Inquiring Minds Want To Know...What Is That On Her Chest?!?

Earlier this week I went to see my Oncologist.  Nothing special, just my usual port flush and blood work.  After 5+ years of this routine, I've come to accept the fact that-my port isn't going anywhere anytime soon!
Since I have a tendency to bleed a bit after blood draws, the nurse uses a cotton ball and gauze with medical tape to stop any additional bleeding I may have.  Wearing a shirt that makes it easy for her to access, I put my light cardigan back on and go about my business which entails a trip to the office supply store.
Leaving the doctors office and walking outside, eyes are automatically drawn to my chest where a large white cotton ball and tape protrude.  To top things off, my lymphedema was being less than cooperative that day, which meant wearing my compression sleeve and glove.  Yeah, what a sight I was!  Passersby didn't know where to advert their eyes, to my chest or to my arm and hand! 
Onto the office supply store where yet, I was encountered with the same stares and looks.  The young sales associate that I approached to ask for some assistance had the "deer in headlights" look as he saw me walking towards him.
And last, but not least, the female associate that so graciously checked out my purchase had the same bewildered look on her face.  Not certain as to what the bandage like wrap that was on my arm and hand, and, why on earth was a cotton ball with tape on my chest?
Ahhhh....yes, I smiled, thanked them both for their assistance and went on my merry way. 
I had to chuckle to myself as I got into my car.  Yes, I really am quite the normal person with a few minor imperfections,  but really, just another cancer survivor trying to do the best she can with what she's got...even if it is with a white cotton ball stuck with tape on my chest.

                                                   

Lymphedema Management and Weight Reduction

Back in July 2010, I ventured on a serious business of strength training, cardiovascular and weight reduction.  I did this for a number of reasons, all in hopes of getting myself into a healthier state; both mentally and physically.  Since I'm a breast cancer survivor (and rather young when initially diagnosed) I felt compelled to take my health in my own hands and meet with a physical therapist who also owns a fitness studio.  He since, has put me on a strength training program in hopes of increasing the strength in my chest, (post mastectomy) and getting my lymphedema under control. 
This, however, has not been an easy task.  I've endured some sore days since it had been a while since tackling weight lifting.  Keep in mind that since I do have lymphedema, the pounds that I lift are minimal.  Now, I focus on slow, methodical lifting.  Gone are the days where I tried to lift more and more weight to see just "how much can I lift?"
Now, almost 8 months later, not only have I lost weight, but I've also reduced a substantial amount of fluid in my arm.  Both lymphedema therapist and trainer couldn't be more pleased, as am I. 
With a new compression garment (the smallest to date!) I feel not only better about myself, but content knowing that exercise and diet does in fact manage lymphedema.

**A few excerpts from the American Cancer Society given to me from my PT/LT on weight management and lymphedema.

1)  A Randomized Controlled Trial of Weight Reduction as a Treatment for Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema.  American Cancer Society 2007; Shaw, Mortimer and Judd.
The conclusion:  From the results of the “current study, we recommend that, for women and lymphedema related to treatment for breast cancer who are overweight, weight reduction should be considered as part of the overall management of their lymphedema”......  “Weight reduction should be integrated into the lymphedema management plan”....

2)  Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing a Low-Fat Diet with a  Weight-Reduction Diet in Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema.  American Cancer Society 2007; Shaw, Mortimer and Judd.
The conclusion:  “dietary manipulation in patients with lymphedema subsequent to breast cancer treatment appears to assist in the reduction of lymphedematous arm volume if body weight is reduced”.