Lymphedema

Here are the definitions and symptoms that I got off the internet. I will put the things I am going through with my lymphedema in orange.

DefinitionBy Mayo Clinic staff

Lymphedema refers to swelling that generally occurs in one of your arms or legs. Although lymphedema tends to affect just one arm or leg, sometimes both arms or both legs may be swollen.
Lymphedema is caused by a blockage in your lymphatic system, an important part of your immune and circulatory systems. The blockage prevents lymph fluid from draining well, and as the fluid builds up, the swelling continues. Lymphedema is most commonly caused by the removal of or damage to your lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment.
There's no cure for lymphedema, but it can be controlled. Controlling lymphedema involves diligent care of your affected limb.

SymptomsBy Mayo Clinic staff

Lymphedema symptoms include:
Swelling of part of your arm or leg or your entire arm or leg, including your fingers or toes
A feeling of heaviness or tightness in your arm or leg
Restricted range of motion in your arm or leg
Aching or discomfort in your arm or leg
Recurring infections in your affected limb
Hardening and thickening of the skin on your arm or leg
The swelling caused by lymphedema ranges from mild, hardly noticeable changes in the size of your arm or leg to extreme swelling that can make it impossible to use the affected limb. If your lymphedema is caused by cancer treatment, you may not notice any swelling until months or years after treatment.

Terry is AMAZING!! He helps the lymph fluid that builds up in my arms to release by massaging it every day. So patient, loving and he has great hands. The first week there was about a liter of fluid that was lost in my arm. I am so blessed to have a husband who is so kind and concerned about his wife. My sleeves will be here in about a week. Here is a picture of what they will look like. I will have one for each arm and both hands. Fashionable huh!!

Halloween

Went to Morgan for Halloween...

Terry is Mickey, Brickman is a Monster and Teagan is a Strawberry.

Wyoming Experience

I was feeling homesick to see my parents. I knew my nephew (Kalin) was leaving on a mission as well. I was talking to my dad----I told him that Terry had a HUGE auction and we couldn't come to Star Valley (SV). Dad said ..."Why not? We'll just come and get you." "Ahh, I am my dad's punkin-noodle."
The day before dad and mom were on there way, Vance (my brother) called and said Lee (my brother) was already in Utah and would love to come and get me. So, my big brother came and got his little sister. When Lee came into my home, he looked at me and started baaaaa-ing. My hair after all the chemo-radiation and coming backing in came back super curly. He took me back to my teen-age years when I was teased by my siblings often. My hair was curly then as well. My family would baaaa, they would say I was a poodle, they had a ton ways to tease me.
Lee and I had a good drive to SV.
After arriving in SV, Lee took me to my parents.



I talked my parents into going to see Shay play volleyball at the high school. Shay is the setter for the SVHS. She is a sophomore and fantastic!! It was fun, and the high school was having there breast cancer awareness night. PINK volleyball, pink uniforms, and me with breast cancer. It was a blast to see my niece and brought back a million memories. Brought me back to playing in high school, coaching and being a part of volleyball. We determined that I have been involved with volleyball for about 37 years. AMAZING! I got to see my coach Anita Harmon. It was an awesome experience. I also found out the same night that Lone Peak High School in Alpine, UT had there "PINK" night the same night. I coached the girls at Lone Peak as Freshman. They are now seniors. How blessed am I?? Pretty blessed.

Here is a picture of Shay and I after her game.

The next day I made chicken noodle soup. It was so yummy. Mom and dad were so excited to have yummy soup. That night we went to the football game. My nephew (Pahl) is a senior and played a great game. Mom and I sat in the car with the engine running. It was freezing outside. I had a hard time seeing the game but we listened to it over the radio. Use your imagination..... Watching a football game behind the bleachers and a chain link fence and listening to it on the radio. Pretty weird, but had fun spending time with my mom!!

Saturday we just spent time with my parents. We had a great time just relaxing and spending time with each other. I love my parents!!

On Sunday, we went to church to listen to Kalin speak before he leaves on his mission. His is going to Mexico....aka Cancun area. He did a great job, he has such a great personality and he will make a great missionary.

Sunday morning I also got a text from Janell. "Can you call me when you wake up". So I was awake at 7:30 and texted back.... "I am awake now". She call right away and told me the most sad news. Brandon's (Janell's husband) sister passed away during the night. I started crying and tried to understand why God would take a young mother of 37 years with three young boys, 9,7,and 2. She was the sister that introduced Janell and Brandon. I was her visiting teacher. She was a sweet lady and a great wife and mother. I know it is not my question to ask why? I talked with Janell for a while and told her that I would help her in any way.

