Beta Testing Complete

Yesterday was my physio appointment and the results were exactly what I had expected. My arm became more swollen from the elbow to the hand, yet my upper arm had reductions of almost 1 inch in some places. Plus, the extra soreness that I was experiencing under my arm, along my rib cage and around and under my breast had greatly diminished. I still have the soreness from the radiation, that will take months to go away.
So now what?
Wrapping is a great method to reduce the swelling, but it's a PITA. Compression sleeve is so easy, but giving me side effects that are not good. So my new test is now going to be wrapping one day and compression sleeve the next day. Doing nothing at night is still on my adjenda, as I need to sleep. That is a priority in all of this.
Why am I posting? Because I don't know who will read this or get directed to this blog. Maybe it will help someone else realize that things happen in this journey and you have to roll with it. It sucks, I wish my arm was "normal". But it's not, I have to deal with this. If I leave it, it swells, becomes uncomfortable, and will increase my risk of infection from small issues like a cat scratch or a hangnail. So I am continuing in my quest to make this better with the least impact on my day to day life.
Lymphedema is a strange deal, everyone is different. But it's something that is manageable. Cancer isn't. Would I change any of my decisions, not a chance. I needed the surgery, I needed the radiation. These things have given me life. Without them, I might not be here typing this right now.

^^Click on picture for a better view. From Innovations in Tacoma 2009^^

I'm moving forward, I'm moving into my new home this weekend. My first home, mine! How great is that. A fenced yard for my dog and cat.
Yes, life gives some crap some times, but the best flowers need fertilizer!
Sharon