Compression Sleeve and Other Precautions

Shannon:

August 3, 2009

This week I have to try and get my compression sleeve so that I can graduate from my physical therapy. Wearing the compression sleeve is another one of the precautions that I have to take from having the ancillary lymph node dissection. I will need to wear it while flying and while playing sports or doing any other repetitive activity with my right arm.

Another precaution that one should take after having this surgery is getting a medical ID tag. Your tag should include the word lymph-edema and any other medical issues or allergies that you might have. The first thing they will do if you are injured in an accident and have had lymph nodes removed is pump you full of antibiotics to prevent infection. Since I have an allergy to penicillin this is important to note on my medical ID tag.

This past weekend I took care of getting my medical ID tag. There is a really good website that offers the medical ID tags along with pretty beaded bracelets and charms to make it cute and fashionable. http://www.laurenshope.com/While the idea of this appeals to me greatly I found that the bracelets themselves are way overpriced. I essentially make and sell the same interchangeable beaded bands for my watches on my website and only charge $9 a band v. $50-$80 for a band on the medical ID website. I ended up ordering my ID tag and using my own bands for the watches which worked out quite well. 

But back to the compression sleeve. I was able to pick up the compression sleeve the same day that I went in for it. One thing that I found was that my insurance did not cover any part of the compression sleeve and gauntlett. I ended up spending $120 which everything considered is not too horrible. It is not the most comfortable thing I have ever worn and while talking to my mother on the phone she came up with the perfect analogy for it. It is Spanx for your arm. 

I decided to get a nude color instead of getting a fancy color since the nude will go with anything I wear. The compression sleeves are available in a variety of lovely colors including pink, lavender, and mint green. However, while the colors are pretty and can make you feel like the sleeve is more like an accessory instead of a necessity, the nude is really more practical. After all it goes with all of my shoes!

Surgeries

Susan:

On April 23, 2009, Shannon and I met with Dr. G, who specializes in cancer surgeries. Shannon had done her reading and research on this doctor and he was written up in, What’s Up Annapolis, as one of our areas best surgeons. Upon meeting Dr. G. we both had a feeling of confidence that Shannon was in good hands.

Dr. G. explained to Shannon and me that what she had was called- Metastasized Melanoma with an Unknown Primary. It was yet to be determined that the initial mole removed was the first spot of Melanoma. Dr. G. told us that Shannon would need to have a PET scan done and he would operate to remove the melanoma and also do a sentinel lymph node biopsy during the surgery.

On May 6, 2009, Shannon had her first of many surgeries. We were all in the back of the hospital waiting for her to be wheeled in for surgery when Dr. G came in. We had yet to hear the very important results from the PET scan. I asked Dr. G. what Shannon’s results were from the scan. He apologized, went out to find her records, came back and told us it was clear except for the one spot. I began to sob, happy sobs, but sobs none the less.

Shannon was allowed to go home that evening after the surgery. On Friday, May 8th, Dr. G. called to tell Shannon that no cancer was found in her lymph nodes and that he had cut a good margin.

Dr. G. took Shannon’s unusual case to the Tumor Board, where they were split on a decision to do an additional surgery called an ancillary lymph node dissection (removal of her lymph nodes). Taking Dr. Gs. advice Shannon went along with the suggested surgery, of course hoping for a better out come for a longer life.

This surgery ended up being much harder for her as she was fitted with a drainage system that sprang a leak on her the second day after surgery. I was staying with her when we had to whisk her quickly into the surgeon’s office where he fixed the leak and unfortunately he bandaged her back up. For the next two days Shannon was in excruciating pain. Finally her dad had the presence of mind to once again call the best nurse around, Peggy Holston, who came to our rescue. Peggy came by and simply re wrapped the drainage line and the pain went away. Peggy told us to never let a surgeon do the wrapping. Always allow a nurse to do that part.

During this time Shannon and Ben were doing a lot of praying. They prayed until they had peace and faith that their outcome would be a good one. They asked the family to not talk negatively around them. They wanted to walk in faith, believing for Shannon’s healing. It is what we all wanted.

Next entry- Shannon meets her Medical Oncologist, who tells her there, is no cure drug for her stage Melanoma and refers her to a clinical trial. Then we will hear from Shannon. As we hear her own words, we can feel the faith and hope she walked in. Shannon will amaze you.