Breast Cancer surgery - the gift that keeps on giving

Hi all.
Feeling a bit down about just being diagnosed with lymphoedema. Thought I had dodged that bullet, but alas, no.
The Lymphoedema specialist gave me a booklet by Cancer Australia, but it lacks practical advice from women who have been there, done that.
Lymphoedema affects my fingers, hand and arm. Grateful for any advice you might have. Also appreciate any websites or forums that may help.
Thanks in advance, Nadine
Feeling a bit down about just being diagnosed with lymphoedema. Thought I had dodged that bullet, but alas, no.
The Lymphoedema specialist gave me a booklet by Cancer Australia, but it lacks practical advice from women who have been there, done that.
Lymphoedema affects my fingers, hand and arm. Grateful for any advice you might have. Also appreciate any websites or forums that may help.
Thanks in advance, Nadine
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I didnt dodge that bullet...
There are some great Youtube videos and BCNA ones on dealing with it. I will try to find them for you
was it you who put up the video about it ?
Take care
Just watched the BCNA webcast on it. Wish I had been more vigilant with a few things. This definitely all started after two cuts a month apart on my arm.
I don't have lymphedema as such but I occasionally get a tightness in the sternum and a build up of fluid in my left arm. The sarcastic name is tuck shop arms. Anyhow I have a lymphatic drainage massage about 3 maybe 4 times per year.
Recently I had surgery requiring drainage tube and it was only in for about 14 hours. I believe it was my maintenance, I had a lymphatic drainage massage 48 hours prior to surgery. The Anaesthetist gave me a look like I was whacky but I was pleased as it paid off!
Wishing you all the best and mormality
Sending you a virtual hug x
The Australasian Lymphology Association is a useful website with information and access to accredited practitioners
https://www.lymphoedema.org.au/
BCNA also has a fact sheet that you might find helpful too
https://www.bcna.org.au/media/6868/bcna-fact-sheet-lymphoedema-jul-2018.pdf
Dont hesitate to call the BCNA Helpline to speak to a cancer nurse for support.
pain, no heavy feeling, no limits on what I can do, no infections bar one (exercise caution with manicures on the affected limb!). Best wishes.
I have a great lymphoedema specialist. Getting my compression sleeve and glove tomorrow. Looking forward to getting rid of the ache and swelling. Not sure how I am going to go with the sleeve when I still have so many hot flushes.
I'm co-coordinator of a local lymphoedema support group in the ACT. We meet once a monthl, mostly on a Wednesday morning but 3 oror times a year we have evening catch ups. We are, quite simply, a group who get together to support each other, and exchange ideas about how best to look after ourselves, our skin, our garments. We have a FB presence, search Canberra Lymphies or pm me and I'll give you our email address. Also happy to catch up one to one if that helps.
Take care