Jigsaw puzzles
I don't know why my physio didn't suggest it to me earlier but I have stumbled upon jigsaw puzzles for therapy. The repetitive movements of sorting pieces has done my lymphedema arm the world of good. Sitting around with not a lot of energy is boring and I put on movies to watch but I still like to be doing something to keep my mind and body active. Some knit or crochet, I do puzzles. :)
Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor
I had Triple Negative Breast Cancer diagnosed back in November 2012. Now after all the treatment and appointments, specialists and monitoring, I am still here and so far so good. I don't regularly came onto the BCNA Website now, however I was a prominent visitor for the year of 2013, for those who recognize my photo. After all the successful ops, chemo and rads, we moved to Sydney and been here for 2 years. I had taken a year off during my Cancer and it was necessary. The return to work was difficult and I went back part time. My brain was like mush originally and my work place tolerated me with kindness. I returned as a Pharmacy Assistant, and stepped into a very busy work place here in Sydney, but still working only 4 days a week. They have given me zero responsibility and menial tasks. I was upfront the week before my 6 months probation finished, about having had Cancer. I was called in for the Familial Genetic blood test, and discovered there was no connection. They just put it down to "Environmental". I have learnt that people who have not had Cancer don't understand what it is and have short concentration spans if you try to involve them. The ongoing health situation, or physical ailments you may get are also something people have no idea of and little tolerance for. I am healthy and learning to play Golf in a Clinic - and enjoying the challenge. My right arm is not over the moon about it, (underarm and elbow, with slight discomfort), but I simply just go through each day now as though Cancer never happened. Although it is always at the back of my mind. It is the yearly monitoring and weekly checks that keep me real. Survivor Belinda McKenna
The gift that keeps giving 😞
http://liz.oriordan.co.uk/CancerBlog/moving-on/?post=one-door-closes I just received this blog post in my email What Liz has to say is all so true and so devastating. I've been navigating loss of job & identity since before my BC diagnosis nearly 4 years ago, but bc continued to take. I developed lymphoedema very soon after surgery, going into my first sleeve at the 6 week mark. At the time I was working in a clinical nursing capacity. I continued in that job for around 6 months, during which time my very supportive workplace tried to find as much non clinical work for me as possible. In the end, as I was only working 2 days a week, but needed more days financially, I decided to look for alternatives. I was very lucky in the last 2 & 1/2 years to have found 2 non clinical nursing roles, that I've thoroughly enjoyed. Like Liz, if I'd been working in the cancer sphere, I don't think that I could have coped with that emotionally. Just shows how cancer doesnt discriminate. I'll be thinking of Liz, & wishing her all the best as she moves in to this next phase
Possible drug therapy for lymphoedema
Hi, Thought I'd share some exciting research I came across this week about a possible drug treatment for lymphoedema: Research It's such a frustrating condition for many of us and yet it is still so misunderstood. Hopefully this type of research will give us another treatment option to pursue. Have a great weekend everyone xxLymphoedema Information & Events
Lymphoedema can develop after breast cancer surgery or radiotherapy treatment. If lymph nodes are removed – usually from the armpit – fluid can build up and cause swelling known as ‘lymphoedema’. Find out what causes it, ways to reduce your risk of lymphoedema, and what to do if you develop lymphoedema. Signs and symptoms of lymphoedema Reduce your risk of lymphoedema Lymphoedema treatment Compression garments for lymphoedema Coping with lymphoedema Watch Ask the Expert 'Living well with lymphoedema' - with Maree O’Connor
Bra and prosthesis fitter
Just to let Vic ladies know that I had a great experience with a bra and prosthesis fitter in Melbourne. I had meet her previously at a Think Pink Centre Day of Indulgence ( book yourself in if you haven't already !) and asked her if she could come (across town) to fit my elderly mum.......... which she did without hesitation. She also handles the paperwork for the new prosthesis which was less paperwork for me :). I told her I would plug her service here. Her name is Genevieve . Here's her details : http://breastcarevictoria.com.au/Sydney Lymphoedema Public Information Day
Hi All Lymphoedema Association Australia is an organisation of volunteers aiming to support anyone living with lymphoedema. On 26/7/25 we are holding an information day in Sydney. Details below. For full disclosure, I am the current board President https://www.lymphaustralia.org.au/eventdetails/29672/laa-sydney-public-information-day-nswDo you have lymphoedema?
The ALERT (Australian Lymphoedema Education, Reseach and Treatment) team at Macquarie University are looking for people living with primary or secondary lymphoedema to complete an online survey which will help them to develop appropriate patient information resources. You can complete the survey via this link: https://mquni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_721VztSK5hUBU8K
