Lymphedema

I think lymphedema is one of the things that most cancer patients fear will become part of the aftermath of their surgery. I know it was a huge fear of mine and yet I was told that because I am so active, it probably won't be an issue. Probably being the key word! So over the last few months I've watched my right leg have intermittent swelling and pain, all the while hoping this wasn't lymphedema. We have lymph nodes throughout our body, they are the clean-up crew so to speak as they filter out all the impurities in our bodies. With my original surgery, many lymph nodes were taken as a way to find out if they had gotten hold of any cancer cells. I had one lymph node come back positive which is why I'm a stage 3 and why I had such an aggressive treatment plan. I think Dr P was very aggressive in removing lymph nodes on my right side because that is the side of the uterus where the majority of the visible cancer was. Anytime the lymph system is disturbed, it means that the remaining lymph nodes have to work that much harder to clear out fluids and impurities and sometimes it simply can't keep up, which gives swelling to that area. I've had persistent swelling and discomfort to the right groin area lately and I knew this was the much dreaded lymphedema. Part of me wanted to ignore this somewhat new development because I'm sick of seeing specialists and I just want to be done with this whole cancer business now. Unfortunately, the reality is that if I continue to ignore this situation, it will only get worse and I don't want that! I finally saw a lymph specialist today and I'm actually glad that I went, there was more good news than bad. The bad news is that yes, I have lymphedema and that there is a 1 inch difference at the most. I have daily exercises that I must do and I need to wear a compression stocking to the whole right leg daily. The good news is that it's only an inch difference, there are exercises that should help my clogged lymph system, and they have come a LONG ways with compression stockings since I've seen them on my patients. The lymph specialist feels because we are catching this early, I should have a good response and the hope is that I won't have to wear a compression stocking daily for the rest of my life. Hopefully, we will get the swelling under control and speed up my lymph system so that I will only have to wear the stocking at times. I'm pretty impressed with the stocking, it basically feels like I'm wearing panty hose to the right leg, it's comfortable and looks like panty hose. The odd part is that it's only on the one leg and so it feels like I'm missing part of my panty hose, specifically around the pelvic/abdomen region. I'm sure women will understand what I'm talking about. :) The exercises are simple and easy to do, however, it does bother me that it's one more thing I have to do as part of the aftermath of cancer. I'm a bit irritated that I wasn't given these lymph exercises RIGHT AFTER surgery as a way to maybe ward off lymphedema in the first place. There was a whirlwind of info coming at me after surgery but I would have been willing to do anything to ward off lymphedema! I could have done some research on my own and figured this stuff out for myself and part of me is kicking myself for not doing it, but I shouldn't have to treat myself. Sometimes, I just want to be a patient, not the nurse-patient-doctor to myself! I'm going to talk with Dr P's nursing staff and recommend they give the exercise handouts to ALL their post-surgery patients. I'm sure at times his staff is sick of me but thankfully God made me stubborn so I do what I think is best for the patient regardless of how annoying I may be. Anyway, prayers would be appreciated that this new regimen works and that the swelling goes away. Also, that my fears stay in check about this new problem. It's very easy to start a pity party that I have one more flipping problem, but the truth is God has been VERY good to me throughout this whole ordeal! I don't want to lose sight of that fact. I'll keep you all updated on the lymph situation.

When my lymph specialist told me she had a hysterectomy at 25 due to health issues, I immediately relaxed. We can relate to each other on several issues and her outlook on her situation brings me a lot of hope. I'm constantly amazed at the perfect people God places in my life at the perfect timing!