Hello Everyone:
It’s the Friday of the Labour Day long weekend. It was this weekend three years ago that I found ‘the lump’. Hard to image and believe that so much time has passed and to comprehend all that has happened since that weekend. Talk about a game changer! Literally since I played my best golf game at Thundering Waters that day. It’s been an uphill battle since then. Thankfully, I am feeling much better and more like myself and at least my golf short game has returned…..kind of. LOL!!
I went to see my OT at the lymphedema clinic earlier this week for my one month check up after my 10 rounds of treatment with her. At my last appointment in July, we did some measuring and my forearm edema was down from the initial 9% down to 1%. She was quite pleased with my progress. She allowed me some ‘relief’ from wearing my compression sleeve daily; and advising me to keep a watch to see how things went without wearing it constantly. I was going to Asia for a family reunion and with all the humidity there and travel, it was going to be a test. I’m pleased to report that the measurements generally were about the same! The only part that was a little bigger was in my upper arm. I had to admit that I stopped my daily routine of self-massage for my arm, but I was swimming while I was away…….I think that has helped a lot. Lymphedema never goes away. But it can be managed. I just have to be careful. It’s pretty close – and I don’t think anyone has arms that are exactly the same…..like many of our body parts! haha. However, there is a slight possibility that the upper arm part is sagging a little due to older age; I have, after all, started a new decade in my life… :p
Needless to say, I still wear the sleeve quite regularly. I’m afraid sometimes that my arm will balloon up and it has become, (even though it’s uncomfortable) a little bit of a security blanket. I’ve worn it for over 6 months and it is now become a bit of a wardrobe staple. Although I think with time, I’m going to give it up. I’m tired of people asking me what sport injury I sustained…..it wouldn’t be so bad if I actually did a lot of sports!
Now to pick up from my last update earlier this month. Thank you for everyone who has joined and will be joining my Winnie’s Warriors team for the upcoming Run for the Cure, and those who cannot but have sent good wishes. Some of you have asked if you could support by making a donation. I have attached the link below. Thank you. Thank you. My personal message is the hope that someday, that the young generation growing up can live in a world without breast cancer (and others!). Although I am running for Me, I am running for my little niece/godchild, Hana Lindy. She is on my personal and team page. Take a look!
And, yes – – I will be RUNNING. I have received a challenge. One of my warriors, who is always generous with supporting my charitable endeavours for this cause has offered to double his donation if I actually run instead of the power-walking I had initially committed too. The upside, beside raising more for the Breast Cancer Foundation is that I can get a new pair of shoes!! Running shoes that is.
I just bought a new journal with “Love your Life” on the cover. Even with everything that has transpired, I have to say, I love my life. I wouldn’t change it or trade it for any other.
So to close, I share the words of Bob Marley:
“Love the life you live.
Live the life you love.”
A good mantra that I am going to take to heart and follow.
Now, off to start training….I think the last time I ran 5K I was in junior high – The Terry Fox run!! LOL!!
Winnie,
the running Warrior. xoxo