUNSET

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“…I heard about your sleeve through a support group and ordered one last month

in preparation for a 2-week trip to Italy. I can’t believe that I’m saying that I really

loved wearing the sleeve! It was fun to wear, comfortable, and it stayed up the entire time

of a 24-hour door-to-door trip! I also wore it on 2 different days when the busyness of my schedule started to make my arm feel

“heavy,” and it really provided relief. Thanks for coming up with such a great idea. I may

even wind up buying another just for a change since they are so cute.”

SUSAN

22 Model is wearing Damask p. 23

YOURLIFE

DAMASK

DAMASK BEI CHIC

DAMASK FUCHSIA

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“Just want you to know how thrilled I am with my ‘Diva’ sleeve. I am so pleased

with its style and my lymphedema therapist is pleased with its medical appropriateness.

So all in all, it’s a hit.” JANE

DAMASK MOCHA

YOURLIVE

LIFE

24 Model is wearing Victory - Gray & Teal p. 25

TREATYOUR

SPIRIT

FIREFLY - GRAY & YELLOW

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ENDURANCE - PURPLE & YELLOW

Blue & Peach Blue Purple SeafoamGreen

OM - BLUE

Chartreuse Peach Purple SeafoamGreen

Yellow

STRENGTH - PEACH

Coral SeafoamGreen

Yellow

VICTORY - BROWN & TEAL

Gray & Teal Gray & Peach Pink & Yellow

WARRIOR - YELLOW

Blue Coral Purple SeafoamGreen

CAMOUFLAGE

Blue Mint Pink Purple

STELLA - TEAL

CharcoalBei Chic

CharcoalFuchsia

CharcoalMocha

Dark Gray Light Gray

NavyBei Chic

Salmon

TREATYOUR

SPIRIT

26 Model is wearing C4YW Beige p. 27

TRUETO YOU

C4YW BEIGE

C4YW PINK

GRAND KREWE

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“LympheDIVAs has always been more than just a business. We have partnered with Living Beyond Breast Cancer and Young Survival Coalition to design the sleeves above for their Conference for Young Women (C4YW.) $10 from every sleeve and $5 from every gauntlet go

back to those organizations to support their amazing efforts. From January 2009 until November 2010 we have donated

over $10,000! I think Rachel, my sister and founder of LympheDIVAs, would be proud of how we’ve grown and given back to the

organizations she loved.” JOSH LEVIN

President, LympheDIVAs LLC

VERSAILLES

28 Model is wearing Midnight Lace p. 29

TREATYOURSELF

MIDNIGHT LACE

MOONLIGHT

ROMANTIC ROSE

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TRANQUILITY

VERCACHE

YOURSELF

Crystal Swirl

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CRYSTALS ARE AVAILABLE ON BEI CHIC, FUCHSIA,

MOCHA, ONYX AND WHITE

Crystal Ribbon

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32 Model is wearing Anna - Gray p. 33

TREATYOURBODY

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ANNA - GRAY

DARLING - TAN

Fair Dark

KATIE - PINK & ORANGE

Blue & Brown Navy & Green

SCARLET NOUVEAU

NAMASTE MELISSA

Blue Green Navy Pink Yellow

SHADOW

YOUR

About Lymphedema

WHAT IS THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM AND LYMPHEDEMA?The lymphatic system is structured like a web, occasionally draining into small lumps or nodesthat filter the lymphatic fluid. The system works through the pumping power of the body’s muscles. The muscles contract, increasing pressure within the lymph vessels, which causes the fluid to move. A series of one-way valves ensure that the fluid moves in the right direction. Lymphedema, the build up of protein rich fluid in the subcutaneous interstitial compartment occurs when either lymph fluid is impeded from flowing through the lymph vessels and lymphatic system or there is an excess of fluid that exceeds the carrying capacity of the lymph system. It collects in the subcutaneous and deep tissues causing swelling of the affected area and predisposes to chronic inflammation.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN LYMPHEDEMA OCCURS IN PEOPLE AFTER BREAST CANCER TREATMENT?When a sentinel node is removed, a number of nodes are removed, or if the nodes receive radiation therapy, the body is at risk for lymphedema. The loss of lymph nodes and vessels can result in lymphedema in the arm or other parts of the body. The amount of fluid collection is variable and at this time, unpredictable because of the variability of the insults and the lymphatic system itself.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AWARE OF THIS?Any event which stimulates the formation of increased protein fluid and floating cells between the cells in the arm (such as infection, trauma and sun burn) or slows the flow of lymph fluid out of the arm (such as have blood pressure taken with a cuff) can increase the chance of fluid accumulating in the arm. Since no truly curative therapies exist, medical intervention is focused on preventing occurrences and recurrences and is most often dependent on patient self management and adherence. Prolonged or severe fluid build up can result in a more severe and permanent lymphedema.

