September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month. I didn’t know that until I was diagnosed with Uterine Cancer. I was diagnosed exactly 10 months after my younger cousins death of Uterine Cancer. I was lucky, I was diagnosed early and was given a good prognosis. SEPTEMBER was going to be the month I would remember and advocate for everyone with Gynecological Cancer
Cancer is a scary word and diagnosis. The research and advances in the diagnosis, treatment and cure rates are increasing at a fast pace. Two months after my surgery I noted my right foot had pitting edema. What was that? I had never had that before. My foot and leg became progressively swollen that very hot humid summer weekend. I kept my leg elevated and called my oncologist on Monday. I had Lymphedema. Lymphedema doesn’t sound very scary, not like Cancer.
Well let me tell you, it is awful. Lymphedema is scary and life altering. Very few people know what it is or understand what your new life challenges are. Everyday seems to bring a new challenge. Some days are better than others but to be honest-I feel it is a life sentence. Climbing stairs, getting into the car, walking for any distance is a challenge. I have gone from a runner and weight lifter to someone with a heavy swollen cumbersome right leg.
The ultimate frustrating challenge was the lack of insurance coverage for any of the garments that I need for my treatment. I couldn’t believe there was NO coverage for this condition. Four stockings a year and a nighttime garment I have to pay for myself. Ironically it will take an act of Congress to make this coverage possible.
Lymphedema is a scary word and diagnosis.
