Today I woke up pain-free. I have been having pain in my left arm, shoulder and upper back since vacation the end of July. Marlin and I decided to take the Pontiac for the 3,300 mile trip. It was fun to pack light and "live dangerously". Marlin enjoyed driving most of the way - I did drive a few hours. In my packing light mode, I forget to take my compression sleeves for my arms - I know to wear them when flying, but didn't think about the altitude in the mountains. I became sore and swollen (lymphedema) in my arms, very uncomfortable. Upon return home I began working on decreasing the swelling and the discomfort caused by the swelling. So for several weeks, I have worn the compression sleeves daily, decreased salt intake, drank more water, self-massaged the arms and gotten a professional massage weekly. I had chemo yesterday and a massage in the afternoon. After returning from dining out at Ernesto's with Grant, Tosha and Marlin, I took a pain pill and a sleeping pill and went to bed about 10 pm. I woke up feeling the best I have in months!!! Praise God!
Marlin and I took a trip to see National monuments and visit my sis and bro-in-law in Billings, too. We went through S. Dakota to see the Corn Palace in Mitchell, Wall Drug, Stugis (before 440,000 bikers arrived), Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, the Billings, Red Lodge, Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole then home.
Depend on the Lord: trust him, and he will take care of you. Psalm 37:5
Blessings to you
Love,
Ellen
