6-YEAR MASTECTOMY ANNIVERSARY

Six years ago today, I had a mastectomy. 

I remember being so nervous but, at the same time, happy that we were finally going to get this thing done. I felt like it had been so long since my diagnosis and learning that I would need surgery. 

I was diagnosed on October 3, 2016, and here it was April 7, 2017. It had been determined that I would receive chemotherapy to shrink the tumors before surgery. And it worked. The tumors shrank quite a lot. But now I had finished chemo and just wanted the cancerous boob GONE!

My right breast was removed, along with 11 lymph nodes. I was so afraid to think about what was underneath those bandages.

I left the hospital a few hours after my surgery. I was shocked and a little worried about going home so soon after surgery, but I didn't argue with them.

Some things are a bit blurry when I reflect on that day, but I remember the ride home from the hospital. I remember sitting in the front seat and zoning out while Ray was driving, and all of a sudden, I saw an ice cream sign. I literally yelled, "Ray, STOP! I NEED ice cream! We had already passed the entrance into the parking lot of the ice cream place, but Ray somehow managed a quick U-turn, and the next thing I knew, we were sitting there, parked in front of an ice cream shop I had never even noticed before today, and Ray was asking me what kind of ice cream I wanted!

It's funny the things you remember sometimes. First, of course, I remember the ice cream! But much more importantly, I remember my husband caring for me, nursing me, and, most of all, loving me through those rough days. 

I can't say that every day of these past six years since my surgery has been easy, but I can say without a doubt that I am thankful for each and every one of them. 

So yes, life is a blessing. 

And being surrounded by loved ones while going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment, or any other crisis, is an immeasurable blessing. 

I feel so sad when I think about anyone going through such a time of distress and fear without the love and support of friends and family. 

Many of my family members and friends live out of state, but I know they are always a phone call away when I need them, and I could not have made it through these past few years without them!

I am blessed.

LYMPHEDEMA

Recently I shared my annoyance and frustration about my lymphedema. I am happy to report that the swelling has significantly decreased, and my condition is not as severe at the moment.

In my previous post, I promised to discuss the treatments and management techniques that have worked well for me. However, before delving into that, I would like to address two questions that were raised in response to my last post.

IS THERE A WAY TO PREDICT IF I WILL GET LYMPHEDEMA? CAN I PREVENT IT?

There is no surefire way to predict who will get lymphedema after breast cancer treatments. And there is no surefire way to prevent it. Women who exercise as soon as their doctor permits after surgery or other treatments and follow proper skin care suggestions seem less likely to develop it. I was told that removing several lymph nodes, combined with radiation, put me at a higher risk of getting it at some point.

Although there is no cure for lymphedema, there are treatments that focus on reducing swelling, managing flare-ups, and preventing complications. 

TREATMENTS MAY INCLUDE

• Bandages. Compression can help to reduce and control lymphedema by limiting lymph fluid buildup and providing support to help muscles pump fluid away. 
• Diet and weight management. Eating a healthy diet and controlling body weight is essential for lymphedema treatment.
• Exercise. Exercise helps to improve lymph drainage. For example, walking, light weight lifting, yoga, swimming, and Tai Chi may encourage lymph flow. Your doctor, OT or PT can advise on specific exercises.
• Massage therapy. Massage by someone trained and certified in lymphedema treatment can help move fluid away from the swollen area.
• Infection prevention. It is so essential to protect the skin in the affected area from drying, cracking, and infection. Your healthcare provider can advise you on how to care for your skin and nails to help prevent serious problems.

If you have recently undergone breast cancer treatment, I first suggest you make an appointment with an expert trained in lymphedema therapy. You may need a referral from your doctor. 

A therapist will most likely recommend complete decongestive therapy (CDT), a non-invasive treatment for lymphedema. This therapy includes various techniques, including manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression, exercise, and skincare. CDT reduces lymphedema, increases mobility and range of motion, and decreases the risk of cellulitis. 

MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE (MLD) AND HOW IT WORKS.

MLD is a gentle massage technique that involves skin-stretching movements using a very light touch. The goal is to move the lymphatic fluid from swollen areas toward the lymph flow and into areas that are draining well. 

This MLD on the skin also helps to soften any hardened tissue.

Deep breathing methods are also used to enhance the positive effects of MLD. Therefore, your MLD session will most likely begin and end with some deep breathing exercises.

Your therapist can also teach you how you can do lymphatic drainage by yourself at home. This is called simple lymphatic drainage or SLD.

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE PUMP

Your therapist might recommend a pneumatic compression device if these techniques don't work. Then, when appropriate, your healthcare provider can prescribe this device for home use. In many cases, your insurance will cover these devices. 

Yes, it looks daunting, but it's okay once you get used to it. And that's coming from someone who can't stand confinement of any kind! 

I saw an OT who is trained in lymphedema therapy. Initially, I saw her twice a week for MLD and arm wrapping. My visits with her were great, and she would get the swelling down quite a bit, but it was decided that I needed the extra help of the lymphatic drainage pump to use at home. She also taught me to do SLD and to wrap my arm myself (with help from the hubby) and gave me some exercises I could do at home.

In addition to using the lymphatic drainage pump, I do stretching exercises and lift light weights 4 or 5 times weekly. I try to get in a walk regularly, but if the weather doesn't permit a walk, I put on some music and do some gentle dance-type movements. Anything that keeps you moving is helpful.

I will be happy to answer any specific questions you may have about my struggles with lymphedema. I will also put together some of the exercises I do regularly. I will post them here in the next few days.