lymphodema

Question

Having a shit day , im feeling sorry for my self which i try not to do. Everything is about breast cancer before and during our treatments, yes im cancer free a survivor bloody fantastic done my first year  couldn't wish for anything better.
i have lymphedema in my right breast from radiation treatment, started lazer treatment but still this bloody fluid i have is causing me grief physically and mentally. Just been to the doctors as i felt unwell and the pink tinge i have on my breast has gone quiet dark pink to red in colour warm and itchy. Ya infection on antibiotics again and im teary once again as it brings everything back to me  yes i had breast cancer!! how i hate this bloody thing! and mine is nowhere 
as bad as some of you lovely ladies  have gone and going through. You guys are the ones that we can talk to you understand what myself and everyone else goes through and that does mean so much, dam crying again so sick of the emotional side when does it stop. Thinking of seeing a psychiatrist that might help with triggers to how i feel.
I think more needs to be looked at for women and men after cancer it just doesn't stoop after treatments and surgery .
Taking tomorrow of  from work having a me day and hopefully stop crying :)

tul · Answer

HiHave you seen a physiotherapist?If you from Melbourne I can send you the details of an amazing&nbsp;physiotherapist&nbsp;who specialised in Lymphodema for BC.Take CareTal

iserbrown · Answer

Agree a physio that specialises in lymphedema will certainly help! I have a lymphatic drainage massage every now and then and I don't have lymphedema however I do having nagging aches from the muscles and nerves still not settling!
As to a day off and me day, make sure you do just that, dag around in the pyjamas if need be, I know that makes me feel better!
As to the emotional side, well that just takes time and you need to allow time, how much time? Who knows as we are all different and there is so many elements to it, especially when those that are near and dear don't think to ask or assume you are ok, let's face it, you've had treatment you're back at work! As if it was that easy!
Please don't be too hard on yourself and perhaps you may benefit from seeing a Counsellor to get some coping mechanisms. When I was first diagnosed I saw a counsellor, at Breastscreen, and her advice was when I start to feel overwhelmed then pat myself down, legs and arms and by doing so you are concentrating on that action and bringing yourself back into the now as you're saying, yes this is me and I am still here! Breathe!

afraser · Answer

I do have lymphoedema and can't emphasise enough the benefits of having a properly training lymphoedema therapist. While my lymphoedema is in my arm, I also had a persistent seroma over my breast scar, which occasionally turned my skin livid red, know that feeling. I started massage on the breast area just a little too late to save myself from a&nbsp;nasty infection. Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed is a very understandable reaction to all this. Have&nbsp;you a breast care nurse or someone who can recommend a counsellor experienced with cancer patients? I saw a terrific counsellor for a few months after three long term side effects struck. Best thing I could have done as if helped get my focus and my breath back. Deep breathing helps but most of all accept that what you are experiencing is as normal as anything can be at this stage, especially when half the world expects you to be just the way you were before this whole schemizzle started! Getting help is a sign of sense and maturity!! Good luck.&nbsp;

cowgirl1 · Answer

thanks ladies, i was having lymphatic massage before i started lazer treatment and will try to mix the to together, i see the doc next week again and will get a referral to see someone my breast care nurse supplied some information so i will look in to that cheers . i have also just ordered a survivor pin so i can remind myself every day.&nbsp;

zoffiel · Answer

A day off is a splendid idea. Stay in bed and cry until you run out of snot or start to feel a bit melodramatic and decide you want to get up and about. Mental health days are so important; give yourself a licence to do what ever you feel like at the time.

You are so right, the focus is all about finishing treatment and producing a series of clear scans. Our heads are in conflict with the system there--we do not just conveniently forget and get on with the rest of our lives. Much as we may try.

Track down a shrink or counsellor. You are probably looking for a psychologist if you want someone with a bit more grunt behind them--particularly if you feel all this is going to need some time off work etc. 'That Poor Woman' has been an invaluable helper for me when it all gets a bit much. Being qualified, she can also help keep Centrelink off my arse a little while my head catches up with my body (which is still pretty shite)

Best of luck with the red hot boob. Antibiotics. Yum. Every time I have a course of them now I get a raging case of thrush so I'm miserable at both ends. Marg xxx

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