HELP FOR LYMPHEDEMA IS NEARBY STEVE HOFMEISTER AND OTHER PATIENTS WITH THIS PAINFUL SWELLING CONDITION RECEIVE COMPREHENSIVE CARE AT UM UPPER CHESAPEAKE HEALTH Certified lymphedema specialist Cathy Davis with Steve Hofmeister. Below, Davis performs a lymphatic massage on Hofmeister's swollen leg. A bingdon resident Steve Hofmeister has been a lifelong sufferer of lymphedema-a condition defined as swelling (usually in the arms and legs) due to an obstruction of the lymphatic system. Symptoms are treatable but not curable and can last for a lifetime. While lymphedema is most commonly caused by lymph node removal or damage from cancer treatment (secondary lymphedema), it can also be genetic (known as primary lymphedema). Before his treatment for lymphedema, Hofmeister says, trying to walk with swollen, infected legs was painful and frustrating. 6 MARYLAND'S HEALTH MATTERS