Cancer treatment saves lives—but for many survivors, the healing journey continues long after remission. Lingering side effects such as nerve pain, inflammation, and lymphedema can emerge months or even years later, often catching patients off guard and leaving them searching for relief.
Julie LaGrange knows this journey well. Five years after completing breast cancer treatment, she was unexpectedly diagnosed with lymphedema, a chronic condition caused by disruption of the lymphatic system following lymph node removal and radiation. What followed was escalating pain, limited treatment access, and emotional exhaustion—until she turned to holistic care. Below is Julie’s story, shared in her own words.
Julie’s Story (Patient Testimonial)
“My name is Julie LaGrange. Five years ago, in July 2020 I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer. It was stage two, and it had spread to one lymph node that we knew of at that time. On Sept. 3, 2020, I had a double mastectomy and 7 lymph nodes removed. The findings after my surgery were that it had spread to 3 lymph nodes. Six weeks after surgery I had 31 consecutive days of radiation. I was told that I could develop lymphedema since the lymph node surgery disrupts the flow of lymphatic fluid in my body. And my radiation was targeted on left chest side and under my arm.”
Fast forward five years to the fall of 2025. I began to have intolerable pain under my left arm and shooting pain down my arm. I had already been diagnosed with neuropathy in my left arm, as I would occasionally have sharp pain in my left hand. I thought it was just the neuropathy getting worse. I ended up seeing my Oncologist on Nov. 3rd to determine what exactly the pain was. They diagnosed me with lymphedema. My left arm was measuring larger than my right arm and the pain I was feeling is indicative of lymphedema. I was prescribed physical therapy and told I would need to wear a compression sleeve. Lymphedema is a chronic condition that does not go away. It is treated for the pain and swelling and hopefully kept at bay if I follow a treatment regimen. To say I felt a bit deflated is an understatement. I just didn’t want to have one more thing to deal with. And least of all another health issue that causes me pain.”
“The prescription for PT and OT was sent to IU Health in Lafayette IN. I was excited to get started to hopefully get my pain under control. Unfortunately, it wasn’t going to happen right away, as I was told that there were no available appointments until January 8, 2026. I would have to wait 9 weeks to begin treatment. I called several other medical offices to see if they could get me in. I was met with closed doors with the other medical offices, as they had no availability either. All I could do was wait.”
“As the pain was worsening, and I was feeling worse each day, I remembered seeing information about Dr. Beth Bartlett. I had never worked with a holistic medical Dr., but I thought I really need to reach out to her and see if she has any ideas that might help me. I grew up in Lebanon, and I knew Beth when she was a little girl. In fact, I babysat for Beth all those many years ago. Within a short time, she responded to my e-mail and scheduled an appointment for me to meet with her within the next couple of days.”
“We discussed my history and what was going on with me. She felt certain that she could help me. So that day, I took my first PEMF treatment. She also prescribed daily drops of Lymph3 Chronic and Lympho Code. Within two days of my first treatment the pain began to lessen. I went back for a 2nd and 3rd treatment all within about 7 days. I have to say that the pain is 100 percent better!!”
“I still plan to follow through with my PT and see how that will benefit me. But I cannot thank Beth enough, for the treatment she provided me. The pain has subsided, and I completely believe that the PEMF treatment is the reason for it. I would encourage anyone with chronic pain or with pain caused from cancer treatments to seek our Dr. Beth and give PEMF a try. I’m a believer!”
A Holistic Approach When Time Matters
Julie’s experience highlights a reality many patients face: conventional care is essential, but access and timing can be limiting—especially when pain is escalating. Integrative therapies like PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy may help support circulation, calm inflammation, and encourage the body’s natural healing processes while patients wait for or complement traditional treatments.
At Dr. Beth Bartlett’s Holistic Health, care is centered on listening deeply, responding quickly, and addressing the whole person—not just the diagnosis.
If you or a loved one are struggling with chronic pain, post-cancer complications, or lymphedema-related discomfort, holistic options may offer meaningful relief and renewed hope.