Survived Vaginal Cancer, tortured by abdominal lymphedema

amycat · New User Joined: 19 May 2008 Posts: 1 Location: Del Mar CA

I was diagnosed with vaginal cancer in Oct. 2007, stage III, had surgery to remove lymph nodes (3) and ovaries (non cancerous). Had chemo and two types of radiation treatments to reduce (successfully) the tumor. I'm glad to be alive and thank my wonderful doctors, but no one can help with with the lymphedema in the abdomen. Anyone out there with a similar problem? I'm going to a lymphedema specialist and another PT for the post surgical pain and scarring. No gal (or guy) needs to be bigger around the middle. I can barely sit in a chair without pain and swelling. How will I work? How will I play with my kids? Will it end? Get better? If it will get worse, don't tell me. I like denial.
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Amy Cat
Vaginal Cancer 2007

brainman

Oh Amy, I am so very sorry about your cancer. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you and your family. I do not have any answers to your questions but feel sure that you will find your own way to continue to live and play with your children.

I am moving your topic to the Cervical and Endometrial Cancer Forum since I think the women there will be better able to relate to your story.
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Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

In

Amy,

Like Jim says you'll find a way to work and play- beacuse you'll have to. It's amazing what we can do and live through- You've already lived through- what most couldn't.

Seeing a specialist is the right way to go- hopefuly they will give you some idea of whats to come, and maybe some ideas and tips on how to do some things. Worst come to worst- you find things you can do with your kids.

Me, Hunter and I build things- that way i can lie or sit on floor. We colour and play with playdoe, so i can stand or sit at table. we even cook- well try. So even though I can't run or spend heaps of time on n even ground etc, we have "our" things. Wink

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Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

sunnybnny · Regular Joined: 11 Aug 2006 Posts: 12

I am so sorry to hear about your struggle with lymphedema! My mother has suffered terribly with it since her breast cancer surgery a few years ago. The first problems began in the arm where she lost the nodes but it affects her legs now most of all with pain, swelling and immobility. It is very easy to disrupt the entire lymphatic system once nodes are removed or damaged. My mother found a measure of relief recently after receiving therapeutic massage at a lymphedema clinic that treats ONLY lymphedema patients. They have also equipped her with massaging wraps that she wears for 1-2 hours per day. By following the treatments regularly she has reduced the swelling a great deal and is able to move around so much better. Perhaps you can find a clinic or therapeutic masseuse somewhere close to you for help or guidance in self-massage that will help move the lymphatic fluid out of your body. It really should not be left untreated. Good luck to you and I hope you find relief soon!

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