Anyone else working a dangerous job?

crystalphm

I don't know where to ask this question, so I put it under Lymphedema because I think it is my fear.

I have had a double mastectomy, one side had multifocal DCIS and I had 8 nodes removed, all were negative for cancer. My treatment ended there, I have not had reconstruction.

I am a self supporting glass artist, I work on a torch everyday to melt glass, and have burned myself today. My lymphedema therapist prepared me for this day if it should happen, to begin drinking plenty, elevate my arm as much as possible (my hand is burned) and to see a doctor (I will do this tomorrow) ...and I know I will be ok because I am trying to watch everything...but it still has me in a high anxiety mode. I LOVE what I do, but am I making dumb choices for myself? I am not sure I could give it up even if i was told to by a doctor (and how would I make money anyway, I am nearing 57 years old) ...

Well, I guess my questions are do others continue to work jobs that could be dangerous to us cancer survivors?

And what ever would i do about a job if i couldn't do this? Anyone else have to deal with something like this?

(and if you have any tips for coping with burns after lymph node removal...please tell me....)!

Thanks so much...

snorfia

I am the homeschooling mother of five children age 16 to 6.  I garden, can, cook, bake, mow lawn, butcher venison, sew, quilt, scrub floors, iron, play guitar, and hike. Not all at the same time, of course.  Life is not safe.  Do what you love.

It sounds like you know what to do, because injuries do happen, and prevention is way better than time in the hospital.  There may have to be modifications in your technique or equipment. But what is life if you can't LIVE it?

Hope you heal speedily.

kira66715

Crystal--for the burn, you should treat it the way you would typically--silvadene cream or antibiotic ointment, keep it covered, and you should elevate the arm, drink a lot of fluids, deep breath and keep an eye on it for any signs of infection.

I gave a lecture to some medical students on LE today, and their advisor talked about a patient who was a welder, and had to give it up.

We all run the risk/benefit equation about our work/hobbies/activities.

As you are an artist and not ready to switch mediums, I would imagine that you just need to be as careful as you can, and to have silvadene cream on hand. Also, wear as much protective gear as you can.

My work is in the medical field: it impacts my LE as I can't wear compression during the day, as I have to wash my hands constantly.

There was a woman who used to post: AprilinTexas, who worked in a hot, environment and had to do heavy lifting.

I do agree that we want to limit our limitations: but they are real. I don't know if either you or snorfia have LE, but I have it, and as much as I'd like to do some activities, it just isn't worth the swelling and chance I could progess my LE. I'm still living, but I'm making concious decisions, and walking the line between what I want to do, and what is prudent.

I love glass art: I live near a major art school and have benefitted from the great artists in the community. I have a glass piece that I got "for my DH" last year that is spectacular: a bird's nest with surrounding clear glass and eggs. When the light hits it, it's amazing. 

Let us know how you're doing.

Kira

snorfia

Open mouth, insert foot.  Thank you ladies for not jumping all over me regarding the insensitivity of my post. I do have lymphedema - very mild - and it's not limiting me much right now, for which I am grateful.  I just need to remember that living is about being, and whatever doing can flow out of that is a good thing.

kira66715

Snoria, I'm sorry you felt you had to delete your post, I'm in awe of all you do.

It's a dynamic: we need to live and do the things that give us joy--or pay the bills--and acknowledge the limitations. But the limitations can loam large. 

I know that when I got LE I went into full retreat mode, and now, I'm ready to venture and try more. 

I also know some of the women on these forums try and it just doesn't work for them.

Hey, it's literally trial and error.

What you do is impressive. Seriously.

Kira

Binney4

Snorfia, I'm with Kira: please do consider re-posting. Your viewpoint is important too. We need the balance your experience offers, even if we're all different and it doesn't apply to everyone. One of the strengths of sharing this way is that we get the whole range of possibilities, and that's what we need, it's how we learn. Crystal needs hope, inspiration, encouragement, and cautionary tales -- the whole gamut -- and no one of us can do all that alone. So thanks for your upbeat, can-do spirit -- and thank Heaven it all works for you!

Hugs,
Binney

crystalphm

Snorfia, repost that post! I felt so encouraged to hear your thoughts, and actually, I saw my BS today about the burn and he agrees with you. We just have to do what we feel passionate about, and he agrees with me it would take away from me horribly if I gave up the torch and my glass work.

But we also talked about investing into some safety gloves, fire resistant stuff. And he wants to see me every 3 days, does that sound reasonable? he also wants me to increase fuilds (drinking) and to get my arm elevated to sleep, watch tv, and just if i sit to rest.

Binney is right, I need encouragement, I did not fight hard against cancer, lose both breasts only to have a fear of lymphedema stop me from what I love most.

I will report in after each doctor visit. My doctor worked a year in a burn unit before deciding to be a breast surgeon, so I am very fortunate.

Binney4

Crystal, that sounds reasonable. But do keep close track of it and get help at once for any sign of cellulitis. Don't wait!:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Medical_Care_lymphedema.htm

The safety measures sound reasonable too! And so does the elevation and hydration. Also, stop occasionally and do some deep abdominal breathing, because that stimulates the largest lymph vessel in our bodies. A lot of us use the Lebed exercise DVD on a regular basis to help keep our lymph system in working order. It's here:
https://www.gohealthysteps.com/store/?productID=3

Be well!
Binney