Starting Chemo March 2015

No worries, I'm dealing with it fine, doesn't itch or anything. It's the callousness that I object to the most, honestly. There are a few people at my oncologist's practice that have about as much personality as a piece of wet cardboard. But most of them are nice.

Ksusan, count on it. Whether they ask me or not, I have a typed up list to give to the oncologist, who usually jumps on concerns. I think my oncologist is 100% competent, it's just she has a few staff members who need a big kick in the ass. I have given her constructive criticism in the past (I always do things in writing that way my comments can't be misinterpreted or "disappear") and she has taken action, so I know she will. I have glowing compliments that are very pointed to specific areas where I think some of the staff truly excel at their job, so the report I give her isn't all negative lol.

shaz - my understanding is that compression sleeves/gauntlets/gloves are not to be used to eliminate swelling in an LE affected limb, but rather to maintain control once swelling is subdued.  I would think that bandaging and a night sleeve, or a machine (like Flexitouch) might be helpful in reducing swelling so that the garments have a better shot at keeping things under control.  Here is some info:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/wrapping_bandaging_for_lymphedema.htm

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/nightgarments_for_lymphedema.htm

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/pumps_in_lymphedema_treatment.htm

Is there a larger metro area that may have more access to in-depth treatment that you can get to?  I don't have experience with this level of intervention other than being aware of it.  I have been successful with MLD and garments, but the ladies on the LE threads may be better able to assist you.  Here is a listing of topics - you might try the search function with specific questions and see what turns up.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/64

shaz - one of the issues with removal of lymph nodes in the axilla is that the mechanism of removing or filtering baddies from the arm is removed. That is the reason that precautions are recommended for those of us who have had nodes removed - like wearing gloves for gardening, avoiding animal bites, treating wounds, etc. Cellulitis, and other types of infection, are serious and often require strong antibiotics - definitely stay on this until you see improvement.

Aww….can you go home?

Sharon, big hugs. Put my necklace on and know I'm sending love from the other side of the world!!!

Hi guys

Here's a picture of the rebuilt bracelet. I hope y'all like it.

I'm going to enjoy it for a week or two and then it's on its way to KSusan.

I pmed Amber awhile back. Been worried about her. But she didn't respond.

Sharon, that's awful. I'm so sorry.

Sue- the bracelet looks fabulous! All of the charms stand out so well! I'm sorry about your anniversary hitting you so hard. I think we all get that and it is a bit surprising that it's diffucult to frame it in terms of victory or accomplishment. I guess it just is what it is, but I like what you said about a little good to be found in each day. I will try to focus on that.

Hey! I must have heard you calling through the universe. I'm here. I have been down and just a real shit ass as far as being good support here. I just found out I have a fractured hip from AVN or ostencrosis caused by the chemo. I have had ongoing hip pain and now I know why. So i have to use crutches but I'm jacked from the stroke on my left side and just a big fat mess. I hate being in pain alll teh time. then my mom had the balls to say she believes I CHOSE this life. LIKE I SPIRITUALLY had mafe a decsion before birth to have a miserable life. She meant it. OH MY GOSH. She is freaking insane. I am flabbergasted and now I have lost her as support. I can't talk to her if she feels I chose this How warped. She told me to wuit signing up for diseases. I am way off course here I know.

I hope to read back and get caught up. You are never far from my thoughts. I think of you ladies and hope things are lookin up. If not I am going to think only the positive and wonderful thoughts for your healing.

Amber,

I hope you can feel the support from this group and use it as a crutch as well. Stick around if you can and let us try to help out. Nobody here will stand for that load of crap your mom dumped on you!

Amber, fuck what your mom had to say. Yeah, the old Italian swear monster is out in force today. People really don't get it.

You post here whenever you want, whine, complain, rant, anything you need. We all take our turns, you don't always have to be supportive, sometimes you can just lean on us, and lean hard if you need to. If this cancer crap has taught me anything, we all have strong backs to deal with the heavy load every day.

Hugs, and if I were there I would give you a big, smoochy hug, like until you got all warm and tingly inside. Right now my arms are around you, massaging your head from the constant brain strain, and we are talking about silly, frivolous stupid things, anything that pops in our heads.

This is a place to come to cry.