In my case, my lymph nodes were removed during my mastectomy and became infected – which then developed into lymphedema. What is happening is that there is a blockage in your lymphatic system and this blockage is preventing the lymph fluid from draining well. Then the fluid builds up because it can’t escape and that leads to swelling and your limbs can actually expand, making it a problem with clothing. It’s the reason I always wear loose t-shirts to put them on my arm easily. There are treatments to help reduce it and I’ve tried them, but you have to work at it, so I learned how to live with it. It was one of my biggest, and for me, most visible, insecurities. Even now, when people ask for pictures with me, I instinctively stand to the right so I can put my hand behind them I feel the worst about this because unlike losing your hair, as traumatic as that was for me, I can wear wigs. I can’t do anything with my arm except wear loose t-shirts and compression sleeves. In addition to the body confidence issues it has caused me over the years, it has also caused health issues. I remember during my first chemo after my re-diagnosis, they couldn’t put the cannula in my arm. So they got me a bowl of warm water to put my hand in, try to fill my veins. They put a PICC line in my right arm, which can take blood for tests and feed my chemotherapy. But recently, the PICC line in my right arm became infected, which has caused the lymphedema. Currently the treatment consists of injections in my thigh and stomach, but thanks to the right arm now being affected, the blood tests have taken on a whole new level of pain and difficulty – my blood is now coming out of my legs. Probably one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever had. My right arm isn’t too bad right now though, so the nurses will ask my oncologist if we can risk getting blood from that arm. If not, I may have to have a chest port or a Hickman line. But the radiographers won’t use it, so my leg will still have to be used. It’s horrible, it’s sh*t, it never ends – but I’m still here!