Well, I got my first treatment today, and it wasn't too bad, quite relaxing actually. I was afraid they were going to wrap me from the toes up like my info packet said, but they decided to start slow since I am incredibly only slightly swollen today. First time the swelling has been down this much in two months, but I'm glad!
My therapist started by massaging all my lymph nodes, then my legs and feet. She put some strips of special tape all over my thighs which is supposed to get the surface veins and lymphatic stuff going. I had to come home and put my bike shorts on top of that to hold it down. We did exercises that I have to repeat periodically throughout the day and she said to get some other exercise as well, but not too much, because a little is good, but too much is very bad. Walking in a swimming pool is absolutely the best thing for lymphedema, according to the therapist, but she said not to go to a rec center pool.....too many germs. Luckily, my walking buddy next door has a very nice pool she has offered to let me use. So, I am hoping this will all help me and I won't need to be wrapped. How do you wrap a pelvis anyway?
Now the good stuff, on Saturday, I loaded up on pain meds (got to) and worked in my field of dreams. The pictures don't do it justice. It is becoming a mossy wonderland.....in my eyes anyway!
I don't know why, but ever since I was a little kid, I have just loved mossy, shady, water trickly places. Even sewer pipes and drainage ditches seemed like lovely, sylvan settings to me.
And....I have been trying to find a way to volunteer. I was hoping to do something with the American Cancer Society, but there are days when I just can't get out of the bathroom, or the pain is too bad, or whatever....I wouldn't be very dependable. While I was at the library getting sewing books (unrelated to volunteering), I picked one for little girl's clothes. I thought it was kind of silly because I don't have any little girls to sew for, but I got it anyway. A few days later, I was watching Sewing With Nancy and I saw a segment on Tender Loving Care Ministries asking for volunteers to make kid's clothes for the children in Appalachia. Well, there you go! I researched everything, love what they are doing, and here is my first piece, a cute little skirt that will soon have a matching tee shirt. I hope it makes some little girl very happy. I'm hooked!
Sorry so long, kind of defeats the purpose of a blog, huh? I will try to do better. I'm off to exercise and massage myself before I get dinner started!
That skirt is lovely!!
Posted by: Randi | 06/04/2012 at 04:05 PM