Breast cancer is common and affects 1 in 8 women. One third of patients who undergo axillary lymph node removal as part of the treatment of breast cancer experience lymphedema. It is estimated that lymphedema affects 5 million Americans. Lymphedema is characterized by progressive arm swelling that hinders quality of life, reduces mobility, and increases risk for infections. There is no cure for lymphedema and current treatments are variably effective. Therefore, the goal of this laboratory is to study novel prevention and management strategies for lymphedema. The current study is to evaluate the effect of dermal lymphatic preservation in the development of lymphedema.
Since joining the team as an intern, I have developed a diverse set of skills, notably in operating specialized equipment to efficiently obtain mouse samples. This role marked my initial experience in handling laboratory mice, a task I found both novel and intriguing. I have also mastered the techniques required for administering injections to these animals. My communication skills have been instrumental in fostering effective collaborations with colleagues throughout the laboratory. Looking forward, I aim to undertake more complex tasks independently, minimizing the need for supervisory oversight to confirm their accuracy. Additionally, I am eager to contribute to the final report of our ongoing experiment, enhancing my involvement in the culmination of our research efforts.