It’s 8:30 in the morning. I have Physio with Ctr and it hurts like hell. It’s too early and I haven’t even had coffee. I’m feeling frustrated. I have been doing all my exercises but my progress has plateaued. It’s now been over 3 months since surgery and I still have quite restricted movement on my left side. The cording in my upper arm is definitely holding me back from full range of motion. It screams when I stretch it. The random electric shock pains along my scar tissue are also becoming more frequent and more intense. Despite all of this I am officially discharged from Physio in the Public System. This is not so much indicative of my progress but more a response to Radiology starting as I can’t have Physio while receiving radiation. If, after Radiology is completed, I feel I need more Physio, I’ll be re-referred back into the system.

The one good thing that happens is I am approved for funding for a lymphedema sleeve as a preventative measure. Prophylactic sleeves are not usually funded by the Public Hospital but Ctr confers with her Senior and it is decided that because of the extensive removal of my lymph nodes and the high risk of occurrence that I am eligible. Preventing lymphoedema by funding a sleeve will cost the hospital much less than treatment after the fact. It makes total sense to me but I guess it’s a case of if you don’t ask, you don’t get.