I knew it was probably too good to be true.
The surgery went so well.
I have been uncomfortable, but the pain has been manageable.
I was a little concerned on Friday when I noticed that my right arm was swollen.
One of the possible side effects from having lymph nodes removed is Lymphedema.
Not really a life threatening situation if you can manage it, but not something that you really want to have to manage on a daily basis.
Well, guess who gets to manage it on a daily basis....yep, yours truly.
Usually it doesn't have such a quick onset, but I like to keep things exciting.
So what does managing it entail you ask?
*I have to go in for Occupational Therapy twice a week for up to 3 months. (It probably won't take that long, that's just for paperwork purposes.) The OT will help my body to re-route the fluids that would usually go through the lymph nodes that I am missing. This is done through massage. Which might be nice...once my arm is a little less tender.
*I will have to wear a compression sleeve. Technically you are supposed to wear it all the time, except for showering and swimming, etc. Awesome... I guess it's good that they are skin colored. Wouldn't want it to clash with any of my outfits. ;)
*Limiting the amount of salt in my diet is pretty essential. Salt is a big contributor to the amount of fluid.
*I have to be careful not to get too many cuts, scratches or bug bites on my right arm that could possibly be cause for infection. Oh sure...do you think the bugs know how to read a medical alert bracelet?
*I have to be careful about doing too many weight-bearing things with that arm. For example: weight lifting (not a problem, didn't do it before and I guess I won't be doing it now), or carrying heavy grocery sacks or purses (my left arm is going to be amazingly strong.)
*I cannot have any shots, IV's or blood pressure cuffs on my right arm. I always knew that being left-handed would pay off. It's now officially my lucky arm. :)
Not terrible....not great either, but not terrible.
Hey, once you've been through chemo, you can do just about anything, right?
Now my list of doctors goes like this...
1 Gynecologist
1 Surgeon
1 Plastic Surgeon
1 Oncologist
1 Radiation Oncologist
1 Lymphedema Specialist
It's a good thing that I love them all because I will be seeing a lot of them. I truly count it as one of the many miracles in this journey that these amazing men and women have been placed in my life. They have been right on top of things from the very beginning and have taken such great care of me.
Just another little bump in the road to recovery.
I see the finish line in the distance....
Speaking of finish lines, here is the link if you would like to join our Race for the Cure team- Jogging for Jumblies (Mark's idea :) It's on Saturday, May 12. We would love to have you join us.
Jogging for Jumblies
The surgery went so well.
I have been uncomfortable, but the pain has been manageable.
I was a little concerned on Friday when I noticed that my right arm was swollen.
One of the possible side effects from having lymph nodes removed is Lymphedema.
Not really a life threatening situation if you can manage it, but not something that you really want to have to manage on a daily basis.
Well, guess who gets to manage it on a daily basis....yep, yours truly.
Usually it doesn't have such a quick onset, but I like to keep things exciting.
So what does managing it entail you ask?
*I have to go in for Occupational Therapy twice a week for up to 3 months. (It probably won't take that long, that's just for paperwork purposes.) The OT will help my body to re-route the fluids that would usually go through the lymph nodes that I am missing. This is done through massage. Which might be nice...once my arm is a little less tender.
*I will have to wear a compression sleeve. Technically you are supposed to wear it all the time, except for showering and swimming, etc. Awesome... I guess it's good that they are skin colored. Wouldn't want it to clash with any of my outfits. ;)
*Limiting the amount of salt in my diet is pretty essential. Salt is a big contributor to the amount of fluid.
*I have to be careful not to get too many cuts, scratches or bug bites on my right arm that could possibly be cause for infection. Oh sure...do you think the bugs know how to read a medical alert bracelet?
*I have to be careful about doing too many weight-bearing things with that arm. For example: weight lifting (not a problem, didn't do it before and I guess I won't be doing it now), or carrying heavy grocery sacks or purses (my left arm is going to be amazingly strong.)
*I cannot have any shots, IV's or blood pressure cuffs on my right arm. I always knew that being left-handed would pay off. It's now officially my lucky arm. :)
Not terrible....not great either, but not terrible.
Hey, once you've been through chemo, you can do just about anything, right?
Now my list of doctors goes like this...
1 Gynecologist
1 Surgeon
1 Plastic Surgeon
1 Oncologist
1 Radiation Oncologist
1 Lymphedema Specialist
It's a good thing that I love them all because I will be seeing a lot of them. I truly count it as one of the many miracles in this journey that these amazing men and women have been placed in my life. They have been right on top of things from the very beginning and have taken such great care of me.
Just another little bump in the road to recovery.
I see the finish line in the distance....
Speaking of finish lines, here is the link if you would like to join our Race for the Cure team- Jogging for Jumblies (Mark's idea :) It's on Saturday, May 12. We would love to have you join us.
Jogging for Jumblies
Oh man! You have had such a bumpy road! Our thought and prayers are with you. Take it easy and let others take good care of you. You continue to inspire me every time I read your blog.
ReplyDeleteDang we forgot to sign me up when I was up there. I will have to figure it out. Wasn't wanting that to happen, but when it started swelling was a little concerned about that. Love ya
ReplyDeleteThe massage on the arm may be nice :-)
ReplyDeleteLefty's are the best anyway!!
I need to sign up and waddle the walk :-)
Your positive attitude is contagious. You know that, right? :)
ReplyDelete