AN ENHANCED MEDICAL DEVICELymphedema is managed and treated through a variety of therapies. Compression armsleeves and gauntlets are one such therapy. LympheDIVAs armsleeves and gauntlets are Class 1 (20-30mmHg) and Class 2 (30-40mmHg) medical devices. Like other armsleeves they utilize graduated compression, the highest pressure is at the wrist and hand that acts as a pump to encourage the lymph vessels to push the lymph fluid toward the body. LympheDIVAs garments are regularly tested. Patient compliance may also be improved through the increased comfort and style of LympheDIVAs garments.

A FASHION STATEMENTAt LympheDIVAs we believe that a majority of sleeves that were prescribed and purchased were worn a few times and then hidden in a drawer because of distaste and discomfort. Knowing that the compression sleeve cannot reduce the chance of occurrence or swelling by remaining in the drawer, LympheDIVAs has made lymphedema management easier by adding a dose of fashion and having superior comfort. A LympheDIVA enjoys wearing her sleeve because it is stylish, fashionable and fun. Women are more likely to derive the benefits of the garments simply because they are more likely to wear them and less likely to suffer from complications!

WHO SHOULD WEAR A LYMPHEDIVAS SLEEVE?LympheDIVAs sleeves are appropriate for those with mild to moderate lymphedema, or for those at risk. Our Class 1 sleeves are not recommended for severe swelling.

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WHEN SHOULD A SLEEVE BE WORN?We recommend consulting with a doctor or lymphedema therapist in order to find the most appropriate therapy for each individual. All women who are at risk for lymphedema or who have mild to moderate lymphedema should, at a minimum, wear their sleeve and gauntlet during air travel and while exercising.

GUIDELINES FOR REDUCING THE RISK OF LYMPHEDEMA FOR THOSE WHO HAVE HAD LYMPH NODE REMOVAL AND/OR RADIATION

DO TRY TO AVOID INFECTIONHave blood drawn and shots given on the unaffected arm. Keep the skin clean and protect it from cuts and scratches. Always carry band-aids!

DO TRY TO AVOID BURNSProtect your arm from sunburn. Use oven mitts when cooking and avoid splash burns from steaming foods. Do not use hot tubs or saunas.

DO KEEP SKIN PROTECTEDUse moisturizing lotion and soaps that are pH balanced. Protect hands with gloves when cleaning.

DO AVOID USING SHOULDER STRAPSCarry briefcases and/or purses on the opposite arm.

DO AVOID RESTRICTIVE CLOTHINGWearing tight jewelry on the affected arm or hand will create a tourniquet effect you do not want. Blood pressure should be taken on the unaffected arm or thigh when both arms are affected.

DO TRY TO AVOID MUSCLE STRAINIt is okay to do normal activities and exercise with the affected arm, but do not overdo it! Everyone should consult with their doctor about the level of activity that is right for them.

DO KEEP A HEALTHY DIETMaintaining a healthy weight lowers the risk for developing lymphedema. Lower sodium intake.

DO WATCH FOR• A full feeling in your arm.• A difference in size between the affected and non-affected arm.• Weakness in your arm or not being able to move it as far.• When pressing on the affected arm for twenty seconds, the impression of the finger remains.

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This catalog wouldn’t have been possible without the help of our amazing models! The models depicted in the catalog are lymphedema patients and LympheDIVAs customers. Many thanks go out to our models: Bonnie, seen on page 10 wears a medium in class 1 compression. Rachel, seen on page 30 wears a small in class 1 compression. Jeanette, seen on page 28 wears a medium sleeve and small gauntlet in class 1 compression. Olade, seen on page 20 wears a large in class 2 compression. Judy, seen on page 8 wears a small in class 1 compression. Judy does not have lymphedema and is the mother of LympheDIVAs founder Rachel Levin Troxell.

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Model is wearing Neon Glow p. 13 FALL/WINTER 2012

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