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Lynn O'Connor

Fifty five year old Lynn O’Connor of Cannock regularly accesses the Lymphoedema Clinic at Katharine House Hospice. Lynn who was diagnosed with cancer in September 2007 comes to the hospice for sessions with specialist nurses Elaine and Julie. Lynn shared her story with us.

‘I went to the doctors in September 2007 as I had noticed a lump in my armpit. I hadn’t taken much notice of it as it wasn’t painful and I felt fine. The doctor thought that they should take a closer look at it and I was referred to the Breast Care Unit. The lump was removed and it turned it was cancerous. The doctors were treating it as a secondary cancer and set about finding the source.

They conducted a series of tests and referred me for both a CT and MRI scan in a bid to find the cancer. Nothing showed up on the scans and in the end I was referred for a PET scan in Birmingham. Even then the results were inconclusive and I had my lymph nodes removed as a precaution, it was then confirmed that the cancer was in the lymph nodes itself.

The doctors told me that it was very likely that I may develop Lymphoedema as a result of the surgery. Unlike most people I had heard of the condition as my mother-in-law has it. Radiotherapy is also said to bring on symptoms and sure enough I soon began to experience them. I was unable to access treatment for the condition until I had completed my cancer treatments and by then my right arm was very uncomfortable.

The condition makes my arm very, very heavy and can really restrict my mobility. Normal everyday tasks can become tiresome and challenging. My grip is not what it used to be and I find I sometimes drop things as a result. Things that you take for granted such as writing and driving can be troublesome. The fluid builds up not only in my arm but also my breast and lower back and is uncomfortable and very sore.

When I was referred to the hospice for Lymphoedema care I wasn’t worried about it. I had no expectations or preconceptions. I just wanted to get on with things and concentrate on getting better. Saying that the hospice wasn’t quite what I expected. I hadn’t expected it to be so cosy and welcoming. The staff here are lovely and helped me to understand and manage my condition.

The emphasis on managing Lymphoedema is not just coming along to appointments. It is about addressing the condition at home as well and the nurses here at the hospice have shown both me and my husband how to perform massage which alleviates the swelling. This is particularly helpful in hard to reach areas such as the tops of my arms and lower back.

Coming to the hospice for massage, advice and fitting of compression garments has helped me to manage my condition. It is now much, much better and a great deal more comfortable. Having the treatment at the hospice is also convenient as it is just down the road from the hospital. I enjoy coming and continuing to make progress in a cheery and positive environment.’