I had noticed several days ago a soreness in my armpit on the side where I had breast cancer. Then Saturday night the crook of that same arm was aching and red. I have lymphodema in that arm, caused by having lymph nodes taken out, so I figured I had better wear my sleeve to make sure it didn't start swelling. Any new swelling with lymphodema is permanent - and it can get really ugly. I'm already self conscious about the size of my right arm and certainly don't want it to get any bigger.
When I got home from Jacki's my arm was aching like a bad toothache so I took my sleeve off to look at it. I noticed it was bright red and hot to the touch. That's all it took - it scared the hell out of me. With lymphodema, a hangnail, small burn, or paper cut can cause a major infection which will be nothing but a problem. So, I ran down to the doctor and she gave me an injection of a strong antibiotic and pills to take. Thankfully, today the redness isn't near as bad, but it still aches and the crook of my arm is still red and hot. I'm hoping that by the end of the day I'll feel more comfortable that the infection is going away.
Here's a picture of what lymphodema looks like - I didn't want to use a real picture as it's really ugly.
I was sad that my son was going to Skype me for Mother's Day from Iraq but this infection scared me enough that I knew I needed to get right to the doctor and there was only a small time frame that he could call. I love him so much. It meant the world to me to even know he had the time to call, he's been working terrible hours and hasn't had a single day off since he got there other than the small leave he had at home. Hopefully I can talk to him soon.
Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day. I am so incredibly blessed to have my 3 children and my sisters and mother. I love you all!
6 comments:
I'm glad you don't have edema-induced "bingo wings."
SCARY.
I'm sorry you didn't get to Skype with your son - bummer. :(
My mother's day was... a bummer. Arwen said she might come over with the boys but they never called & never showed so I guess her husband had other plans. :( At least all three either called or sent me a FB message to acknowledge the day.
And you know the rest.
But I don't have to worry about my arms swelling !!!! ACK!!!! Hope you feel much better soon my dear friend!
oh my i hope this is just a temporary thing i will say a prayer for you
Casey, I was thinking the same thing! Jaci, sorry you had a bad day :( Anonymous, it's looking better.
I have no idea what "bingo wings" are, but it can't be good.
I'm so sorry you had to deal with that on Mothers Day. That's crappy.
Hope you're feeling better, sis. LOVE you!!
That is so crummy ! You were such a good sport all day when we were all together---you are such a strong lady ! I'm so sorry you weren't able to talk to Jake---hope he can call you soon.
Casey----what are bingo wings?
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