I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the uterus (endometrial) cancer on May 22, 1997. First and foremost, the word lymphedema would be one word t my vocabulary would soon recognize, but the impact of lymphedema would not affect me until September 2000. I had a full hysterectomy and had my ovaries removed along with 12 interstial aortic lymphnodes removed due to cancer. Later, my cancer reappeared inside an inguinal lymphnode, and I had that biopsied and removed, but not until April of 2000.
My first experience with lymphedema occurred when I was walking to work. In a matter of minutes (10), I was escorted away in an ambulance with a fever of 104 degrees and baffled E.R. doctors not knowing what was wrong with me. I was shivering, had a lot of pain in my leg, and was so weak I couldn’t even stand nor walk.
A phone call to my oncologist by the E.R doctor confirmed my diagnosis- lymphedema. Back then I had insurance and didn’t have to worry. Today, thankfully the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation pays for my compression tights which keep my lymphedema atracks under CONTROL, and allow me the flexibility to not have to live with unsightly lymphedema disfiguring my appearance and causing me to have terrible infectiins due to clogged lymph fluid in my legs.
I have come along way since 1997 , but my journey for a cure has yet to appear. I want lymphedema to be a thing of the past for myself as well as many others who suffer with this debilitating disease. My goal is to become sort of a poster woman when I succeed in curing this disease, and help millions more.
I support the lymphedema act and the people have heard the desperate cry from those who suffer with this condition.
