Sunday, November 6, 2011

Update and a share

We have rainy, gray weather at the moment, it is so much colder, but I like this time of the year somehow. Being cozy indoors with candles makes for a lovely atmosphere, so the dark days do hold some pleasures!



I seem to be in a grid mood again, I'm not so inspired any other way and just fed up with Christmas cards.
These are all Hero Arts stamps which were on unused projects.

Just to give a little update. I have had eight sessions of Radio therapy and all is well, apart from a little tiredness and small aches and pains! Friday I had my first lymph drainage massage from a physiotherapist and I have to say - it helped me tremendously.  I will explain what it is because it is so interesting. In fact I am very lucky to have had no real trouble with a build up of Edema in my right arm. The Physiotherapist said that I did have a little and she could help me with it.

Lymph-edema is swelling caused by a build up of lymph fluid in those tissues after breast cancer surgery, especially surgery that removes underarm (axillary) lymph nodes. (Edema is the medical term for swelling.)
A special massage technique called manuel lymphatic drainage can stop lymph-edema from developing.
Lymph fluid normally drains from body tissues through the lymph nodes and lymph channels. If some lymph nodes and channels are removed during surgery, lymph fluid may not drain properly and can collect in the tissues.
During physiotherapy, a specially trained therapist gently massages the skin and soft tissues of the arm where lymph-edema has developed and focuses on increasing the transmission capacity of the lymphatic system. By using certain handling, lymph deposits can be moved to the fluid areas of the body where the lymphatic system is still intact so that from there it can be deposited into the circulation and can be drained.
That has helped me so much as I can move my arm more easily and it feels normal again!

Have a great week and thanks for your visit!

22 comments:

  1. I so love these cards ... they are soft and serene and you put each piece together so perfectly ... I am glad that things are going well for you ... may you continue to improve ...

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  2. So glad to hear the radiation is going as it is and that you have received some help from the therapy! Will pray it continues to go as well.

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  3. Fabulous card Jacqueline, I am glad your Radio Therapy is going well, my cousin is a specialist nurse qualified to do lymphatic drainage so I understand a little of what you are going through. I am so pleased the treatment has helped you.

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  4. Keep your head up Jacqueline, it's great to hear good news. From very far away, but you're in my thoughts every day ;)
    Big hugs,
    Nora

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  5. Beautiful card, Jacqueline! I am
    happy to hear an update of how
    you are. Thinking of you!

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  6. I've never heard of that, but it sounds like a real answer for many people! Thanks for explaining it. So glad to hear that you're dealing well with this last phase of treatment!

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  7. Lovely card Jacqueline - so pretty to use up those little unused pieces! And I'm pleased to hear your treatments are going well and the massage has helped ;)
    Rx

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  8. Another beautiful creation Jacqueline,
    and I am so pleased that your treatment
    is working well.....
    love and hugs
    chris richards
    xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  9. I'm sharing your cold,rainy weather today and your lovely card certainly brought me some warmth. I love your grid cards, your ability to mix and match color and design always impresses me.
    I'm so glad to hear that you are doing well, it's great that the massage is helping you. I have a friend who has struggled with the edema issue for over 20 years, great to know that this massage therapy can help. Thanks so much for sharing your journey, I'm sure you are helping many others.
    blessings and hugs.

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  10. this is wonderful to hear that you are feeling somewhat better and that treatments are going well. my mom had some of the edema issues off and on for years and it sure is not comfortable. I agree with you, there is something soooo nice about an overcast day outside and a house filled with candles inside.

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  11. delightful card Jacqueline. Glad all seems to be well... and it was very interesting to learn about the lymph edema. Glad the physio helped you. Take care

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  12. Jacqueline, your grid cards are always so lovely, and this one is no exception. (I wish I had your scrap pile!) Thanks for sharing that information regarding the massaging for lymph fluid build-up...so amazing and I'm glad it brought you some relief. Stay cozy and warm and enjoy the warmth of your candles on these cold, grey days!

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  13. Beautiful card--God Bless You-glad you're doing well!

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  14. Well it sounds like your doing a little better.. I am glad you shared with us the procedures they are doing.. and so glad it is helping... You know I love your grid cards and this one is fabulous..

    Hugs, Linda

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  15. A famous card Jaqueline!
    Have a nice day, Sabine

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  16. It's so good to hear that things are improving a little for you Jacqueline, it must be wonderful to be able to move your arm better, especially when you need it to create all of your wonderful cards. This one's no exception, I've told you before: you just do grids so extremely well! Ira x

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  17. It's wonderful to read that you are feeling a bit better and that your physiotherapist could help you. I am so happy for you. This grid-card is amazing; you do this technique so well!

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  18. Jacqueline, know that I'm thinking of you each day. When you are not feeling well, I hope my thoughts and prayers and words will comfort you to have strength again....and when you are feeling good..I am happy for you for those moments!

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  19. So happy to hear everything is going well, Jacqueline. Sounds like you are so very close to being finished with treatments and well on your way to full recovery! Your card is, as always, gorgeous!

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  20. I am glad the therapy helps! Beautiful grid card.

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  21. Such gorgeous cards, Jacqueline. I'm so glad the physical therapy is working well. You are in my prayers.

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  22. Thank you for you share. And hopefully you feel encouraged by many thoughts and prayers of your readers. The card is beuatiful! Love the atmosphere!

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Thanks so much for your visit - I so appreciate it!