4 Weeks Post Op

It has been four weeks since I was admitted to RBWH and had my surgery! Recovery has been pretty good overall.  There were days where I felt like I was never going to get better, and where I felt I had taken five steps forward and 10 steps back, but everything seems back on track now.  I have my post operative check up with Dr N in approximately three weeks and will get all the details about how my surgery went and whats next for me!

Life is slowly getting back to normal... I am medically fit to drive again.  I also have only two more nights of Clexane injections which means I can move back to my house.  As much as I have loved living at Mum and Dad's the past four weeks, I am looking forward to going back home and getting back into routine.  On Monday I return to work and commence my Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (PLT) a further requirement before I can get admitted as a solicitor.  At this point it seems like study is never ending, however there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel.

I have 2 exams (today and tomorrow) and thats my undergraduate degrees completed.... Yipeeeeeeeee! Graduation is scheduled for 7 August, so fingers crossed I pass everything and graduate :)

Best I get back to my studies!

Chelsea x x

My Next Battle

A few days ago I received a phone call which was bitter sweet... On one hand it was sweet because I was told my pathology was excellent and no cancer cells, which means no further treatment... On the other hand it was bitter because my lymph nodes were healthy and normal, but have been removed... and will never be replaced. 

What does this mean for me ? Well it changes the rest of my life forever! I now have to ensure I do everything to prevent lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is scary and I am frightened of it, no one should ever have to deal with this.  

Lymphoedema occurs when the lymphatic system does not work properly. This results in long term swelling of parts of the body, so in my case my legs and feet. Things I used to enjoy in life and take for granted are no longer acceptable. Goodbye pedicures... goodbye waxing and using a razor to remove hair from my waist down. Simple things like getting a mosquito bite will now have to be attended to adequately to ensure the skin doesn't break and get infected. Compression garments now form part of my wardrobe... any time I fly or travel in a vehicle for more than 4 hours in one day (doesn't have to be continuous) I am required to wear compression stockings to try and prevent my legs from swelling. Basically I have to avoid all things that will cause infection and inflammation in my legs and lower body. 

The Lymphoedema Association of Australia provides a good explanation of lymphoedema and if you are curious I suggest you read about it. It can affect many people, not only those who have had their lymph nodes removed. Lymphoedema can occur in different stages from mild to extreme and depending on the stage will depend on the level of pain and restriction that comes with it.  

Below is an example of someone suffering from lymphoedema 

I will do everything in my power to prevent this from happening and I hope that I never have to experience this. There is no cure, only treatments to help you keep it at bay.  

So now you can understand why this is my next battle!

Chelsea x x x