It's been a while since I last said "Fu-u-u-u-ck" in response to my continuing treatment for cancer, and/or treatment for the treatment for cancer. I said it yesterday, when I saw what my arm looked like "wrapped".
About a month ago, my left arm began to swell, as if someone had inserted an air hose and pumped in about 20 psi.
I went to a physical therapist who pronounced it lymphedema, and had me order a kit of bandages. I am going to have to wear these wraps for a while, until the swelling went down, after which I'll be measured for a permanent sleeve that I'll have to wear as needed.
Tomorrow, the spouse goes with me to learn how to wrap my arm, because I can't do it on my own. It looks like I'll be wearing this hideous thing for a month or two.
Yesterday at work, of course, my coworkers wanted to know what happened.
I was too stunned to do anything other than tell them exactly why I look the way I do, which is too long and dry a story. I need a snappy comeback. Suggestions welcome.
Circumstantially, I also saw my oncologist yesterday. I've been wondering what triggered the lymphedema. Exercise? Massage? He says it was the radiation therapy, which was pointed at my breast and underarm lymph nodes.
Fu-u-u-u-uck.
Circumstantially, I also saw my oncologist yesterday. I've been wondering what triggered the lymphedema. Exercise? Massage? He says it was the radiation therapy, which was pointed at my breast and underarm lymph nodes.
Fu-u-u-u-uck.
