Two days ago, out of the clear blue (actually it was raining) sky, I noticed that I had the beginnings of lymphedema. F-bomb. My wrist was swollen and, while typing, there was an indentation on my wrist from where it was resting on the table. Plus it hurt. F-bomb. As you may remember, lymphedema (once it begins) is a chronic condition for which there is no cure. F-bomb.
So, I told my doctor about it and she scheduled an appointment with a lymphedema specialist for today. Sure enough, I have it. My right wrist (the side where I had the 15 lymph nodes removed) was 1/2″ bigger than my left wrist. And swollen.
So, today I saw the lymphedema specialist who gave me a “lymph massage” (unfortunately, it was all work, no relaxation). When I asked her how it could have happened, she said that “we” (as in me? as in the world?) know very little about lymphedema and that it’s different for everyone. “Clearly,” she said, “you are a person who gets everything.” I was hoping that she would tell me something that I didn’t know.
The end result is that I had to buy the next level up in compression-ness.
When asked, “How does it feel?”
I said: It’s extra tight.
“Exactly how it should be,” I was told.
So, now it’s not only extraordinarily unattractive, but it’s extra tight. Fantastic. The manufacturer really should NOT put models on the outside of the box. They should advertise more accurately by saying, “Inside this box is a really ugly sleeve that you have to wear. Sorry.”
The other end result is that now I have to wear my Spanks-esque sleeve AND glove all day, everyday (when I’m awake). I get to take it off at night, however (Silver Lining?).
Despite the lousy lymphedema, there are many Silver Linings to being in San Francisco for Radiation Treatment. One of which is the Ferry Building.
The Ferry Building opened in 1898 on the site of the 1875 wooden Ferry House. The Ferry Building became the transportation destination for anyone arriving by train from the East, as well as from all the East Bay and Marin residents who worked in the city. From the Gold Rush until the 1930s, arrival by ferryboat became the only way travelers and commuters—except those coming from the Peninsula—could reach the city. The Ferry Building redevelopment in the early 1990s created approximately 65,000 square feet of first floor Marketplace space, and an additional 175,000 square feet of premium second and third floor office space.
The mission of the Ferry Building is a commitment to a vibrant gathering of local farmers, artisan producers, and independently owned and operated food businesses.
I love the historic feeling of the building and adore the commitment to independent businesses. The best. I also love the fact that environment can be teeming with tourists (que the schoolbus drop-off) while the locals are doing their weekly marketing.
A wonderful independent bookstore where I bought a (signed!) copy of Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin. I understand that this book is being made into a musical. Fun!
A friend told me, “If you don’t go to Recchiuti while you’re living in San Francisco, trust me, you’ll regret it.” Well, how could I NOT go? My friend’s suggestion did NOT disappoint. Holy moly. Absolutely outstanding and amazing!
As I continue on this FBC Journey, for every downer, there are two Silver Linings. The nicest, most amazing things happen. When I need them the most. Every. Single. Day.
Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same.
~Francesca Reigler
Hollye,
I feel for you. I got Lymphedema after my last surgery and it was VERY painful. Like you, I have many different doctors and they all have ideas on how to avoid Lymphedema. I am about to start a new program" Strong Arm". I only had two lymph nodes removed. I will keep you posted on how it works.
With Love,
Nancy
I'm sorry about the lymphedema & the F'ing ugly sleeve. This is a F'ing tough time. It's so hard to find silver linings at times like these – but you've done it and written about it and shared. Thank you so much. I was grocery shopping the other day and I stopped in my tracks with thoughts of you and the radiation therapy (and I only know you through this blog) – You're in my prayers. Take good care.
Kim
Bummer, so sorry about the F'ing Lymphedema. Sorry, sorry, sorry, hope it doesn't affect your ability to work on your computer as we all love your postings and would be sad to see F'ing Lymphedema keep you off line.
OK…I realize you do not know me and I have commented twice but….
A. I hope somehow your lymphedema is temporary
B. If it's not…I really hope you can help us folks with it find our way fashion-wise. This time of year I don't even want to by clothes because what summer dress looks good with a sleeve.
Best
Suzanne
If it's possible, I seem to get it also. I have lymphedema also…..check out lymphedivas.com, they have sleeves and gloves in cute and crazy patterns. Kind of like reading glasses, if you have to wear them may as well be cute doing it! I love your positive posts, this BC stuff is tough!
Thank you for your note, Joan. I'll check out your website. I like the analogy of lymphedema sleeves to reading glasses. Right on! Thanks, again and please stay in touch!