The poison ivy is a bit improved but the steroids are so annoying. They taste awful, make me so hungry and really mess with my sleep. Just a few of their lovely side effects. Really do not like taking them but know they were needed to prevent any serious issues especially since the left arm is at a bigger risk of lymphedema.
Lymphedema is a condition caused by fluid accumulation in the interstitial tissues (connective tissues between the cells structure) Normally 90% of water in the blood is filtered through our lymphatic system. If that pathway becomes damaged or blocked the fluid can't be filtered and circulated normally. When this happens swelling occurs sometimes resulting in deformity and decreased mobility. Cancer surgery and lymph node removal are risk factors that can contribute to lympedema. However, with the advent of sentinal node biopsy and fewer nodes needing to be disrupted, the risk of this complication is much less than in the past. Proteins may build up in the fluid and actually cause an infection, cause tissues to harden, and can harbor bacteria causing infections. Antibiotics, skin care, bandages, manual lymph drainage (massage),compression therapy as well as physical therapy may all be treatment options.
Lymphedema may occur shortly after surgery and even up to years later but hopefully never. It happens in about 10-15% of patients. Suggestions to help prevent this problem include no blood pressure readings, IV sites, or blood draws in the extremity at risk, don't carry heavy purses on that side of the body or hold grocery bags or heavy luggage over that arm. Monitor any break in the skin such as a cut, bug bite, or poison ivy. Even the simplest scratch can lead to a major problem. Keep any open areas clean and dry and apply antibiotic ointment as needed. Call a doctor immediately for any signs of problems.
Having bilateral mastectomies makes doctor visits and hospitalizations an even bigger challenge. Many times your doctor will suggest having blood pressures checked in the ankle and some will go as far as to authorize blood draws from the foot. Each patients case is different. If your doctor feels you are not at very high risk for lymphedema he may allow blood pressures to be taken infrequently in the side where there were not lymph nodes harvested. My doctor allowed the IV and the blood pressure to be done in my right arm.
Unneeded bills are getting so frustrating. Wasn't expecting to pay for a doctor visit and medicines this week. My oven just intermittently quits as I'm baking-was told by the repair man today I need a new one or I can pay $550 in repairs. Just lovely right before hosting an open house and needing my oven for meat and cheesecakes. Since the problem is intermittent I think we are going to try our luck as a new oven is not at all in the budget right now. To top it off got some bad news on a family member. Have I mentioned lately how I can't wait until 2012 is over???
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