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 xx
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/
Targeted clinical trial for patients with lymphoedema related to breast cancer surgery
Hi members, The below clinical trial conducted by LeapCure may be of interest to some of you. If you have breast cancer surgery related lymphoedema following a dissection or biopsy procedure, you could be eligible to join a clinical trial that is enrolling nearby. Initial eligibility includes lymphoedema patients who have had surgery for their breast cancer at least 6 months ago and diagnosed with lymphoedema within the past 4 years. The following pre-screener will help you determine your suitability, match you to a nearby trial site, and enter you on to a list for the LeapCure team to give you a call back. To help you determine if you are eligible for the study, LeapCure, who are administering the recruitment of this study in Australia, have developed a survey found at the link below. By taking this survey, you are providing your consent (agreement) for LeapCure to collect and store your survey answers on an overseas server (large computer) that is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (USA). Here is the pre-screening link: https://research.leapcure.com/studies/bclymph?locale=en-AU&utm_source=BCNA&utm_medium=mixed&utm_campaign=060921Pv22&utm_cat=PAGNWAU&utm_study=bclymph
Lymphoedema podcast & general
Hi, I just wanted to say thank you for organising last nights pod cast. I have lymphoedema and the biggest thing that came out of it for me was that many of us don’t have that initial measurement done pre surgery. I have some wonderful physiotherapists looking after me but it has been hard when there wasn’t an initial measurement to work from. Could i I also ask if there are others who find the compression garments don’t work for them. I wear them for travelling but fluid tends to be pushed into my hand making it uncomfortable! I’ve tried different types of sleeve and hand formations but the area below my fingers swells with a little mound. Thank you you again and I look forward to the next pod cast. X
Lymphodema Professionals
Have seen a Lymphodema Massage Therapist four times since my full auxilliary clearance in March who I am very happy with, however I have moisturised, massaged and kept active using my right arm but have noticed recently that my right arm is getting thicker. Is there a difference as to the treatment you would get from a Physiotherapist for lymphodema? Wondering if I should seek a physiotherapist's advice too?
