The Journey Continues.

And the journey continues…

One of the known sequelae of mastectomy is developing a seroma, a collection of fluid under the skin, where the breast tissue once lived. Surgeons work to prevent this by placing drains at the time of surgery and measuring how much fluid accumulates each day. When that is below a certain amount the drain is removed, hopefully for good.

On occasion, that fluid reaccumulates as the body works to redistribute the approximate 60% fluid it contains. That’s what has happened for me, even as my lymphedema specialist has worked to help my body mobilize fluid every where.

I have a new drain in place on the side without cancer, even as the side with cancer accepts the final radiation treatments. The skin on that side is peeling and red. More irritated than the most dramatic sunburn I can imagine. More heat radiating from that inflamed tissue. As the radiation also targeted the tissues underneath, my pectoral muscles and the fascia over my ribs scream at me. “Be easy with us!” they say. 

My radiation oncologist tells me to keep that side moving, to continue to stretch so as the expected scarring occurs, I will have some mobility and flexibility. I thank my Nia practice for what flexibility I do have.

My surgical oncologist says I need to keep the left side, the drain side, still, so it can scar and heal, hopefully avoiding continued fluid accumulation. 

Wow.

One side long, one side short; one side still, one side moving. Thank you Nia FloorPlay, stage 2, creeping!

Thank my lucky stars I know about P5 of the Nia white belt- awareness, and can pay attention to two body parts at once! Thank goodness for my Nia blue belt communication principles that help me stay centered and grounded, and in communication with these completely different relationship needs at the same time! Thank goodness for my Nia brown belt skills that help me manage the energy it takes to stay aware!