Getting Untangled!!

I turn 63 on tomorrow.

I’m so thankful. 

It’s been a crazy last year living through COVID.

I was able to celebrate my 25th Breast Cancer Anniversary though!!! I had a Virtual Celebration Black Women, Breast Cancer and Chronic Disease:  Beating the Odds!  with some of my best girlfriends.  And, while it was a most UHMAZING celebration, I was dealing with something that you couldn’t tell, unless you knew.

Immediately after my breast cancer surgeries, I started to experience difficulty in lifting my arm.  My physical therapist husband assured my surgeon that he would make sure to keep my mobility and range of motion so I got busy doing what he prescribed.  What no one told me, was what scientists are now beginning to unfold.  The surgeries I had - lumpectomy and axillary dissection - can cause the development of scar tissue called “cording”.

  • Axillary web syndrome (AWS) can happen after breast cancer surgery that involves removing lymph nodes from the armpits.  AWS is also called “cording.” It refers to the development of scarring or connective tissue under the arm. This can be painful and limit the arm’s range of motion.  A person with AWS may be able to feel a web of thick, rope-like structures under their arm. Or, the only symptom may be a feeling of pain or tightness when raising the arm above the head or straightening the elbow, for example. The symptoms may appear several days to several weeks or months after surgery. Medical News Today

For most of the last 25 years i have experienced cording that resulted in constant pain on my side that eventually twisted my spine and hip.  I’ve fallen multiple times.  I broke my ankle.  I experienced challenges with my intestines.  I’ve had trouble breathing.  And, i don’t think the numbness and tingling (neuropathy) will ever leave.  I visited physicians.  Had images made of my body.  Had exploratory surgery searching for a cause for the pain I had without conclusion. And, still I felt tangled up. 

Then in 2019, at a funeral, my husband told a fellow physical therapist friend, who specialized in women’s health,  about my struggle.  She knew exactly what it was.  She visited me shortly thereafter and began to “release and untangle” the scar tissue that was wreaking havoc on my body.You can’t always see scar tissue, but it can mess you up!  But it you know how to find it, you can release it.  I felt relief immediately.  I was overcome.  FINALLY!!!  I would feel better.  I wasn’t crazy and making this up.  There really was a cause that could be addressed.  I continued what she taught me.  I found another amazing resource online that gave me more success.  I realized how I also had to work on strengthening muscles that had been weakened by the impact of the scar tissue on the rest of my body.  I’ll probably be working on it for the rest of my life.  But, I know…….I’m getting my life back.  And, I am able to do a lot more than I used to!!

As we enter 2022, many of us are deciding to make improvements in our lives…..health, education, relationships, faith, career, employment, etc.  In my wellness coaching practice, I work with patients  on their health goals.  Sometimes though, they run into challenges on their Journey and as we talk about it, we discover that when they take a closer look at what’s impeding their progress, they often discover the cause.  The causes range from anger to sadness to grief over events in their lives.  And, these events, which have not been addressed, have them all tangled up.  As we touch on them, sometimes the tears fall.  Sometimes they make the connection and can see how addressing it it will improve their health.  Sometimes it’s too painful and they can’t touch or talk about it.  But for those who are willing to move through the discomfort, they experience relief and are better able to successfully reach their goals.

I don’t know if you’ve experienced an event in your life that has gotten you all tangled up.  But, if you have, you can be set free.  Here’s what I believe can help you on your Journey to Better Health

- Touch it. Own It. #denialdoesnothelp

- Pray. Then find a professional  that you are comfortable with to help you address it. #thisismorethanyoucanhandle

- Do the work you need to do to get untangled and get relief. #workbringsitsownreward

It may take several sessions to get you going.  Maybe even longer as you start to untangle what you find.  My husband and son and I had a breakthrough recently after years of working to untangle some of our family challenges.  And, let me tell you, we are all walking much lighter!!!  Hallelujah!!! 

You can do it too!!  Get untangled!!  It will be life changing!!  I’ll be praying!!  Happy Wellness Wednesday!!

I’m Still Shoutin’ Ova Here!!

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

#stillshoutinovahere #cookinupgoodhealth #free #cording #tangledup #lifestylemedicine #prayerandtherapy #relief #wellnesswednesday #axillarywebsyndrome