LYMPHEDEMA

Lymphedema is swelling underneath the skin. This can happen for a lot of different reasons, but it can definitely happen after lymph nodes are removed. And lymph nodes are always removed when there is a diagnosis of breast cancer. It can start at anytime. One way to treat it is with a compression sleeve. And it's best to be fitted for a compression sleeve before too much swelling starts.

Last week I noticed a problem with my right arm. The back of my arm, from the elbow up the back of my arm started to hurt, and then I noticed an indentation in the skin. And I could feel a vein really enlarged running right next to that indentation. I made an appointment with the Rehab department at Paradise Valley hospital yesterday. I met with Kathy, who is orginally from Lexington, KY! small world :) So, she took lots of measurements, and went over the signs and symptoms of lymphedema, and how to treat it. She said she was glad I was being so proactive. A lot of people aren't, and they wait longer than they should to treat the problem.

I have been fitted for a compression sleeve. I'll go back in two weeks to pick it up and for Kathy to see how I am doing at that time. Kathy said since I am taking care of this now, I should only need to wear the sleeve when needed. Not all the time, as some people have to do. But, I may have to do that in the future.....

This is just another bump in the road you need to be aware of, if you are ever diagnosed with breast cancer. It's best to treat this early....if not, it can develop into an infection....very painful and harder to get the swelling to improve.

Well, that's what I learned yesterday. More appointments next week......
I'll keep you posted :)
Love to All!