BigBlog

Tuesday morning I attended the Lymphoedema Support Group meeting; the guest presenter currently runs a Lymphoedema Clinic in Sydney. I was greatful for the opportunity to listen to someone that has made lymphoedema, and associated problems, their life's work.

I was given the opportunity to ask about my breast lumps and was impressed when Juliet suggested they could be no more than fibrous tissue. As the presentation drew to a close she suggested that if each of us chose four things from the list of ideas she had presented, we could manage our lymphoedema successfully at home.

One of the members asked about thrombosis (blood clots) and Juliet said that more people die from thrombosis than from cancer. I have not yet done my own research to clarify!

Having discussed my personal situation with her, I decided purchase a Laser machine in the belief that it would successfully break down the fibrous lumps. I gave little thought to the cost of the machine as I suspect that I will be out 'pounding the pavements' soon looking to resume work.

In the meantime I arrived home and placed the machine on charge for the recommended 24 hours. During that time I discovered, what I believe to be, another thrombosis.

I have come to the conclusion that on each occasion I have developed a thrombosis it has come about through using the laptop at the dining room table. The chairs are timber and quite hard on the derriere and backs of the legs. Of course I am not admitting to excess usage and the number of hours as being contributing factors...

With some concerns about the thrombosis I then noted in the handbook that treatment with the laser is not recommended in cancer cases.

This had me wondering why it was not mentioned during the presentation. Lymphoedema often comes about as a result of surgery. Cancer being one of the causes!

A phone call today to Juliet to clarify the situation prior to using the machine. I was told that, although she personally felt it was safe, it was not recommended. I was offered a full refund should I wish to return the unit. I have decided that is my best option at this time.

Maybe later I will revisit...

I am sitting on a ball as I type this entry. Having had the ball for many years I pray that the rubber has not perished...

Would it be safer to kneel?

I love Australia - our sunburnt country - and it with a deep sense of gratifude that I give thanks for family and friends, from both near and far, that bring love, light and laughter into my life.

My little bit of Australia for today is the picture of the mother wallaby, on watch, as baby drinks from our new frog pond in Jeremy's Memorial Garden.

It was taken in the evening. Please understand that I have much to learn about the new camera. I simply have not had the interest over recent months, although I believe I am now passing through the tunnel of pain that has brought me so much grief.

I recently did a Post on my Google Blogspot in which I talked abou the use of a Castor Oil Compress on my breast lumps. Paul had suggested it! I decided to wait until after the test results came back before commencing.

I have now been using it for 6 days. I was very excited when I phoned Paul last night with the news that there appears to be, an ever so slight, reduction in the size of the breast lump. There has been considerable reduction in the inflammation and swelling around the lumps. I am excited! Although the pain has not been controlled by the morphine over the past few days it could simply be the nerve ending that have been effected as the mass reduces in size. I remain optimistic...

Paul also had some positive results to report. I recently sent him a supplement 'For Women.' He had explained that he was concerned about a family member that was struggling with emotions, possibly as a result of hormone imbalance.

I have had great success with a range of supplements that I have been using for some time. Paul has stated that the formulation is excellent and he has noted some improvement in just a few days.

I will be doing Posts on the range of supplements as Paul is also getting good results from the Herbal Antioxidant which he uses to enhance his regular exercise programme.

To our good health on Australia Day and every day....

As you know, we have recently retired. Already I am beginning to think that it may be time to consider getting back into the workforce. I do have the 'Perfect' opportunity in mind although I am not sure about the timing.

Regaining my health comes at great cost. For interest sake I decided to list some of my recent medical costs along with the Medicare Rebate.

30.12.08  Dr F  $250. Medicare Rebate $ 63.75

06.01.09 Dr J $ 92. Medicare Rebate $ 63.75

12.01.09  CAT Scan $390. Medicare Rebate $283.55

12.01.08 Bone Scan $575. Medicare Rebate $398.45

13.01.09 Dr F charged $150. Medicare Rebate $  33.55

15.01.09 Dr S $62. Medicare Rebate $33.55

15.01.09 Dopler US $294.10 Medicare Rebate $144.10

Then of course the cost of prescription medications. Oxycontin $32.90  and Endone $16.70 for 6 days supply.

The first couple of weeks of the new year saw me incur over $800 of medical expenses.

I am looking for a definite improvement.

In the meantime, I continue to pray for wellness.

My Good News Day...

I recently received a Renewal Notice for a Business Policy. I phoned to explain that the business had been sold. I was asked the date of the sale. Prior to the courtesy call I had not thought about the possibility of a rebate on the premium.

I called the Company that had purchased the business and asked them if they would mind providing a letter stating that I was no longer trading as Purecab Distributor NSW.

Last week I sent off a note with the letter from Ultrasafe confirming the sale of the business.

On Friday afternoon I received a phone call from a delightful young woman suggesting that the letter may have found its way to the wrong department. I went through my paperwork and gave her more details of the policy. She said she would be happy to ensure that it got into the 'right' hands.

Today, just one week later, I have a cheque for $654.80 as refund due to cancellation.

Given that the business was sold in March, I am truly amazed.

We so often hear stories of insurance companies avoiding claims. 

GIO certainly gets my vote for excellent customer service...

When you're lonely
We wish you love
When you're down
We wish you joy
When you're troubled
We wish you peace
When things are complicated
We wish you simple beauty
When things look empty
We wish you hope.

May you always feel the warmth and comfort of friends Mandy. Praying that the solution to your current crisis is not too far away.

 We are missing you around here...