Just an update

It's been a week now since my left arm /chemo arm, that is, has had phlebitis.  What a week it's been.  It started out pretty slow getting my arm to stop hurting/aching and being overall "hot" to the touch. There has been swelling, too.  So much fun -- I don't wish this on anyone.  I don't wish any of this cancer walk on anyone for that matter.  But either way, it's just another facet in this journey.

I went to my Lymphodema PT this past Friday and she was so much help making careful suggestions as to how I might get relief on this left arm.  But we primarily had to focus on my right arm regarding my vein issue. Oh, yes, I still have that going on, but not in an emergency level.  My PT stated that I'm doing a good job at home with the exercises I have been given to "move" the excess fluid that is hanging around in my bicep tricep area of my right arm. My former "port" scar is doing well -- it also pliable and the color is getting more to a normal skin color now. By the PT performing the special "massage" she does, it takes away the tightness of the skin and gives great relief off the arm as far as the fluid pressure is concerned. 
It makes me relax a lot more which really helps my body out overall.  All these little imbalances is a domino effect and causes the heart to work harder.  That is another reason why I have to rest so much. But I am a very determined type person so I move forward as much as possible. 

My overall energy is getting better with each day.  I had a great day today and was able to hang out with my daughter and her "little sister" from Big Brothers /Big Sisters.  We went to a ceramic painting studio for a few hours which was so relaxing and fun plus a creative outlet. It felt nice to have a sense of normalcy for a few hours.  Love those times so much.

At one point I did get pretty overheated due to the fact the temperature was 94 degrees outside.  I even took my bandana off for a few minutes publicly!!! What a coming out party for my scalp.  Actually, it felt very natural for me to do so because I was so warm. There was another woman and her son sitting at another table -- they didn't seem to mind -- I didn't seem to mind either. All I knew was I needed to get cooled down.  I'm sure before this whole baldness is finished, I will be exposing my scalp several more times.  Once again:  It is what it is.  And I have to do what I need to in order to feel comfortable. 
When I came home from my outing, I was a smart person and had a lunch and then took a rest.  After the rest, which lasted about 1.5 hours, I was able to do my laundry and feel fine afterwards.  Everyday mundane duties are good gauges to let me know how I'm doing that particular day. Like I stated earlier in the blog, today was a good day. 

I can officially say, my Cup's Half Full again.  Yay.
Ciao, Ciao!