I had a lumpectomy for breast cancer in 2007. I joked to my friends that it was cancer lite because the lump was small, I had a week of radiation and no chemo. Within a few weeks my right breast and right arm started swelling. I was frantic thinking it was cancer again. I found out it was lymphedema caused by the 13 lymph nodes removed during the lumpectomy. Since my surgery I’ve had 3 rounds of physical therapy of approximately 20 sessions each with a lymphedema certified occupational therapist. I wear a compression bra and sleeves on both arms because the lymphedema has spread to my other side. The bandages are hot and uncomfortable. I have to avoid certain physical activity. I do lymphedema massage on myself twice daily as taught by my therapist. I’ve gone months with no problem to have it occur suddenly. I sometimes go to bed fine and wake up swollen. Sometimes I start the day off fine and by the end of the day it’s back. It affects my whole life.
The cancer was simple. The lymphedema is not. Thank goodness I have good insurance. I’m double covered with my insurance and my husband’s. I cannot imagine not being able to afford to have this treated. It is as important as treatment for the cancer. I remember my grandmother with her swollen arm after a mastectomy in the 50s. She’d wrap her arm with ace bandages. Let’s make sure women of today have better options and that lymphedema is covered by insurance.
