Thank you so much, runnergal and all those who sent hugs and other support.
Lymphedema is awful because doctors don't study much about it in medical school so they don't know how serious it is. When doctors don't know, nurses don't know either. And people can be really insensitive. I was wearing bulky wraps one day, soon after my diagnosis, standing at a corner waiting to cross, and a guy riding his bike yelled at me, "You look like Popeye!" I have been approached by strangers who ask about it. Sometimes I don't mind but sometimes I just would like to go out and not be noticed. I know what you're saying about being treated as less than a human being. I would like to see a support group started for people like your friend and me, even if it is virtual.