Hello Everyone:
It is a bright, sunny and very cold and crisp morning in Toronto. Hard to believe that we are in the second month of 2013. Even harder to imagine that just 2 years ago I was in the chair at PMH going through Chemo #5. Yikes! WOW…….I think about it from time to time…..but do I miss it? Heck no!! (Although I did love to dress up and freak out…..or ‘inspire’ the other patients in chemo daycare…..LOL).
The subject title of this update is “Blue Monday”. January 21, 2013 was the 3rd Monday of January, which according to some is the ‘bluest’ day of the year. Lack of sunshine, post-holiday blues & bills and colds & flus can do that sometimes. I went to see my medical surgeon for a follow up. A little earlier than schedule prompted by the swelling and discomfort that I am still having in my right arm. I was first seen by the ‘side-kick’. A nice, but young doctor-lad who did the routine check up and asked the general questions but couldn’t discern the swelling. However, when I saw my surgeon, she confirmed the lymphedema. Hence, blue Monday for me.
My wrist was noticeably swollen (to me and her) and had a hard lump. She said that it was starting to crease. I was wearing my favourite cuff bracelet, and it was a little tight. (I might need a new one…….LOL). She said that they don’t know why or what triggers the lymphedema. But I am not surprised that it has happened to me. I am in the higher risk camp due to the loss of all the lymph nodes in the area, radiation, and the tamoxifen. Oh well. The only good thing is that it is another experience that I will go through that will only help me to help others. The problem is that it is uncomfortable and I think it’s cutting off the circulation to my fingers as my hand goes numb from time to time. So, she has referred me to the Lymphedema clinic at Women’s College Hospital and I’ll see the specialist and see what they can do to help treat it. She says I may need to see an orthopedic specialist as well.
And so I did my usual, I waited for a day, then called the nurse to say I was sorry I didn’t get to see her when I was in to say hello and that I had hoped she had sent in my referral to the clinic. She did call me back to say she had. The followingMonday, January 28th, I hadn’t received a call yet, so I called the reception at the breast clinic and told her that I was still waiting…..the gals at the reception are my friends because I bring them donuts and make them laugh with all my different wigs and looks! Lo and behold – I got a call that afternoon and I have an appointment this coming Wednesday, February 6th. The health care system here is great, but sometimes you still need to advocate for yourself. All in all, that’s not too bad because my sister-in-law’s aunt has been having problems with swelling in her arm from late last year and she has an appointment at PMH clinic in mid-February.
I generally had been feeling OK – but on Friday I was completely laid up. I never had a cold or flu during the entire time I was going through my treatments. Probably because those drugs could fend off any day to day germ. I did the smart thing and stayed home. Stayed in bed for 24 hours and slept for 22 of them. Good thing because I feel so much better and normal again. I hadn’t felt that bad since the middle of chemo (which was what I was doing 2 years ago). Maybe my mind/body were playing tricks on me.
We are in the closing week of the Year of the Dragon. February 10th marks the first day of the new chinese year – The Snake.
Will keep you posted after my appointment at the clinic. Just when I think that I’m putting this situation behind me, something else pops up. Thankfully, it’s not painful. Just annoying.
Happy SuperBowl Sunday!! (although neither one of my teams, The Broncos or The Patriots are in the game….domage).
Always, Winnie xo