Lymphoedema Information Day
Registration has just been extended until 13th March Come along to Tamworth for the Regional Lymphoedema Information Day on Saturday 21st March. To attend this wonderful day of learning about lymphoedema, the best practice to treat and manage this condition, latest research, and opportunity to see and talk to our sponsors about their lymphoedema products! 7.30-10 am Session for medical and health care professionals only 10am -4.30 pm Sessions for public-everyone consumers ,medical and health care professionals https://www.lymphoedemasupport.com/upcoming-events/information-day-2020 Send your registration form in by 13th March Go to www.lymphoedemasupport.com and follow the links to register. Don't miss out! Please go to the Lymphoedema Support Group of NSW Facebook page and like and share their posts. This conference is priceless opportunity for anyone who has had breast cancer surgery, or who cares for people who have had bc surgery . (family or service industry) or other cancers especially head and neck, genital /urinary/gynaecological , melanoma,. Gp's,physios, occupational therapists, massage therapists, podiatrists,- lots of people who could benefit from top notch advice to be able to help the estimated 40,000+ people living with lymphoedemea in Australia & New Zealand You can also be born with lymphoedema or a predispostion to it , or it can result from an injury, can be a side effects from many other diseases also . Not restricted to breast cancer . Up to 20% of all breast,ovarian and prostrate cancer survivors develop lymphoedema. Early treatment leads to better outcomes. It is essential for patients to have education and adequate support to ensure compliance and self care to reduce the impact of this chronic condition and reduce associated complications due to inadequate self management of lymphoedema.
Looking for recommendations in Sydney
Hi all, I have some practical things that I’ve been struggling with and I figured I’m unlikely to be the first. I had a single mastectomy and auxiliary lymph node removal in November and have been having issues finding bras - I’m 35 so I’m looking for something with underwire and padding that also has a pocket for the prosthetic. No such bras seem to be available at the list of stores given to me by the breast care nurses. My scar goes across where the nipple would be rather than where an underwire sits so I’m still able to wear underwire comfortably and since my remaining breast is a DD going without underwire, padding and structured support isn’t my favourite. The berlei post surgical bra was fine for around the house but don’t work under a lot of my wardrobe and again, the support issue is a problem. I figured a good option was to get a couple of my favourite bras tailored to add the pocket. Problem is trying to find someone who can do that sort of work is proving very difficult. The one guy I found in balmain showed me a method that looks like it’ll damage the bra and not have a great result. So any recommendations would be amazing. Also looking for inner west lymphatic drainage massage recommendations (that don’t cost the earth). Any suggestions for how to minimise lymphadema risk and tricks and hints for getting used to it all would be much appreciated. My hope is for a reconstruction but my surgeon says that’s about two years away. Thank you so much katherine
Remedial Massage with a Portacath
Just wondering if anyone here has any knowledge about having a remedial massage with a portacath. I am very tight across my upper back/shoulders and getting mild headaches. I don't have lymphoedema thank goodness. I am on Herceptin and Letrozole and am not sure if they could be causing the headaches. It has occurred to me that a massage to loosen things up may give an answer and make me feel a whole lot better. Do any of you lovely ladies know if it would be safe and do you know if using a sports orientated massage therapist would be ok? I am starting to feel a little grumpy and fed up. :/
Massage
I know that in general, massage is okay. However...every year at work we get a week of being spoiled which includes a 15 minute massage. I missed it last year as I was on sick leave but it turns out that it is happening on Monday and it goes against the grain to give up a massage. However, I don't want to cause any undue upset to the lymphatic system. It's usually the neck and shoulder area that is covered. From those of you who are well-versed in lymphoedema issues, are there any guidelines as to what to tell the person to avoid...or should I just not do it?
Guilty pleasures
It's been an interesting week. Physically challenging, it's also been quite tricky emotionally. There have been confessions and difficult conversations. Moments of triumph and others of deep sadness. We tell each other to be kind to ourselves, but that isn't always easy. Today, on a whim, I went and had a relaxation massage. Funds being as they are, massages are generally only for therapeutic purposes and I've always had concerns that the women employed in the sudden proliferation of walk in massage businesses may be being exploited. There is never an absence of guilt, is there? It was fantastic. I almost felt like I'd done something wrong; is it right to dribble while someone puts hot stones on your back and stokes your AI ravaged body? Anyway, I tipped the young woman (which also felt somehow wrong) and have been blissed out on the couch all afternoon. So, what have you done for yourself lately?
Indian head massage seriously beautiful..
Today I had an Indian head massage ....wow. I thoroughly recommend it to all my sisters on here. It was so beautiful I nearly fell asleep . An Indian head massage is not only extremely relaxing but really good for lots of reasons including helping to stimulate hair growth after chemo .It's good for circulation and to relieve tight neck and shoulder muscles and lots of other reasons .After I hour of sheer peace and relaxation I have never endured in a massage and I have lots often I drove home floating and feeling so happy. Hence to say I booked again with Frank for next week . On a daily basis it is so hard to ride this journey of metastic breast cancer so today was such a good day my Indian head massage was so special I'm still floating hugs to all and please if you get a chance try one . Its so worth it..
