Hi @pammiesyd. My 1st sleeve was an off the shelf sleeve and gaunlet. Lasted 2 months before my 1st custom made sleeve and glove arrived.
Like @mum2jj, I have found lymphoedema the hardest part of my breast cancer to cope with. Mine started very early, only 4-6 weeks after surgery. I lived in hope for the first year that I wouldn't have to wear the sleeve all the time, but no such luck for me, although it does happen. Hopefully you'll be luckier than I was.
After 12 months or so, I realised I really hate beige, and also that I could use this to advocate. I have become involved with a local lymphoedema support group. I also decided that if people were going to stare at my sleeve anyway, I'd try to do something with it. My last 2 sleeves have been black- I'm permanently in a sleeve and glove.
My latest set are "cranberry" which I would actually describe as a deep plum colour. They are jobst elvarex, and this time I have opted for a cuff type band around the elbow which is a bit softer on it. Still trying to decide if it's actually any better. I only got it last Wednesday.
Oh, and mine's left arm, & I'm lefte handed, so absolutely get where you're coming from. I fjnd it a little easier to use a (the word won't come, lol) pen thing with the rubber on the end on my touch screens.
I'm sorry that you've ended up with lymphoedema so far down the track.
Take care
Lyn
