I was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in October 2010. My cancer spread and I underwent radiation a mastectomy on my left side and more radiation and a chemo pill daily. It was very difficult to get used to the idea I no longer had a breast and to get used to what I saw when I looked in the mirror.
As you can imagine my medical cost have been insane and my husband and I do what we can on his retirement and my disability. It has been a very difficult journey for many reasons and also a blessed journey for many more reasons.
This year my hand and lower arm swelled while I was in Florida. I had a feeling that whatever was happening to my body was from the heat. I called my oncologist and the nurse said she thought it could be lymphedema but she really was not certain. She set me up for therapy and when I returned home I started therapy for my lymphedema the following month and stayed in therapy for three months twice a week.
Purchasing the equipment and supplies I need in order to keep my lymphedema under control has been a hardship. From the supplies to wrap my arm every day to a compression bra I had to purchase. I can’t understand why insurance dose not recognize the need for compression garments as bras, sleeves, wrappings. My cancer and lymphedema go hand in hand. Some people may never get lymphedema but some may contract it 30 years after a mastectomy. I am an avid gardener and lymphedema is not garden friendly. Try pulling weeds and planting seeds with your arm wrapped. Try to avoid any bug or crawling insect that could bite and cause an infection. Lymphedema has been devastating to my well being not to mention getting used to a new deformity on my body.
