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Three years after recovering from endometrial cancer, Jacqueline developed lymphedema in her leg. An after-effect that handicaps him on a daily basis. His entourage and drawing are his refuges today. Testimony.
It happened suddenly, I wasn’t expecting it at all. It was October 2020, I was 62 years old then. I was driving – I was returning from Limoges where I had gone to see my grandson – when my right leg started to swell. It has never gone down since.
Lymphedema, a sequela from which there is no cure
I suffer from lymphedema. I discovered it while doing research on the internet. This is a sequela of the hysterectomy I underwent to treat my uterine cancer. It was 3 years earlier, in 2017.
At that time, no one told me about this side effect of the surgery. A side effect from which there is no cure, as I ended up learning during a consultation at the CHU de Toulouse where I am currently being cared for. In any case, not completely, intensive drainage and compression stockings manage to reduce it by 10 to 15 cm. But it’s temporary. My “big leg” is still gaining volume.
Dispossessed of my life
To prevent her lymphedema from growing, Jacqueline’s leg is wrapped in bandages.
I have a hard time accepting it. I fought cancer and I won. The doctors told me I was cured. However, the illness caught up with me. Years later, it takes over my life little by little.
Cancer first took away a job I loved: landscaper. I wasn’t able to do it during my 2 years of treatment and I was retired when I finished them.
Then, lymphedema forced me to give up my car. Driving was becoming too dangerous, I was no longer able to operate the pedals because of my hyper-inflated leg. Even walking has become complicated. Not to mention climbing the stairs. So I had to set up my house on one level and I use a walker to get around.
My wardrobe is also limited: I have the choice between wide pants and skirts to cover my deformed leg. As for shoes, I have to settle for horrible black slippers. In size 40 for the left, in 43 for the right.
A burden for others
Lymphoedema took away what I cherished most: my autonomy. I need a housekeeper to take care of my home, nurses to put on my compression stockings, physiotherapists to work on my balance and regain some flexibility.
I am dependent on others for all the little everyday things: shopping, going to the hairdresser, the dentist, posting a letter… I am only 66 years old but I have the autonomy of an elderly person.
Fortunately, I am well surrounded but it costs me to constantly ask for help. And not being able to reciprocate. I have 2 daughters aged 31 and 33. I would like to help them, play my role as grandmother. But this damn lymphedema is stopping me. Instead, they take turns coming to help me.
I feel like I’m a burden to them…
Live from hand to mouth
Jacqueline and her grandson.
Today, I live day by day. I set myself short-term goals. One of my daughters understood this well. She regularly motivates me by challenging me. It started during chemo. She asked me to write an illustrated book on the art of being a grandmother.
Recently, she asked me to knit a blanket for one of her friends who is going to give birth soon. I’m not sure she’ll really need it but it gives me something to do.
Drawing to forget everything
And then I have the drawing. For that, I don’t need anyone. Or almost. To get to the weekly class, I have to find a kind soul to take me there. So I sometimes miss training courses.
But I can draw at home. I set up a drawing table in front of my chair. I draw, according to my inspiration, with watercolor or acrylic. I paint most often to thank the people who accompany me on a daily basis. It’s a way for me to feel useful. Physically, it’s sometimes complicated to sit for hours, but when I pick up my brush, I forget everything.
Jacqueline
Comments collected by Emilie Groyer
Editor-in-chief of the Rose magazine website. Holder of a doctorate in biology, Emilie worked for 10 years in the field of patents in biotechnology before converting to journalism. She joined the editorial staff of Rose magazine in 2018. Her specialty: popularizing cutting-edge scientific subjects to make them accessible to as many people as possible.
What long-term physical repercussions of cancer treatment does Jacqueline experience, and how do these impact her daily life?
## Lymphedema: A Silent Thief of Life After Cancer
**A survivor of endometrial cancer, Jacqueline grapples with the debilitating effects of lymphedema, a hidden side effect of her treatment that continues to rob her of her hard-won independence.**
Three years ago, Jacqueline’s world changed. While victorious over endometrial cancer, she faced a new and insidious foe: lymphedema. This chronic condition, a consequence of her surgery, manifested as a relentless swelling in her right leg, a stark reminder of the battle she had fought. While initially unaware of this potential side effect, Jacqueline’s journey reveals the often-unspoken struggles faced by cancer survivors dealing with long-term complications.
Jacqueline’s story is a powerful testament to the unseen costs of cancer treatment.
**Loss of Independence, a Crushing Blow**
Lymphedema has systematically eroded Jacqueline’s autonomy. No longer able to drive due to the painful swelling, she relies on others for simple tasks like grocery shopping and attending appointments. Climbing stairs has become a daunting challenge, forcing her to modify her home and use assistive devices.
Her wardrobe, once a reflection of her vibrant personality, has been reduced to a painful concession to the physical limitations imposed by lymphedema.
**The Emotional Toll of Dependence**
The emotional toll of Jacqueline’s condition runs deep. She mourns the loss of the active life she once enjoyed, the job she loved, and the simple pleasures that are now compromised.
Jacqueline’s lymphedema forces her to rely heavily on her daughters, causing feelings of guilt and inadequacy, a burden she desperately wishes to shed. The reality of needing constant help, even for seemingly mundane tasks, weighs heavily on her spirit.
**A Plea for Awareness and Support**
Jacqueline’s story shines a light on the need for greater awareness and support for lymphedema patients. Early detection and intervention can significantly mitigate the impact of this chronic condition.
Furthermore, providing comprehensive support systems for patients and their families is crucial in helping them navigate the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of this often-overlooked consequence of cancer treatment.
Jacqueline’s journey underscores the importance of a holistic approach to cancer care, one that recognizes and addresses the long-term effects of treatment and prioritizes the well-being of survivors long after the initial battle is won.
