This New Body


The leaves have been putting on a stunning show this year. My morning walks have been full of little delights around every corner. I have been enjoying watching the leaves change over time and some of the sunrises have been fantastic. I'm thankful that these beautiful fall days have coincided with this little break in my treatment. My body and brain are feeling more my own these days and it feels good to be able to get out and move.



I started physiotherapy for my lymphedema last week. My physiotherapist specializes in this treatment and it was great to meet with her. Having had about 40 lymph nodes removed from my right armpit, my body can't move fluid around like it used to. My arm isn't particularly swollen but my breast is still quite swollen after surgery, and this is a direct result of not having normal drainage available. Lymphatic massage is used to manually move fluid to where it needs to be. In my case, that means redirecting fluid towards my left armpit, up into my neck, or down my right side below my belly button where there are other lymph nodes that can move fluid around. I will have weekly appointments with the therapist for the time being. The massage felt really good, and my homework is to do some massage myself every day. The body can never 'learn' how to deal with a change like this, so lymphatic massage will be a part of my life forever.

At my physiotherapy appointment we had a chance to discuss some of the things I would have to be careful about to avoid lymphedema complications. These include avoiding hot temperatures (hot tubs, saunas, etc.), wearing a compression sleeve when flying, staying active, avoiding heavy lifting with my right arm, not wearing underwire bras, and doing what I can to avoid injury or infection. Even something like a sunburn can bring extra fluid to the area and lead to problems. Lots to think about, to be sure!

This first physiotherapy appointment has also helped me begin to make friends with my scars. It was certainly the most touching my scars had had since my surgery. I have had a strong urge to avoid looking at and touching my scars. This is normal, but I had been thinking it was time to make friends with them. The changes to my body make it feel alien to me. My armpit has a weird dent in it with a big ball of scar tissue beside it. My breast looks and feels like it's not my own. Massage can be good for scars, so I am glad that the physio appointment helped break the ice for me. Getting to know my new body will be an ongoing process. 


Walk in the woods with Rick and Martha this weekend


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