Down about my LE but trying not to let it overtake my life

EmmyEdward

So I'm almost a year out from my single mastectomy & they took 18 lymph nodes from my left arm pit (non dominant side). I have low grade (stage 1) lymphedema. I've been seen by a PT all year. I had the LVA procedure. I have compression sleeves and kinesio tape. I was advised to perform a "deep sequence" self lymphatic drainage massage twice a day and wear a sleeve every day. I don't do those things... I only do them sometimes. I stay at home with two little ones (1.5 and 3.5 year olds). I've been trying for months to get these maintenance things done consistently and it just hasn't happened. I'm down about my arm... but I've just decided that I can't stress about this anymore and feel resigned to it. I just logged on to this forum to look for more tips, but immediately just feel overwhelmed and like I don't want to devote anymore of my potentially limited time to dealing with the fallout from my diagnosis. Maybe I'll feel more up to researching stuff in the future, but right now LE feels like the most constant daily reminder of Cancer and I'm tired of giving it attention. Well, LE and hot flashes. Just needed to vent, I guess, because people in my life, including the PTs and doctors, don't get it.

Denise-G

EmmyEdward - Lymphedema is hard and you have had one tough road to add to all of it.

If I could encourage you to do one thing, it would be to wear your sleeve especially because you have little ones that require lifting.

Sleeves help and help alot.

I'm five years into lymphedema of my left arm (also non dominant side). I went through quite a bit of depression over it, but decided I had to make it as simple as possible. And it has worked for me. I wear my sleeve 12 hours per day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. I do massage while I am in the shower. And again when I first lie down in bed. I don't do it for long, but I do it.

My Lymphedema has gotten better through the years, but is worse in Summer with the heat.

Sending you all my best wishes. I am glad you posted.

EmmyEdward

Thanks, Denise. I will try to wear my sleeve more often... but it's hard in the summer and I've had eczema develop on the inside bend of my arm from the heat trapped under the sleeve. Plus I'm afraid to put the sleeve on if I haven't done the massage first. How long does it take you to do the massage in the shower? I feel like it takes me more than 10 minutes. And showering takes 10 minutes... my skin can't take 20 minute showers. I do hope it won't be as bothersome when winter comes. I live in Florida so it's summer 10 months a year.

huggs

You and God have got this, you are a wonderful mother and person, strong and vigilant, God bless you.

hugz4u

Welcome you have come to the right place. You can vent away on our special, grrrr lymphedema thread or anywhere here we totally get it.

Having two small kids is no easy task with le as both are time demanding. The problem though letting your care slip though is you will get into a worse situation. Really do try to follow your LVA doctors orders. We are here to help and encourage each other.

Can you get in a walk with the wee ones. It's so beneficial for us. I'm not sure of aftercare with your procedure but I'm betting gentle exercise is beneficial as it is in most cases. Our exercise thread is zero competition, just us trying to move to improve our lives. Do join! Yes your tired from kid care but it's something you can do easily with them and it really does lift spirits. Plus they will sleep better giving you a bit of free time to do something nice for yourself. Start off with eating chocolate. !

I put a scar silicon sheet in my elbow crease because I’m very sensitive. Perhaps this will help your eczema from getting rubbed.