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Discouraged with lymphedema: How do you cope?

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Nov 5 11:50am | Replies (27)

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@wellgirl

Thank you, mossa,
I talked with my lymphedema therapist this morning about the "swell spots" you mentioned. I have a big swelling at my underarm. I had asked my lymphedema therapist about Lymhediva right from the start. I too love their fashionable sleeves but I have stage 2 lymphedema and have to have my sleeves custom made. I may be able to talk my lymphedema therapist into letting me order a glove. Have you gotten insurance to cover Lymphediva products?
Good news! In my visit to my lymphedema therapist today, the volume of my arm had gone down. It isn't at the 4.2% I had been but it also isn't at the 13.6% it was a week ago. I was happy with 6,2% to day. It's going in the right direction. My therapist and I brainstormed what was causing it to swell and we think it was from a wasp sting that I got, right through the compression sleeve! It was really a nasty sting that itched for about two weeks. Then my skin began to peel around the bite. They aren't kidding when they tell you to watch out for the least little break in the skin. I had insect repellant on but didn't think to spray my compression sleeve.

It has been so great to hear from those of you who have lymphedema as well as those who have sent hugs.
I told my lymphedema therapist about Mayo Clinic Connect and how I didn't even realize how much I needed support, even five years out from cancer.

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Replies to "Thank you, mossa, I talked with my lymphedema therapist this morning about the "swell spots" you..."

Sounds like you have a great therapist. My insurance does not cover the sleeves or gloves, my first order was from Lymphedivas “seconds” website, where cost is greatly reduced.
Best wishes to you on this journey.