Anyone struggled with C-Diff also lymphedema in hand and arm are freaking me out.

mvannie
mvannie Member Posts: 16
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I am due for my last chemo of T/C tomorrow. I am terrified as I have fought C-Diff after each chemo. I am afraid that I am weaker this time. I am taking Vancomycin by mouth. I'm not sure why I am so afraid of the last one. I think I am worried about being able to cope with going back to work as a nurse, what if I'm too weak? I also have swelling in my hand and arm. Surgery was in Feb, why is it happining now. Can anyone direct me to a good site for help on this subject. I went for therapy and I saw a man who taught me how to massage my chest and arm!!!! I need a DVD or something to teach me. I'm going to call and ask for a woman. I just don't think there is much they are doing? Thanks everyone.

Comments

  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #2
    Hi
    First of all talk to you oncologist. Your doctor should help you to deal with side effects and convince you take a last infusion. I was on Taxotere/Cytoxcan and had 6 infusions. It was not fun, it was awful for sure, but I am gad that I was able to complete my regiment.

    Sorry for your lymphedema, please go back to your physical therapist/lymphedema therapist and ask to go over exercises and self-massage several times until you lean how to do it. Do not be shy to ask questions or take notes or drawing pictures. Compression sleeve & glove can be helpful to control lymphedema.
    I have lymphedema too. It can happen any time since your lymph notes were removed. You need to learn how to control your conditions.
    Good luck with your treatment
  • mvannie
    mvannie Member Posts: 16
    #3
    New Flower said:

    Hi
    First of all talk to you oncologist. Your doctor should help you to deal with side effects and convince you take a last infusion. I was on Taxotere/Cytoxcan and had 6 infusions. It was not fun, it was awful for sure, but I am gad that I was able to complete my regiment.

    Sorry for your lymphedema, please go back to your physical therapist/lymphedema therapist and ask to go over exercises and self-massage several times until you lean how to do it. Do not be shy to ask questions or take notes or drawing pictures. Compression sleeve & glove can be helpful to control lymphedema.
    I have lymphedema too. It can happen any time since your lymph notes were removed. You need to learn how to control your conditions.
    Good luck with your treatment

    lumphedema
    Is the lymphedema there forever? Does it ever get better or go away. Thats the thing that I think is so upsetting. It's sort of like another loss.
  • wendybia
    wendybia Member Posts: 73
    #4
    mvannie said:

    lumphedema
    Is the lymphedema there forever? Does it ever get better or go away. Thats the thing that I think is so upsetting. It's sort of like another loss.

    lymphedema
    hi..i have it...had surgery 12/09 lymphedema came 6/10...you may need a day sleeve and a glove along with a night sleeve and night bra...real vision but it seems to help i'm not as swollen as before...there are lympedema specialists for therapy....sorry but it it a forever thing once you get it...wendy
  • 109339
    109339 Member Posts: 10
    #5
    lymphedema
    You can wear a compression sleeve and glove. That will help with the swelling. There is therapy and I did it. I wouldn't do it again. I thought it wasted my time. I didn't get the adema until 5 years after my surgery. Good Luck.
  • Pinkpower
    Pinkpower Member Posts: 437
    #6
    Lymphedema
    I agree with Wendy, sorry to hear you have it. I too have lymphedema got it 2months after surgery, and it is a forever thing but not hopeless. I did the therapy 2x wk for 2 months while going thru chemo, the swelling did not go down while I was in chemo, but the therapy just made me feel better. I'm done with my chemo Taxetere and Carbo, still doing Herceptin till Oct, but I have notice the swelling is almost gone. Every once and a while my arm hurts, but I just wear my sleeve at night and do the exercise I learned and it helps again. Hope this helps.
    Lupe
  • MNLynn
    MNLynn Member Posts: 224
    #7
    lymphdema
    I am currently seeing a physical therapist for mild lymphedema - this is my first week with her. She has my arm all bandaged up - she said I look the the "Michelin Man" (sp?). After this week, she said she will teach me how to massage my arm to keep the fluid from building up - and I will be getting a compression sleeve to wear. I am glad I am seeing her - I hope that this will keep my arm from getting swollen in the years to come. I am seeing a woman, which is nice. I also had my surgeries (mastectomy - then 3 weeks later, ALND) in Feb, and then had radiation in April - May - which can make the lymphedema worse.

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