Finding Strength Through Lymphedema Therapy: Dolores Hounsell’s Story
When Milton resident Dolores Hounsell was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer, her world turned upside down. Multiple surgeries, radiation, and the uncertainty of what came next left her feeling like life had been put on hold. “When you are diagnosed with cancer, you feel helpless,” she says. “Everything felt out of control.”
But amidst the whirlwind of doctor’s appointments and treatments, Dolores found something she could control—her path to healing through lymphedema therapy at Aquacare Physical Therapy.
A Journey of Care and Connection
Dolores’ introduction to Aquacare came before her cancer diagnosis, when she sought pelvic floor therapy with Kristin and Gabi. Later, when she needed physical therapy again, she followed therapist Jean Momorella, whom she trusted, to Aquacare. That trust carried her back when breast cancer entered her life.
After undergoing surgery at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Dolores began radiation therapy at the Tunnell Cancer Center. Because her surgery involved lymph node removal, her oncologist from Maryland Oncology Hematology, recommended lymphedema therapy—specialized care that can be difficult to find. Dolores decided to make an appointment with Aquacare’s certified lymphedema specialists, Jillian Kemmerlin, MS, OTR/L, CLT, and Melissa Martinelli, MS, OTR/L, CLT.
She met with Jillian before her first surgery on May 15. Together, they created a plan that included exercises Dolores could begin at home to reduce her risk of swelling and complications. “Jillian helped me greatly and continues to help me as I recover,” she says. Over the months, as she faced three surgeries, cording, and drainage issues, Aquacare became a steady presence.
A Place of Healing
For Dolores, walking into Aquacare is more than just arriving at therapy. “The minute I go in the door, the moment I check in at the desk—everyone is so kind and caring,” she shares. “Mainly I see Jillian, but I’ve also seen Melissa. Both are incredible and made me feel like I could do this and I could control this.”
Unlike the rush of medical appointments, lymphedema therapy offered Dolores consistent support. “I don’t see a doctor every week, but knowing that I see Jillian and Melissa, and that they can give me suggestions and support—it was good to have someone to talk to,” she explains.
She describes Jillian as more than an occupational therapist: “She has helped me emotionally as well. She really helped me see a path forward, to see what I could do to help myself. I feel so empowered. It wasn’t my choice to have cancer, but it is my choice to something to help myself”
Why Lymphedema Therapy Matters
Dolores says she cannot imagine going through her cancer journey without lymphedema therapy. “It should be something that anyone going through breast cancer has,” she stresses. “I have no idea how I would have dealt with the lymphedema or the cording alone. I would feel a cord building up and work on it, but Jillian would really get it under control.”
For Dolores, Aquacare has been a safe, private space where she feels understood, cared for, and empowered. “I feel very comfortable every time I come into Aquacare. It’s very private, and I like working with women who understand.”
Finding Strength Together
Today, as she continues to recover, Dolores is grateful for her team of providers—from her oncology surgeon in Annapolis, to her care at Tunnell Cancer Center, to her ongoing therapy at Aquacare. “The only thing that helps me feel like I can control something is going to Aquacare,” she says.
Her story shines a light on the vital role of lymphedema therapy—not only in restoring movement and reducing pain, but in restoring confidence and giving patients back a sense of control.
Aquacare/Fitness Forum Physical Therapy