Dad, mom and I went to a dinner after church and headed for Evanston, for Jenni, Jared and Terry to pick me up. We met at McDonald's to drop me off. I loved spending time with my parents.

We left Evanston and headed to Janell and Brandon's home. I told Jenni that we could do something around the house if nothing else. We arrived at Janell and Brandon's house and started to vacuum, started the wash, and cleaned the kitchen. When they came home we helped with the kids, while Janell and Brandon answered phone calls and attended to visitors. What a great and supporting community.

Bishop's Quest

On Sept 11 our bishop challenged our ward to not use social media, via-facebook, twitter, or blogging. At first I said, “What are you kidding me? This is the only way I share with my family and friends my progress.” I also knew IF I listen to the bishop’s counsel I would be blessed. It has been the full month and I am ready to catch up. There has been a lot that has happened in the past month. Take your time and catch up with me and my family. Thanks for waiting for me.

Grandkid Time

Jenni and I decided to go to Morgan to visit Janell. Brickman didn’t have school on Friday because of parent teacher conference. Janell also had a craft day with her ward, so I had the opportunity to see and stay with my grandkids. We painted, read stories, put window stickers up and made eyeballs. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Hair Cut

I had my first haircut since my chemo and radiation. I also got my hair lightened. It isn't very long but it is extremely curling. If you look at my right arm you can see my lymphodema. (swelling in my arm)

Water Walking

Brandon my son-in-law has accepted a new position as a Sells Representative for Peterson Medical. Terry and I are so excited to have him in Utah County. He is away from his family during the week, which is very sad. But, we are getting the opportunity to get to know our wonderful son-in-law. One idea we had was to go to the Orem Rec Center and getting me some exercise. Now mind you-I have difficulty walking on solid ground. I am kind of wobbly. I was a bit nervous going. I knew it would be good to exercise, but I was afraid I would be at the bottom of the pool. Brandon and Jenni volunteered to come with me and take care of me. So on Tuesday the 20th we headed to the recreation center.
I knew that I couldn’t get too much water on my radiation stickers or on the radiation site due to burning. So I got in with my cute water shoes, and my old swimsuit (with underwire support, which is not needed anymore) and went walking.
Jenni made sure I was taken care of in the locker/shower room. She also made sure I got into the pool ok. She swam next to me, while I walk at about chest level water. Back and forth I went –with Jenni swimming next to me. When we first got in the pool there was no sign of Brandon- Then at the other side of the pool we saw someone swimming back and forth. It was Brandon.
Brandon is one crazy man….. his goal in life (in my eyes) is to make me laugh, which he does very well. He came next to Jenni and I and away we went. I said, “ Hey, Brandon… have you ever seen so much back hair in your life?” Brandon replied, “ We could always braid it”. Jenni and I, “Grosssssss” “Sick” Believe or not it was pretty gross and we probably could have braided some of the back hair… So gross!! I really didn’t want to go back. Too many kids, back hair, and noise. Though I did make it for about a half hour of walking.
The next Thursday the 22nd, we went back. We went a little earlier to void the noise and people. We had little or no people in the pool. The faster I talked the faster I walked… We were going pretty good when Brandon said, “Hey, mom don’t you think you should stop?? “ “What? I am doing great.” “Mom, you’ve been in the water for about 40 minutes.” “Oh, yes, I’m finished” What Brandon knew and was taking care of me…. Is that I have a bad left knee, surgery several years ago left my knee a mess. The water is great for it. It doesn’t put the pressure on the knee like the ground would. I went a bit too long and my knee swelled like a balloon when I got home. I had difficulty walking and the stairs…. Well, let’s just say, Poor Terry had to push me up the stairs to get to my bedroom. What a trooper.
Wednesday the 28th….. I did NOT want to go back. Yet, I knew if I went water walking it would only help me. At about 5:45 we decided to go. What was so much fun… was…. Brandon and Jenni went again, but this time we got Jared and Terry to come along. It was so good to have my husband there with me. Watching to “boys” jump off the board and to be with Jenni. By goal- is to go to Orem two days a week to continue my exercise and strengthening of my body.
I know it will take time, patience on my families part, and hard work, but hopefully I will be back to full strength soon.