I received the devastating news in December 2007 that, following successful treatment for breast cancer in 2005/2006, I had a regional recurrence which meant having all my lymph nodes under my right arm removed. Following surgery I began chemotherapy. During this time I picked up a throat infection and because I had had all my nodes removed it caused the lymphoedema to my right arm and hand. This is my dominant side.
Fortunately I was referred to the South Bucks Hospice Lymphoedema Clinic by my Macmillan Community Nurse following a phone call to her from my Breast Care Nurse. I had no idea what I was dealing with let alone that there was a Lymphoedema Clinic in existence.
During my first appointment Lynda gave me information regarding skin care, the compression garments that would help me to manage the condition plus written and verbal details as to massage and exercise on the affected area. Lynda carefully measured my right arm and then my left so that she had a comparison. The results were all carefully written down in my file. She performed Manual Lymphatic Drainage (rather like a massage but a specialized form of treatment) and started the tough task of finding the right compression garments for me - she was very patient! I joke, but Lynda is patient and kind, invaluable at a time when you are feeling incredibly vulnerable and lost.
It is very early days for me as I only developed the lymphoedema in April of this year but following regular appointments and treatment at the Clinic I have definitely seen results. Althoughit is not always easy, as I have also been undergoing and am still receiving treatment for cancer, I do see that I too have to put the effort in myself at home to complement the treatment and advice I have been given. It really is worth it.
I can't thank Lynda, Helen and Tracy enough for all their help and tremendous support during the past months. Dealing with cancer is tough enough on its own but to then develop the lymphoedema, well it has been hard. I knew absolutely nothing about the condition, I didn't even realise that it is permanent which came as a shock. Having said that I know that with the support of the above mentioned and the other therapists who I haven't yet had the pleasure of meeting, I can and will deal with it. We are extremely lucky in this area to have the Clinic, a service which, I was amazed to learn, is funded entirely by charitable donations. I can't imagine how I would have coped without them and the words "thank you" just don't cover it.
Mandy Harris
After being diagnosed with cancer of the left breast I had a lumpectomy and 6 lymph glands removed and was awaiting radiotherapy when I had a Flu. jab in my left arm. Shortly after I was aware of swelling in my upper left arm and was referred to the Lymphoedema Clinic by the breast cancer nursing team at High Wycombe Hospital.
This swelling turned out to be mild lymphoedema but then following a routine post cancer mammogram I developed the condition in the breast.
I found this the most depressing part of my post cancer experience, as having got over the surgery, the radiotherapy and coping with the side effects of the 5 year course of medication I did see an end to this journey. Having lymphoedema was an unexpected additional challenge as there is no cure and the problem is for life.
I can’t express how profoundly grateful I am that I live close to the Lymphoedema Clinic that I have attended now for almost 3 years and am so lucky to have been cared for by the dedicated staff who work there. The ladies who treat me, I now regard as friends and the manual drainage and taping is only a part of the support they give to their patients.
There are regular social events and I feel the physical and phsycological support is only a phone call away.
The treatment relieves my condition in a way that I would be unable to achieve alone and personal difficulties e.g. flying with lymphoedema are met with empathy and a positive approach.
I am acutely aware that the clinic is a charity and relies on donations to survive but as a patient benefiting hugely from the service given, I know it would be a tragedy if it didn't continue.
I regret that the privileged support I receive is not available nationwide, and there are people in a much worse condition than myself going without any specialist help and knowing this makes me feel very lucky and grateful that I attend the South Bucks Hospice Lymphoedema Clinic. Long may it survive.
Dorothy Bayliss.
