The new SOZO Machine will assist breast care nurses in detecting lymphoedema, a condition where fluid builds up in the body’s tissues, which can occur after certain types of cancer treatment, especially after lymph node removal or radiation.
Breast care nurse Melissa Gilmour said the machine would assist her team to catch the condition early, before symptoms became visible or painful.
“The ability to take the measurements will assist us in identifying the condition early and therefore allow us to refer people to a specialist early for management before it gets out of control,” Ms Gilmour said.
“For patients, that might just mean a few gentle massage techniques to manage it, but if it goes unnoticed, it can lead to swelling, pain and long-term complications that can be difficult to reverse.”
The device measures fluid changes in around 30 seconds and is easy to use.
Patients simply remove their shoes and socks, place hands and feet on the machine, and the readings are automatically recorded.
“Being able to do these measurements in-house, when patients are already coming in for oncology appointments or to see their surgeon, gives us a lot more freedom,” she said.
“We can just do it quickly before they go to admissions, and it’s done.”
Ladies Who Lunch committee co-chair Amy DePaola said visiting the centre and seeing the machine firsthand was incredibly rewarding.
“It’s really great that it’s now landed, and it’s here, we’re really seeing some tangible outcomes from our fundraising efforts,” she said.
“There’s no doubt it’s a community effort, whether you’re buying a raffle ticket or you’re a major sponsor, it all helps.
“We’re so pleased that Ladies Who Lunch can bring our community together and help create positive outcomes.”
GV Health Foundation chair Stephen Merrylees congratulated the committee for their continued support and impact.
“This really is a great addition to breast cancer care,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to see this extra layer of support now available locally for patients who are undergoing surgery, which may result in lymphoedema.
“Everyone involved deserves great credit for making it possible.”
The SOZO Machine cost $17,499 and was funded entirely by Ladies Who Lunch.
Ladies Who Lunch is back this year, on Sunday, October 26 at Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton. Tickets go on sale Monday, September 1.
Donations are welcome through sponsorship; raffle, auction or silent auction items; and in-kind donations.
If you are interested in sponsoring the event or donating an item for the raffle or auction, contact Amy DePaola on 0438 314 898 or email ladieswholunch9@gmail.com
To keep up to date with the event, follow Ladies Who Lunch on Facebook at facebook.com/LWLGVHealthFoundation
