How my Lymphedema makes me feel

If pain had a face,
Then surely you'd see,
The demon that's living,
Inside of me.
The knotted and tangled,
Monster within,
The fire and brimstone,
From this pain that I'm in.
My struggles and misery,
From my daily climb,
My impossible searching,
For relief I can't find.
My hopes and my dreams,
They just fade away,
Because of the pain,
I suffer each day.
From pills to prayers,
In search of a cure,
But this body's still broken,
Only pain is for sure.
But, though pain is constant,
And so very real,
No one sees my struggle,
Of how it makes me feel.
The internal torture,
The guilt and remorse,
Pushing and pulling,
And smiles I must force.
So please do not judge me,
Or deny I'm in pain,
Because I'm not pretending,
I've nothing to gain.
Respect and compassion,
Will go a long way,
To make this life easier,
Get me through one more day.

By: Rhonda Law

A few things lymphedema has taught me:

The first thing I learned is that life will never be the same.

I have learned who my real friends and family are. It certainly isn't who I thought it would be.

I have learned to be strong even when I feel weak.

I have learned to cry and laugh out loud.

Levity is not an option. It is a necessity.

I am my own best advocate.

I have learned to listen to others.

Just because I can't do what I used to doesn't mean I am useless.

Time management. Everything seems to take forever.

Patience is not a virtue. It is a necessity.

Life is still precious.

Carrot Ginger Turmeric Juice

Carrot Ginger Turmeric Juice
Beverages
Yield: 1 serving

4 carrots
1 apple
1/2 in piece of ginger root
1/2 in piece of turmeric root
1/4 lemon, with peel

Process all through a juicer, or put in blender with 1 cup liquid

Random Quote: You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.

Ginger Switchel

picture source

Ginger Switchel
Beverages
Yield: 1-2 servings

2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar
4 teaspoons raw honey
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 cup water

Combine all ingredients in a jar. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Shake or stir before serving. Taste and adjust honey, if desired. If using fresh ginger, strain through a fine sieve first.

Pour over ice or mix with soda water, if desired.

Random Quote: The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.
 

The Emotional Impact of Lymphedema

Little is said about the psychological affects of Lymphedema, despite its profound impact on the person dealing with it.Lymphedema can cause pronounced social inhibitions because of being self conscious, it can cause depression, embarrassment, disfigurement, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.

You often go through tremendous life style changes and feel worthless and useless. It can cause sexual dysfunction as both male and female Lymphedema patients can acquire genital lymphedema.You go through periods of struggling with feeling humiliation, despair and you can experience terrific pain.You also go through a lot of anger. Anger at why you have this, why the medical world knows so little about this condition and sometimes seems to care little either.

If you are going through these emotions, please don't be afraid to let your doctor know. You may need professional help to get through this. You may also find a lot of comfort and encouragement in joining a support group either in person or online.

Two Wolves

I found this to be very true.

General Tso's Chicken

source: facebook

General Tso's Chicken
Main Dishes - Chicken
Serving Size: 4


2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast -- cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Sauce:
4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
4 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
4 sliced green onions -- optional
hot cooked rice

In a large Ziploc bag, combine cornstarch, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Add chicken pieces; shake to coat evenly.

Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly brown, about 2-3 minutes. Add chicken pieces to a lightly greased 3qt-5qt crock pot.

In a small bowl, combine sauce ingredients (about 1 cup). Add half of the sauce mixture to crock pot. Stir until chicken is evenly coated. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours.

One hour before serving, add broccoli florets and remaining sauce. Cover and cook on low until chicken is no longer pink and broccoli is tender. Serve over hot cooked rice. If desired, top with sliced green onions.

Random Thought - I don't have an attitude, I just have a sassy vocabulary.

Taco Chili

Taco Chili
Soups, Stews and Chili
by: Moirakris
Yield: 4 servings

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 (15 oz) can chili beans in sauce
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed
1 (15 oz) can corn with liquid (if using frozen add 1/2 cup water)
1/2 cup white rice (long grain or instant)
1 (28 oz or two 15 oz) can peeled and diced tomatoes with liquid
1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes and peppers with liquid
1/2 can (2 oz) black olives, sliced
1 package taco seasoning mix

In a medium skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned over medium heat. Drain, and set in crockpot.

Place rice, chili beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes, olives and seasoning mix in the crockpot. Stir well, cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Serve with corn chips, shredded cheese and sour cream

Tip: Freeze leftover black olives. Place in freezer container and cover with the olive juice or water. Use in other dishes like Spaghetti and Tomatoes

Random Thought - Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

Sometimes you just need to laugh

True Story!!  For anyone dealing with lower extremity Lymphedema, this meme is for you.

Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin Muffins
Breads
Yield: approx 1 dozen


1 box yellow or spice cake mix
1 can (15oz) pumpkin puree (not the pie mix)

Pour dry cake mix into bowl, add the can of pumpkin. Mix together and pour into paper lined muffin tin, Bake at 350 F for 20-25 minutes.


Random Thought - Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat drinking beer all day.