https://www.lymphedivas.com/catalog/index.php?osCsid=96ce54fa88c7fbbb74f924d373ed7a0d

One of the hardest thing for many breast cancer survivors to handle is lymphedema. This is a swelling of the arm where lymph nodes were removed during a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Sometimes it occurs, sometimes it doesn't, but breast cancer survivors are cautioned to not lift anything heavy with that arm, to not hang their purses off that arm, to not get blood pressure taken on that arm, to not get injections in that arm, to beware of insect bites or scratches on that arm, etc.

I thought I was one of the unfortunate ones who had avoided it and was bravely going around doing almost everything they told me not to do. Then one day I tripped and fell - on the wrist and hand of "that arm!" I now have lymphedema from the first joint of my fingers to about four inches past my wrist - and it is usually okay. However, at some times in the past it has swollen so that my fingers have felt like sausages about to burst. When I travel for long distances, I now wear a pressure "sleeve" and a "glove" to help keep the swelling down.

Some of us have continual swelling in the entire arm - which can be quite painful - and have to wear their "sleeves" and "gloves" all of the time. The site listed above, Lymphedivas.com, gives us a fashionable alternative to the ugly sleeves and gloves we have to wear. So even in our discomfort, we can have some fun! Check out the site and celebrate the fact we are alive and can have hope - even if we have to wear a garment to control the lymphedema.

 

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