bomber410

I just re-read what I had initially posted.  Sorry for my lazy typing but I left out an essential note.  When I say the fluid stayed with me for 16 weeks, it should also be noted that the information I read about the effects of Taxotere do say the fluid can stick around for 16 weeks.  That's why I suggest it likely has to run its course.

Debbie

I put on the fluid with the Taxotere.  And it stayed with me for close to 16 weeks.  Gradually, it worked itself out of my system.  I am now almost 1 full year from post surgery, chemo and radiation.  I can now say that at this point (2weeks shy of a year), I feel the best I've felt since before this joy ride started.  My running is going better.  I feel stronger and have more endurance. 

The net of all this talking about myself is to 'give it time'.

I vote for internal application of alcohol.  <ha ha!>

As for your cut, I think you've done right to clean it, apply alcohol and topical antibiotic.  I've done my share of burns, cuts and bruising on my LE hand and arm.  Following a regimen similar to yours has kept me free from infection or other adverse reaction.  Obviously, you'll want to keep a watch.  

Good job attending to the cut immediately!

Debbie

This just in from WebMD:This month, the American Heart Association holds its annual "Heart Walk," raising both funds for the organization and awareness of how walking can improve your heart health.

Brisk walking for just 30 minutes a day can significantly improve your health and life. Benefits include improved sleep quality, increased mental alertness, healthier appetite, lower blood pressure, lower "bad" LDL cholesterol, better muscle tone, and even a lower risk of heart disease-all from just plain, old-fashioned walking!

Learn more about how walking and other simple exercises can improve your health by accessing the Exercise Program on the Health Management Center, provided by WebMD. A convenient "24/7/365" online resource, the Exercise Program is your virtual partner to a healthier, happier you.

Content Source: The Centers for Disease Control, American Heart Association

Renee, another thought is to ask your buddies to help get you out to join them for exercise - either in the gym or outside.  At least for me, when I had to start back up to regular running, the consistency initially came from making plans to meet friends - a different or same friend every day of the week, as needed.  It helped me get over the hurdle. 

Way to go Rockwell girl!  We need to share more stories like yours to show folks what we CAN do.

Debbie

I'm sorry you are feeling so overwhelmed with worry.  The thing about LE is that if it does occur, you can manage it.  You can take steps to properly treat the affected area.  There are a couple good threads on here, one that Binney started, that talk about how each of us manages life with LE.

I, for one, have done little to change my life.  I do avoid salted foods.  I do try to drink lots of water and watch my breathing (good belly breathing is important).  I enjoy the hot tub but not for as long as my spouse does.  Exercising is key.  So doing yard work and playing catch with your kids is great.  The thing about yard work is repetitive motion.  Teaching yourself to rake with the opposite side can help.  Making sure you don't overload the wheelbarrow is a good idea.  Wearing gloves to protect your hands is good practice any how.  

You are right to be aware.  But don't let the risk of this condition stop you from living.  Life is too damn short.

Debbie

JaeAnn, Hello from Ipswich.  I hear you regarding your weight gain worries.  But the advice given here is solid.  You don't have to gain weight.  Keeping your no-carb diet is good but also be sure you are exercising.  It's great for weight management along with lots of other goodness.

I've been on tamoxifen since last December.  I haven't reached the 1 year mark post surgeries/chemo/radiation.  I do feel like my energy is not completely there yet.  Not sure if the tamoxifen is getting in the way.  The only other real side effect I can attribute to the tamoxifen and it putting me in this menopausal  state (I'm 53 so it was happening any how) is excessive dryness in my eyes and vaginally.  When I wake in the morning, I need to be very careful opening my eyes.  

Good luck and let me know if you want introductions to a local group of great ladies, The Pink Angels.  In fact, in training for the Komen 3 Day, they do lots of walks out of Amesbury.

Debbie

Someone in a previous post mentioned taking Ibuprofen which is triggering this thread.  What have others heard about Ibuprofen being add odds with LE?  I ask because I get medical alerts such as the following through the Health Management Center my company offers through WebMD.

Potential Drug-Condition Interaction: Ibuprofen 200 mg Oral Tablet and Lymphedema.
According to your health record, you currently have 'Lymphedema'. Ibuprofen 200 mg Oral Tablet should be carefully evaluated in individuals with Lymphedema, a condition related to Disease of Cardiovascular System. Medication: Ibuprofen 200 mg Oral Tablet
Condition: Lymphedema

Priority. Call your doctor's office within the next week.

Potential Drug-Condition Interaction: Ibuprofen 200 mg Oral Tablet and Swelling of the Lymph Nodes following Surgical Removal of the Breast.

According to your health record, you currently have 'Swelling of the Lymph Nodes following Surgical Removal of the Breast'. Ibuprofen 200 mg Oral Tablet should be carefully evaluated in individuals with Swelling of the Lymph Nodes following Surgical Removal of the Breast, a condition related to Disease of Cardiovascular System. Medication: Ibuprofen 200 mg Oral Tablet
Condition: Swelling of the Lymph Nodes following Surgical Removal of the Breast

Priority. Call your doctor's office within the next week.

Of course, I didn't call my doctor's office.  I just stopped taking Ibuprofen for all my aches and pains.  Use it very sparingly. 

Does this concur with others' research?

Debbie

Not sure if you all saw this article.  It came through my WebMD

http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20080922/acupuncture-cuts-ails-of-breast-cancer-rx?ecd=wnl_brc_093008

In addition to talking about success treating hot flashes, it says:

 "Women getting acupuncture had none of these side effects, but they did report increases in energy, clarity of thought, sexual desire, and overall well-being."

I'm going to look into it.  Of course, I need to find a practitioner my insurance will pay for.

Debbie

I don't know about feeding the fridge water but I use the Aquasana under sink system.