Every patient is different. Every patient is different. Every patient is different. Every patient is different. Every patient is different. Every patient is different. Every patient is different. Every patient is different. Every patient is different. Every patient is different. Every patient is different. Every patient is different. Every patient is different.
As you may know from reading my blog that one of the biggest thing that irks me is when someone tells you that their neighbor's cousin's dog walker's sister's friend had the same ailment as you 20 year ago and their treatment protocol was different and they just don't understand why you are getting something different. Its rude. It makes you doubt your own treatment protocol and doctor. And its none of their damn business.
So now this study (because we needed another study) says that 'Individualized Care is Best for Lymphedema Patients'. I didn't go to medical school and I could have told you that.
Living with lymphedema is no fun. I can't wear a watch or bracelet on my left arm - no matter how loose it is. If I do I have to wear a compression sleeve for a week to make my arm feels better. This surprises my doctors. I also have to wear a compression sleeve when I work out or when my arm feels like its acting up - like maybe today I will. I have to do the stupid little lymphedema exercises to help my arm. They are just annoying.
I have a friend who had lymphedema and then lost a lot of weight and it went away. I have another friend who is very thin and has to wear a custom sleeve every day - and has for 17 years. I have a lot of friends who had the same surgery and never got lymphedema. See we are all different.
3 comments:
One of the most obnoxious things people can say to someone with any serious (or semi-serious) illness (especially FROM THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN) is, "My aunt's friend's brother's wife did--insert moronic phrase here-- "
I hate that you are dealing with lymphedema. My mom has a sleeve for flying and so does my sister. Mom may use hers for other things, too. Neither of them is very bad BUT, mom had all of the nodes removed in 1987 during Breast Cancer, Round One. This lymphedema thing didn't surface for many years. Sister only had sentinel nodes removed. I'm the family medical guru and I had NO idea one could develop lymphedema with only sentinel nodes removed.
Every patient is different, every treatment is different and we all handle our medical care differently, too. I'm with you...... Still working on a canned answer to shut those well intentioned people up in a jiffy. Will keep you posted....
:)
AnneMarie
Hi Caroline!
I'm writing to you on behalf of Margie Korshak Inc. in Chicago, IL. We are currently updating our breast cancer media list and would love to add you. Could you please provide me with an updated email address?
Thanks,
Emily (pr5dept@korshak.com)
Lymphedema sucks, whatever the weather I slip into a sleeve.....for the rest of my life!
Thanks cancer!!!!
Can we find a cure pleaseeeeee!!!!
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