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
That's sad news. I wish you all the best and hope it all turns out well. X
ReplyDelete;( I was quite surprised they chose to remove them.... My gf is 19yrs old and had been told she had cervical cancer but the docs refused to operate due to her young age. They made her come back 3-4 times fur further papssmears and by the 4th one it had completely disappeared for now. As they explained to her cervical cancer can present but not always be dangerous or cancerous ? I feel saddend that maybe further time wasn't spent testing? I pray and hope for a healthy life for you as u could imagin the fears you now gave to face. X
ReplyDeleteMy surgery was the best way to proceed to have me healthy and the best possible outcome! A lot of people have pre cancerous cells and don't understand the difference between that and having a tumor and the possibility of it spreading. If they hadn't have operated it could have spread and then I wouldn't have a good outcome. Thank you for your message :)
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