Oh, the joys of losing 21 Lymph Nodes!
As I mentioned, between both surgeries a
total of 21 lymph nodes were removed from my right arm. Initially it was 5. However, two tested positive for cancer and
since a HER2 + cancer is considered aggressive, it was recommended to remove a
larger cross section. Thankfully the
remaining lymph nodes were positive free.
In theory that means, they got it all.
The risks associated with this type of
surgery can be loss of mobility in the arm and Lymphedema.
Lymphedema is a swelling that occurs when
fluids build up in the arm. They cannot
drain properly because there are fewer or no lymph nodes to process the fluid
and keep it moving.
Again, I am extremely lucky because any
side effects i have are minimal. But I honestly
expected to have returned to my old self by this time….I haven’t yet and it
frustrates the hell out of me
I have a pretty good range of motion in my
arm. However, there are points when I
feel a pull in my arm, now and then I get a tingling sensation and sometimes my
jewelry feels tight on the right side.
Both arms look the same, yet there is a slight swelling in the upper arm
and collar bone. Now and then it looks
like I have a little back boob on the right side. Whaddya gonna do?
I was fitted for a compression sleeve which
helps push fluid through the arm but I hate to wear it. If you ask me, its an over glorified pair of
tights that costs an average on 114$ and apparently the custom ones are in a
crazy price range (but they have a range of colors including animal print. Hello??? A zebra print sleeve to match my zebra
print jeans) The nurse demonstrated how
to pull it on and adjust it. I followed
her instructions closely, using a rubber glove when putting it on to avoid
catching to jewelry or rough cuticles.
Which likely looked very strange to CATSA when they scanned my carry on
at the airport to find one lonely yellow rubber glove.
Where I struggle the most is during my
workouts. I used to work out at least
3-4 times per week, and for example lift anywhere between 12-15 pounds doing triceps
extensions. Now I use half the amount of
weight and my arm still feels numb afterwards.
Last week I attended an information session
on Lymphedema – I learned how to give myself lymphatic massages, about the
different sleeves and other aids to use on your arm and how to take care of my
arm; moving forward.
Not being the type to “google” stuff, I was
the eager student constantly raising my hand with questions. At one point I commented that I felt foolish
being the only one with questions.
“that’s alright” said the physiotherapist, “You
are asking questions that people already have in their mind”
“Can I play paintball?” I bet no one in the audience was thinking
about that one.
“Only if you can promise that you will get
hit from the waist down. Why don’t you
make an appointment to see me after this class”
That’s code for “You obviously are stupid
or stubborn or both and I want to see you because you are voted most likely to
injure yourself.”
