Dear Fran Drescher #16
Dear Fran,
How are you doing? I’m still waiting to hear from you.
I finally made it to the physical therapist for my arm a few weeks ago. She diagnosed with me with Stage 1 lymphedema. Apparently, there are four stages to lymphedema:
Stage 0 means that you are on your way to getting lymphedema even though you don’t know it.
Stage 1 means you have it now, but it can still be reversed.
Stage 2 means it is irreversible and can only be managed.
Stage 3, I can hardly talk about. It is rare—thank goodness—and not a pretty sight. I refuse to Google that again.
I got fitted for a compression sleeve; this picture shows me getting ready to play volleyball with it on the very same night. I couldn’t play worth a darn, but I think I will keep celebrating the fact that I’m one of the lucky ones with a problem that can still be reversed.
I want to keep my arm in good working order just in case Jonathan Cain and I play our duet on the Ellen show. Do you play any sort of instrument?
Best friends always,
Marie