Wednesday, June 25, 2014

I'm a SURVIVOR...

WOW...SURVIVOR, that is so awesome to say!!! When I was first diagnosed with this horrible disease, my world just like every other woman or man that is diagnosed with the big "C" was turned upside down. At no time did I feel like I had been handed a death sentence but I knew I had a fight ahead of me, a fight I was bound and determined to WIN!!! As I have always said, I have had the most AMAZING support system. You know, someone asked me the other day if I ever went to any of the support groups considering my age. I looked at her and said, "No, my support system has been so great, I never felt the need to go." Not that I don't feel that they are wonderful groups and they are so supportive and help many people get through this, I just never felt my place what in one. I have tried very hard to keep a positive attitude from the beginning and I feel that is one of the biggest challenges but also one of the most important things to do. Attitude really is everything. Since seeing my Plastic Surgeon and finding out that I am eligible for surgery I have begun to look forward to it even when I didn't know when it would be. I know that sounds crazy, "looking forward to surgery" but I am. I am ready to take the next step in the recovery process and have my expander replaced and just really have another boob haha!! Yes, I am concerned about the risk of infection again since it did happen the first time but the risk is much lower than before. When is surgery scheduled you ask?? JULY 25th at 9:30 AM!!! I am more than ready to begin to get back to normal.

Physical Therapy
Also since seeing my Plastic Surgeon I had a follow up with Dr. Nate my breast surgeon. He did an exam making sure I had not developed any lumps. He said that everything looked GREAT and I don't have to see him again until next year!! While I was seeing Dr. Nate though, I mentioned to him that I had begun having some tingling in my hand on the right side. He said that I would need to do physical therapy so that we can try and prevent Lymphedema. In about a week I received a call from the Physical Therapy office and had my first visit scheduled. During my first visit I talked to the Physical Therapist about my medical history and what has been going on. She took some measurements and said that I wasn't swelling so it seemed like I could have the beginning of Axillary Web Syndrome or "cording". Cording sometimes develops as a side effect of sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection both of which I had. Both procedures involve removing just a few sentinel lymph nodes or many axillary lymph nodes which I had 19 removed. In axillary web syndrome, you'll often be able to see and/or feel a web of thick, ropelike structures under the skin of your inner arm. Lymphedma Therapists often call these "cords." In some cases, like mine, you may not see or feel the cords but the sensations of pain and tightness will tell you that they are there. They are still trying to figure out exactly what causes cording but some believe that surgery to the underarm and chest area traumatizes the connective tissue that encases nearby bundles of blood vessels, lymph vessels and nerves. This trauma leads to inflammation, scarring, and eventually hardening of the tissue. This hardening can spread down the fibers of the connective tissue which causes the cords to form. So anyway, as far as my treatment is concerned, my PT gently massages and stretches the cord tissue for about 45 minutes. Right now this is still pretty painful when she does it and I am sore afterward but I can tell a world of difference after 4 visits. I also have gentle stretching and flexibility exercises that I do twice a day. She also recommended a compression sleeve that will apply just the right amount of pressure to the arm and hand getting the lymph fluid moving in the right direction. This is not something I have to wear all the time, just if I feel my arm getting achy or if it begins to swell because the risk of lymphedema is lifelong so it is a preventative measure.

I know it has been awhile since I updated but here it is and now I just wait for my first of 2 surgeries that I have left!! However, before then we will be going on vacation and I am so so so EXCITED!!! I really need a break :)