When the swelling of Lymphoedema sneaks up slyly

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30 August 2019
Modelling the latest sexy addition in my bag of tricks to manage the side effects of breast cancer surgery and treatment.

My rad physiotherapist Jen from The McKenzie Clinic has been using her awesome whizbang technology, the SOZO bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) device from ImpediMed, to track and measure my fluid balance and tissue status.

Today Jen confirmed that indeed there is a slight increase in the fluid build up around my armpit and right arm, heralding the early stages of lymphoedema. 
Thankfully it's treatable and able to be reversed through exercise, wrapping, massage and compression (hence the sexy sleeve that will undoubtedly bring all the boys to my yard).

Lymphoedema is caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system (part of the immune and circulatory systems), commonly resulting from lymph node removal or damage due to cancer treatment.

I was hoping to avoid it but I'm so lucky to have Jen and other health professionals at my disposal to help me tackle this lymphoedema and other shitty side effects that tag along with cancer.



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