I was a healthy 50 year old when I was diagnosed with a sarcoma tumor in my right thigh three years ago. Before and after having my quad muscle removed along with the cancer, I underwent an arduous regimen of 37 powerful radiation treatments and 6 rounds of in-patient chemotherapy. I have had doctors tell me it is a miracle that I can walk, and I am blessed to be alive. Although my cancer is gone, what I am left with is lymphedema in my leg due to the radiation damage and scar tissue from the surgery. I wear a custom compression garment virtually every waking hour, bandage several times a week at night, and use the Flexitouch compression pump several times a week also. I also have periodic lymphatic drainage therapy as well. I really thought I could work my way out of the lymphedema eventually through fitness and nutrition, but have now accepted that it will be a part of the rest of my life. If I skip any of this routine for even part of a day, my leg swells, it spreads elsewhere, and I am miserable and in pain. My only relief (when I can be a “normal person”) is using the swimming pool for water aerobics – it is a great workout and really helps the lymphedema and my fitness.
I cannot imagine what would happen if my family did not have insurance coverage to help with the expenses of the lymphedema care. It really scares me to know that Medicare is not covering this – my husband is only a few years away from being on Medicare and he is the one carrying our coverage.
