Hello everyone,
I thought it was high time that I gave you all an update on me and my cancer journey. Well, the best thing I can report is that it’s now NOT a cancer journey but a remission journey as I received the all clear from breast cancer on the 19th February 2011! I moved house from Hitchin to Harpenden on the same day as my results and haven’t looked back since! Life in Harpenden is sweet (yet expensive!!) and we are feeling very much at home in our new church http://www.bethanycc.co.uk.
A couple of things have happened in the past few months, all related to the cancer surgery and treatment from last year. I have been seeing a lymphedema nurse, as it seems I have a slight lymphedema issue in my right arm. This comes from the surgeon removing most of my lymph nodes in my armpit when taking out the tumour in my breast. Basically the lymphatic fluid in my hand, arm and shoulder cannot move very easily any more. This can lead to all kinds of problems if not treated by massage and a compression sleeve (the height of fashion may I say!) Sadly, for me, it did lead to a problem, infection! I have slight eczema on my hands and it got quite bad about a month ago, this led to an infection in my hand which spread to the arm. It turned into cellulitis (a hot, red rash on my lower arm) so I went on a course of antibiotics (aka anti-Hayleys) That cleared up after a few days and I thought nothing of it. Then a couple of weeks later I had another swelling in my hand, which was incredibly painful. I once again went on antibiotics and again it went away. Then, for no reason at all, on Saturday last week the cellulitis was back with a vengence. Ouch! It was incredibly hot and red and very very painful! I was in agony on the Sunday and on Monday morning I contacted my oncologist in desperation. Within a couple of hours I was sitting on a hospital bed in the flashy Harpenden Spire hospital (what, what, what!) I was treated with IV antibiotics (ug) and basically was forced to sit still and rest. Sigh… I was in for 3 days in total but by the time I left I had seen 3 rather dishy doctors, including my new dermatologist and my amazing, incredible, wonderful oncologist. 🙂 I was rather spoiled! The rash and infection have now gone but I have been thoroughly scolded for not taking care of myself. So, I have decided to take much much much better care of myself! We’ll see how long that lasts… (Yes, I can hear some of you agreeing with me!!)
I guess for now that’s about it. I’ll keep you posted on all developments as they come.
Oooh, one more thing, Cancer Research UK may be putting our names (Djerk and I) forward for a national magazine for a Breast Care Awareness month special! It might not happen, but still kinda exciting. 🙂
I hope you are all well.
God bless,
Hayley
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