The groin swelling

[beccaboo]

Hello all,

I posted on CC about a groin swelling and Isorod showed some concern for me.

I have been for my follow up appointment today and the onc team don't think it is anything sinister - MAYBE some lymph drainage problems.

I am quite happy to sit this out and wait for the swelling to go down completely (they said wait another month) but do any of you think I should push for further tests and scans etc before that - I know I will not be seen before Christmas but I could be "on the list" waiting for an appointment now rather than starting the process in the new year.

The guy today was fairly convincing there were no obvious signs the problem is caused by cancer related lymph thingys - but once you have had cancer the doubt is always there .

Thanks for any input !

[cluckie]

Hi Beccaboo
Try and be guided by the medics and stay positive although i know it's not easy,

Have a nice Xmas

Chin Up

[isorod]

Hi Beccaboo,

Pleased that you have set things in motion regarding your swelling. I know how you feel about waiting and in view of your personal feelings I would press for and ask for things to be set in motion now. It is the holidays next week so much of the Health Service will be on slow motion (I know some of them are all the time!!) things should be put in motion now - it could well be a month before things happen.

This will set your mind at rest that something is being done and you are not worrying about it for a month before things start up again.

Good luck and Best Wishes to you and yours for the Holiday Season. isorod.

[beccaboo]

Many thanks to you both for your advice.

For some reason I just can't put my unease to one side for once- so I may put the ball in motion - it can't hurt and the holidays will delay any appointment considerably. I am not totally freaked out- but as my GP and the onc can't actually tell me what is going on I don't feel completely relaxed about just leaving it. It doesn't help that one of my cousins was diagnosed with lung cancer this week and last week another cousin took his own life.

I hope you all cope with the approaching holiday - a sad and difficult time for those who have lost someone dear to them.

x xx x

[isorod]

Sorry to hear of your sad news - all the more reason to act now. My thoughts are with you and your family.isorod.

[beccaboo]

lHi there

I know I haven't posted much in the past few weeks but my head has been all over the place.

The swelling has been diagnosed as lymphoedema and I have had an assessment by the lymphoedema nurse at our local hospice. I now have prescripton support tights which I think will help a lot with the aching in my legs I get after a long day or a day standing still too long (like ironing).

Although the prescription indicated 2 pairs (and I don't know how anyone can use them properly without at least 2 pairs) I had to pay 2 prescription charges which was just under £15. At the time I didn't think much about the cost but when I work out I will need at least 3 x £15 per year for the next 20 years until I am age exempt from prescription charges I didn't think it was fair (lymphoedema is not curable - just manageble) so I decided to apply for a prescription exemption certificate. It was authorised even though my surgery was in July 07 - I just thought I would post this here just in case anyone else in the future has delayed post treatment problems like me - it is always worth asking !

Best wishes to you all xx

[cluckie]

Hi Beccboo
Good sound advice if you don't ask you don't get.
Hope they help.
Take Care
Cluckie

[isorod]

Hi beccaboo,
Pleased to see you on the forum and hope the stockings do the trick. You were right to apply for the prescription exemption certificate, my understanding is that all cancer sufferers and survivors receive free prescriptions - am I wrong?

Best wishes,isorod.

[beccaboo]

Hi all,

The form to apply for exemption states you have to be receiving treatment for cancer or the effects of the the cancer treatment. As my surgery dealt with the cancer I did not fulfil the criteria and have been paying for my prescriptions as normal - until I develped lymphoedema I wasn't receiving any treatment for cancer or the effects of the treatment.

I must say, however, had I not been diagnosed with cancer I would NEVER have gone to the doctor with a mouth ulcer which wouldn't go away and pay for a prescription for what was probably a plecebo. The depression I had would not have happened if I had not been diagnosed with cancer but I still paid for my anti-depessants. Neither of these things fell within the wording of the exemption application so therefore I feel I would have been turned down if I had applied earlier. It may be different for recently diagnosed people as they probaby get one automatically but the scheme came in after my treatment had fininshed.

I go for a checkup with the lymphoedema nurse on Tuesday to check to fit of the tights.

Glad to hear your computer is up and running again Isorod.

(p.s I have disabled my account on CC - after someone else, Rodis and tigger replied to a woman and only the "someone else" got any sort of acknowledgement at all - I decided that I was wasting my time and energy)

[cluckie]

Hi Beccaboo
Best of luck with your appointment with nurse Tomorrow

Chin Up

Cluckie.