new to the group

I'm a 14 year cancer survivor with lymphedema and a multitude of health problems. I live with my elderly parents and care for them. I went from 2 jobs down to 1.5, then 1, then part time and then disability. It took me 3 years to get it. Very hard and lean years. I am still paying off debt from living expenses those years. I was a dancer, pharmacy ass't, bank loan rep and office manager. Now I do alot of volunteer work, run my support groups (New York State Lymphedema Network, and Lymphland International Lymphedema Online), am content editor for ELymphNotes online lymphedema magazine, and work on my own websites same name as the support groups.

It's hard to accept at first that you are disabled but when you do, you realize it was for a purpose. I'm a big mouth, I love to talk, and I think for me, my purpose was to spread awareness about lymphedema, as at the time when I got it, there was nothing to help anyone.

I look forward to meeting you all!

I have to comment on the theme "butterflies are free to fly" the butterfly is the symbol of lymphedema. I love the theme of the group and am excited to be here!

blessings, Tina

I appreciate you sharing your situation with us. I think you've hit on something when you mentioned you kept working and your jobs reduced from 2 down to zero because your body couldn't do it. When it happened to me I sat down and cried that despite trying so hard, I didn't have a job and that I was supporting a parent. Its like the moment of truth that finally hits.

But you're right about finding some good. I am so pleased at your accomplishments and WAY TO GO. This is making lemonaide out of lemons and I'm very proud of you. Please feel free to post any articles you wish as information is so important. People are permanent disabled from many things so I post a little bit of everything.

Nice to meet you and hope you'll post again