I t has been awhile since I have written.  I talked about the flexi-touch pump.  It seems to be working!  My arm has gotten smaller and I need a new sleeve to accommodate it.  I have a 2 month evaluation with the O.T. therapist to officially decided if it is worth it.  The insurance will then decide if they will continue to rent the machine.  I just came back from a week in Florida.  Because the machine was bulky, I did not take it with me.  I noticed a difference.  There was definitely more swelling.  It was good to relax and unwind.  Just as this sea shell seems alone on the beach, just remember we are not alone, we are fighting together.

Keep fighting,

Cathy

Keep Searching

I hope that you trust your doctors since you are putting your life in their hands.  If you are not satisfied with an answer, search for it.  I was getting tired of hearing "post radiation".   Every symptom etc. was labeled "post radiation."  Now that I am 14 months out of radiation, I began to question more why I was so tired.  The oncologist finally sent me to a neologist.  He was given the task to figure out why I have "foggy" times and am so tired.  He thought I needed a sleep study for sleep apnea.  The insurance company wasn't so willing.  I appreciate the fact that he took time to call the insurance company himself and fight for the test.  To me that is a sign of a good Dr.   He did not leave it up to the nurses and paperwork, but did it himself.  Sunday night, I had a sleep study.  It was very interesting.  I sleep all night at the hospital hooked up to sensors.  If I opened my eyes, the nurse in another room knew it and talked to me.  The test showed that I needed a CPAP machine.  This will make sure I get enough oxygen at night.  Hopefully soon I won't be tired and "foggy".

Keep Fighting,

Cathy

Fashion

No one who claim me to be a fashion diva, but I think it is something that lymphedemia patients struggle with.  A winter I have been in short sleeves or sleeveless.  It works better with my compression sleeve.  The material of the long sleeve pulls my compression sleeve down.  Since live in Wisconsin, I do need a winter coat.  The same thing would happen.  I stumbled upon a winter cape (coat) at Kohls and it has solved that problem.   The cape is very stylish and I have had sooo many compliments from complete strangers.  The cape allows my arm to  have plenty of room to move.  If it is really cold I wear a quilted vest or fleece under the coat.  The vest doesn't show and keeps me warm.  I am hoping to find a raincoat that is a cape too.

Flexi touch

I got my flexi-touch lymphedemia pump !!! My family all thought I look like a cosmonaut.   They said that without hearing what the other had said.  It is quite cumbersome to put on, but I know it will get easier when I am more familiar with it.   I used it yesterday for the first time after a training by a company rep.  She was very nice and came to my home to explain everything.  I then must lie for 1 hour a day while the pump works.  If you know me, this will be the hardest part. I don't like sitting still for a long period of time.  I always have something to do.  It feels good while it works. After the first time my hand swelling was considerably down.  It has since built up , but I think if I used this everyday I can get it in control.  The pump is expensive.  Insurance is renting it for 2 months to see if it works then will decide if they will continue.  That sounds fair to me.  It is sill to own something if it doesn't work.  

A Year Gone By....

It is hard to imagine that a year has gone by since I had radiation. Below is a picture of the radiation machine.  It doesn't hurt  you just have to lie still.  The ceiling had little lights in it to look like stars.  I found it a great place to pray.  It was quiet and a good place to reflect.  The arm of the machine would turn to point the "laser beam" in the proper place.  The blue items are mold made to keep you in the exact postion every time. Everyone has their own.  It seems like it was just a few months ago.  I am thankful that year has past.  I still feel the effects of "post radiation".  You know that is one of my most unfavorite sayings.  It is just a catch all for every  pain, ache or tiredness.  I have used my Solaris vest for 2 weeks now.  I am not sure if it is doing anything or not.  It is warm on these cold Wisconsin nights!  I just saw the wind chill for Friday morning will be -29 F.  Yikes!!!  I hope the vitamin D will help my tiredness.  I found out the prescription was written wrong and I needed to be taking it more often so I will try again.  As I look at the calendar I see spring is on the horizon.  Always look for the positive side of things.   A good outlook is great for your health.

Keep Fighting,

Cathy

Solaris Vest

I finally have my Solaris Night Vest. I ordered a sling (one armed vest) this past summer.  It just didn't fit quite right.  After many of months of trying to get it to fit right.  The store would take different measurements etc and it just was not right.  I never took it home, after every fitting it was sent back.Finally, the store called in the rep. from Solaris.  She took the measurements and suggested a full vest.  She was very caring and willing to make this work.  Now after 6/7 months of being without a vest it finally is right.  I have only had it a few nights, so I am not sure what the result of wearing it will be.  I am looking forward to seeing results.  I was told it would soften the skin and help the lymphatic system.  Time will tell.  Don't settle for something that isn't quite right.  Medical items are expensive and if they don't fit properly it won't work.  Speak up and get it right.  They want it to work for you too.

Keep Fighting,

Cathy

Make a Difference

On Jan. 6. 2013 my Aunt Jane died.  She was 91 years old, but seemed young to me.    Everyone who knew her called her Aunt Jane. She was the kindest person you could know.  Helping others was the theme of her life.  All through her life, she thought of others.  I want to follow her example and help others too.  Do you know someone who needs a phone call or a note?  Since my round with cancer I have learned how important these things are.  A simple hello and a show of concern means much to those who need it.  Pray for those who might be having a tough time.  Make a difference today.