Vicki’s Lymphoedema Surgery

10 years ago I was was diagnosed with Breast Cancer which required lymph nodes to be removed as they were cancerous. After the fight with cancer I unfortunately developed lymphodoema in my left arm. 

For the past 10 years, I have suffered carrying around an arm with an extra 2 kilos of sub cutaneous fat and fluid in it. To give you an idea of what this is like both mentally and physically here are some issues I face daily. 
- My neck and back are constantly in pain due to the extra weight
- It is now winter again and I literally have to wear blankets to stay warm as Coats and Jackets don’t fit my arm. Even ones that are 6 sizes too big. 
- I have trouble hugging my child properly as my arm has trouble bending. 
- I can’t scratch my back if it’s itchy and I can’t lift my arm high enough to use a back scratcher in place of my arm.
- Working full time is very hard and it took a very long time to find a company that is understanding of my disability.  

 I had reached the point where I would prefer to have my arm amputated rather than live with lymphodoema any longer.  

I then found out recently about this radical new procedure to bring my arm back to normal size and use permanently. I was so excited. 

Today I attended the Macquarie University lymphodoema  clinic for preliminary testing in anticipation of having surgery to my affected arm which I have endured since my treatment of breast cancer 10 years ago.  They tentatively booked me in for the 20th of August 2018.

When I was discussing the booking, I found out the price of the surgery to reduce the size of arm to normal and my heart sunk. Around $12,500 out of pocket. I would never be able to save for this as I am currently assisting my autistic child to complete university study. 

I am reaching out to all who read this to show some compassion and understanding. I would be eternally grateful if anyone can help. Bless you xxx