Jacki-how you goes it!

Hi Jamie!

Appointments were this morning.  The lymphedema specialist was very informative.  She believes my current minor swelling in the thigh is just post-op swelling.  But, she did show me how to do the lymph massage so I can be pro-active.  The specialist is actually at St. Joseph's Hospital.  My doctor recommended them since they are also on my insurance.  I feel so much better about it now and appreciate that I had the opportunity to consult prior to already having the problem.

Doctor is pleased with my healing and progress.  I'm actually returning to work tomorrow for 4 hour days, just to get back into the swing of it.  I'm only 2 1/2 weeks out from surgery, so I'm pretty excited to be able to get back so soon.  My employer is amazingly supportive, which is a huge help.  Since I have a private office, I can keep my door closed and have people I need to see come to me while keeping my leg elevated.  My thigh is still numb and I get those electrical shocks from time to time too.  Unpredictable with how much of the numbness will go away.  I just want the pain to subside.  I did have numbness after my WLE which was finally regaining ffeling after just over a year, but now is back due ot the LND.  So, I know it is possible for it to get better.

I am going to consult Dr. Sender at UCI for onc.  There is another onc there, but according to my surgen, the other guy is more of the "wait and see" philosophy.  Personally, even if interferon only impacts 5-10% of the population, I don't want to miss the opportunity I could be one of those 5 – 10%.  After all, I have found myself in a small odds position where my mel spread in spite of catching it so early with only .9 mm depth, no ulceration, and low mitosis.  And somebody has to make up that 5 -10%, so why not me?

What is your treatment plan being four months out?  Are you doing interferon?  How soon before you get new scans?

Thanks for checking on me.  The support we all get on this board is priceless!

Cheers!

Jacki

Hi Jamie!

Appointments were this morning.  The lymphedema specialist was very informative.  She believes my current minor swelling in the thigh is just post-op swelling.  But, she did show me how to do the lymph massage so I can be pro-active.  The specialist is actually at St. Joseph's Hospital.  My doctor recommended them since they are also on my insurance.  I feel so much better about it now and appreciate that I had the opportunity to consult prior to already having the problem.

Doctor is pleased with my healing and progress.  I'm actually returning to work tomorrow for 4 hour days, just to get back into the swing of it.  I'm only 2 1/2 weeks out from surgery, so I'm pretty excited to be able to get back so soon.  My employer is amazingly supportive, which is a huge help.  Since I have a private office, I can keep my door closed and have people I need to see come to me while keeping my leg elevated.  My thigh is still numb and I get those electrical shocks from time to time too.  Unpredictable with how much of the numbness will go away.  I just want the pain to subside.  I did have numbness after my WLE which was finally regaining ffeling after just over a year, but now is back due ot the LND.  So, I know it is possible for it to get better.

I am going to consult Dr. Sender at UCI for onc.  There is another onc there, but according to my surgen, the other guy is more of the "wait and see" philosophy.  Personally, even if interferon only impacts 5-10% of the population, I don't want to miss the opportunity I could be one of those 5 – 10%.  After all, I have found myself in a small odds position where my mel spread in spite of catching it so early with only .9 mm depth, no ulceration, and low mitosis.  And somebody has to make up that 5 -10%, so why not me?

What is your treatment plan being four months out?  Are you doing interferon?  How soon before you get new scans?

Thanks for checking on me.  The support we all get on this board is priceless!

Cheers!

Jacki