We seem to live in the Twilight Zone of lack of lymphedema information and prevention.

We go through radiation and are not told what needs to be done for fibrosis.

Yes, our breasts are checked during radiation therapy. They may be getting bigger and bigger during treatment. Doctor says to use lotion daily to prevent fibrosis after radiation, sees breast cording and fibrosis and does not tell patient to go to a PT lymphedema specialist and give a referral. Two other doctors do nothing either.

Unfortunate that we as patients have to learn every possibility about BC treatment and care.

On top of that, we research for any types of remedies that will help.....

So much to consider. My OT/Lymphadema specialist has told many times that Radiation Therapy is the primary cause of Lymphadema. Lymphadema, Estrogen Blocker, thoughts of recurrence and just overall PTSD from breast cancer is overwhelming for me at times. Dealing with the stress of all this is really challenging.

I have come to the point the start of your breast cancer journey is the hardest part of physical emotional and physical stress you can be under. As you go through the different aspects of it. Tests,surgeries, drugs,radiation etc. I have found I got through this part and now it's time to move forward and not dwell in future what if s. Deal with it when it comes. Enjoy in the small things you have accomplished going through breast cancer. Life is tooo short as it is with out added medical issues to give you stress anxiety etc. Take a deep breath and just exhale. I personally hate going to some of my doctor appointments and my blood pressure at this reflects this. But I do it anyway just to get to the end of this. Do what you have to do and once it's over just mark it off as done. No need to go back and rehash the bad experience, it's not a benefit to your healing process.

@A MyBCTeam Member:

So many of us go through stages of overwhelm. It is possible to to even get stuck in overwhelm.....

We seem to have a handle on things and are “assigned” another BC care to do.
Even just something basic in our lives added to daily items adds to our stress level.

As stress creates cortisol which is not good health-wise in general, there has to be a way to go forward. Perhaps many ideas to help this.....

Maybe acknowledging this is the first step. Second step is determination.....Rest, care, some solutions and an “I can do it” attitude that becomes the path....Hard work.

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A MyBCTea...

@A MyBCTeam Member 🤔 Zen?! Who can sit still for that long? I took a course in Transcendental Meditation years ago. It made me sleepy. If stress and cortisol clogs the lymphs, I'm in big trouble! I'm all for meditation if it works for you. Anytime that I can quiet my mind is welcomed.🙂👍

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A MyBCTea...