need opinions

laverne
laverne Member Posts: 75 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, have had chemo and radiation. I am currently on Tamoxifen and have lymphdema in my right arm and hand. Like so many of you, I have had good days and bad days but God has been good. For such a long time, I was living my life like I had been given a death wish (scared to take risks and chances) and really not enjoying life to it's fullest. I have an opportunity to relocate to Charlotte, North Carolina and I am scared. My current job (to which I was just promoted to supervisor) is opening a new office in Charlotte and I let management know that I would be interested in relocating. I feel like a change is needed and I think this would be good for me and my family. But did I mention that I was scared. My husband has a seizure disorder but thank god he has not had a seizure for over four months but he never knows when they will occur. He does not drive as a result of that and we have two children (9 & 11) so they would have to change schools. I was all excited about the possibility of the move but now I guess I am thinking too much and I am really scared. Any advice you can offer would be appreciated.
Thanks for always being the sounding board that I so desperately need.
Hugs and blessings to you all,
LaVerne

Comments

  • judy22
    judy22 Member Posts: 117 Member
    #2
    Hi LaVerne. I also have a problem with lymphadema It can really be a pain. About your move. Do you have family where you live now? How much so you depend on family and friends. Then you have to search your own heart and make that decision. This proably doesn't help much but you have to do what you feel is right for your family. God bless Judy
  • laverne
    laverne Member Posts: 75 Member
    #3
    judy22 said:

    Hi LaVerne. I also have a problem with lymphadema It can really be a pain. About your move. Do you have family where you live now? How much so you depend on family and friends. Then you have to search your own heart and make that decision. This proably doesn't help much but you have to do what you feel is right for your family. God bless Judy

    96% of my family is where I live now, but I do have some distant relatives in Raleigh and Goldsboro, NC. We are going to take a trip to Charlotte and scout out the area and see what develops, thanks for your support. My lymphadema did not begin until four months after radiation and some days it is very painful. I am right handed so I am sure that does not help since my right arm is the one that is affected. I tried physical therapy and found that to be more painful so I stopped. I am considering getting a sleeve but so far the pain has not been unbearable so I will keep that option open. Take care and I will keep you posted.
    God bless,
    LaVerne
  • ksfc
    ksfc Member Posts: 251
    #4
    laverne said:

    96% of my family is where I live now, but I do have some distant relatives in Raleigh and Goldsboro, NC. We are going to take a trip to Charlotte and scout out the area and see what develops, thanks for your support. My lymphadema did not begin until four months after radiation and some days it is very painful. I am right handed so I am sure that does not help since my right arm is the one that is affected. I tried physical therapy and found that to be more painful so I stopped. I am considering getting a sleeve but so far the pain has not been unbearable so I will keep that option open. Take care and I will keep you posted.
    God bless,
    LaVerne

    You've got a big decision to make and I don't envy you, but I did want to offer support. I agree with Judy - search your heart and you'll know what the right thing is to do. Change can be scary, but really healthy. If it's what you need, go for it!
    As far as the lymphadema, the wrapping can be irritating and even painful, but the self massage and exercises can help a lot without causing pain. I've avoided any wrapping in this heat, especially during my radiation, but I'm continuing with massage and exercises. Let us know what you decide.
    Diane
  • kat02
    kat02 Member Posts: 76
    #5
    Hi LaVerne,

    I live about 60 - 90 minutes one way from all of my doctors. My husband drives me at least three days a week to Charlotte. Presbyterian Hospital has an exceptional Breast Cancer Center. I will never be able to express how much I appreciate the doctors that I have encountered with Presbyterian.

    I truly understand how scared you are about the idea of moving. My husband and I were suppose to move just over four years ago right before the bottom dropped out on my health. We cancelled the move because we were unsure of the stability of the new job. Since the bottom dropped out, I have often wished for that move. I think it is my need to escape from illness. However, more often than I have missed the move that never happened, I have Praised God for my doctors.

    I truly believe that God is always watching over us and that he leads us to where we need to be. Sometimes I don't understand at the time. I really wanted to move! However, now I realize that we are where we need to be.

    I hope that you have a safe visit to Charlotte. May God help you in whatever you and your family decided to do.

    We may not live in Charlotte, but it surely feels as if we do. Please email me if I can be of any further assistance.

    Love, Hugs and Prayers,

    Kat
  • laverne
    laverne Member Posts: 75 Member
    #6
    kat02 said:

    Hi LaVerne,

    I live about 60 - 90 minutes one way from all of my doctors. My husband drives me at least three days a week to Charlotte. Presbyterian Hospital has an exceptional Breast Cancer Center. I will never be able to express how much I appreciate the doctors that I have encountered with Presbyterian.

    I truly understand how scared you are about the idea of moving. My husband and I were suppose to move just over four years ago right before the bottom dropped out on my health. We cancelled the move because we were unsure of the stability of the new job. Since the bottom dropped out, I have often wished for that move. I think it is my need to escape from illness. However, more often than I have missed the move that never happened, I have Praised God for my doctors.

    I truly believe that God is always watching over us and that he leads us to where we need to be. Sometimes I don't understand at the time. I really wanted to move! However, now I realize that we are where we need to be.

    I hope that you have a safe visit to Charlotte. May God help you in whatever you and your family decided to do.

    We may not live in Charlotte, but it surely feels as if we do. Please email me if I can be of any further assistance.

    Love, Hugs and Prayers,

    Kat

    thank you so much for the wonderful encouragement. Just knowing that there is a great BC facility down there helps a lot. I will keep you posted on my decision.
    Hugs and blessings,
    LaVerne
  • lizaboy
    lizaboy Member Posts: 34
    #7
    WE moved to Cary N.C. in summer 2000. I was diagnosed with B.C. in March of this year. I have recieved wonderful care from all the medical staff here. As for moving away from family the most important ones are here with me, my husband and two daughters. By the way we moved from Scotland so family are very far away. Never mind there is always the phone. Good luck in whatever you decide
    Liza
  • bubbles
    bubbles Member Posts: 2
    #8
    I say GO FOR IT a change may do you good I also have Lymphadema in my right arm & hand you need to stop thinking of it as a handicap
    and live your life to the fullest excersise and eat healthy (most of the time)ha-ha and let God do the rest Good Luck and let me know how you like Charlotte NC I'm not far from there Ahoskie, NC. lots of love & understanding Bonnie
  • laverne
    laverne Member Posts: 75 Member
    #9
    lizaboy said:

    WE moved to Cary N.C. in summer 2000. I was diagnosed with B.C. in March of this year. I have recieved wonderful care from all the medical staff here. As for moving away from family the most important ones are here with me, my husband and two daughters. By the way we moved from Scotland so family are very far away. Never mind there is always the phone. Good luck in whatever you decide
    Liza

    wow, that is a move. I often speak with some of our customer's in Cary, NC how far is that from Charlotte? thanks for your insight. My husband, son and daughter are the most important family I have and they would be with me. I hope you continue to be well and I will keep you posted on my decision.
    LaVerne
  • laverne
    laverne Member Posts: 75 Member
    #10
    bubbles said:

    I say GO FOR IT a change may do you good I also have Lymphadema in my right arm & hand you need to stop thinking of it as a handicap
    and live your life to the fullest excersise and eat healthy (most of the time)ha-ha and let God do the rest Good Luck and let me know how you like Charlotte NC I'm not far from there Ahoskie, NC. lots of love & understanding Bonnie

    thank you for your thoughts. I never thought that I was thinking of my lymphadema as a handicap but I guess I was. I will keep you posted on my decisions. thanks again and god bless.
    LaVerne

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