Determined to win

Hi Tanya,

Thanks for the warm welcome! :-)

The very next thing I am going to do after this is check out that site.

I figure there is nothing I can really do about the lymphoedema, as laser and massage isn't really fixing anything, but I can certainly take control of the shoulder issue.

Yay!! , finally something I have a little control over!!! :-)

I will check it out and be back with any questions

Thank you again

x

Hi Jess

I will definitely be checking that group out.

I have a girlfriend who I have been walking with.  She has been such a good friend through this, although sometimes a very hard task master :-)

With her help, I now walk 9km, 4 days a week.  We have just added in a couple of mountains.......well, I suppose technically they are hills, but......    :-)

Thank you for your input and help. I really do appreciate it

x

Hi Gillian,

I am in Adelaide, but thankyou anyway for trying to help. I cant get over how nice everyone on this site is!

Cheers :-)

Hi TinaW2911, Jess from BCNA here ~ just wanted to jump in and say hello/welcome to the online network! If you need any help working your way around the network at all, just let me know :-).

I also wanted to let you know that there is a group in the online network you might want be interested in called 'Get active and keep well' where members also share healthy living tips, seek support from others who know how hard it can be to get moving after a diagnosis of breast cancer. If you wanted to have a look you can find the group here: https://www.bcna.org.au/online-network/groups/get-active-and-keep-well

Jess x

Hi Tina, if you are in Sydney I can recommend a physio who works at North Shore Private hospital at St Leonards. Her name is Heidi.

I saw her a few times about my cording and also did an exercise class with her. She's good with issues around breast cancer and lymphodema.

Good luck!

Gillian

Thanks Ladies

I have discovered that the ladies I go to for my lymphoedema are also physiotherapists! - Thanks Cancer Council ! :)

So I will get some work done at my next appointment.

Have to say, I am so glad I found this site.  So many positive, happy and helpful women - yay for us!!!

x

Hi and welcome to the network, my breast care nurse gave me some stretching exercises, along with some lymphoedema drainage exercises. My husband helps me with lymphatic drainage as well. My physio has suggested just light weights as I can cope with it, and to do the exercises slowly, no jerky movements like boxer use, as it makes the swelling worse. Hope that you find a solution, take care, Trace ????

Hi, you could try looking up the Australian Physiotherapy Assoc website to find someone in your area (hopefully) that specialises in lymphoedema. The website has a Find a Physio feature that you can plug in your location / postcode and area of interest ie lymphoedema, and hopefully it will bring up some options for you.

BTW, well done on your first blog!  Jane xx

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for that info :)

I had some cording after surgery but was able to break that with stretching and hanging off the tops of door ways :)

My surgery was back in January, but the shoulder has only started happening in the last month or so.

I have been using a sleeve for the dema and having laser and massage, but its being a pain in the butt and not getting any better.  I have also tried acupuncture with no results.

Going to ring cancer council and see if they can recommend a physio who specializes in this kind of thing.

Thanks again for your help :-)

Hi,

If you can, I would see a physio about the Lymphoedema and the frozen shoulder. One who specialises in breast cancer patients.

is your shoulder freezing due to post-surgery nerve damage or the Lymphoedema? How long ago was your surgery?

the reason I ask is because of my own experience....

after my lymph node surgery in June/July, the nerves in my armpit and back of my arm go numb every now and then. This is normal. I don't need to do anything. It will hopefully go away.

for my Lymphodema I wear a special sleeve when I exercise and have been taught by my physio a daily massage technique to prevent it getting worse (thickening, hardening). I have been told not to "overwork" my arm.

I also have cording from the Lymphodema which stops me straightening my arm all the way. I get regular massages / check ups from the physio too.

so, it could be any of these things. Or something else entirely. my suggestion is to see a physio who specialises in this, because my GP had no idea what my cording was.

keep on dancing!

L