Lyn's Real-Life Story

In 2017, I went on a great yoga holiday in Madeira. Fabulous. 4 hours of yoga by the sea every day for a week. Never thought I'd be doing a handstand at 67!!!  A real achievement with my lymphoedema arm.

In 2007, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and underwent treatment in Kent, involving a lumpectomy and removal of all the lymph glands in my right armpit.  This inevitably led to lymphoedema in that arm – but I DON’T CARE ……………I’m still here, a survivor.

The care I received from all healthcare professionals in the NHS was outstanding at every step (operation, chemo and radiotherapy) and through it all I tried to live my normal life where possible.  I was teaching in a secondary school and often pupils would ask about my arm.  I felt it was a good opportunity to tell them about how I had survived cancer, as many of them would come across this later themselves or with family.

It took a while, working with healthcare professionals, to come up with the arm compression garment which suited me.  A lot of trial and error to find the right solution.  I now wear a Lymphediva gauntlet with a different brand flat knit coloured sleeve. I like wearing bright patterns and colours – this gives a good talking point with friends about how it matches my outfits. I also have a range of lighter weight Lymphediva sleeves and matching gauntlets which I wear when I exercise.

I started yoga when I moved to York in 2011 and feel that it has really improved the strength and mobility in my arm.  I am very lucky to have studied with several experienced teachers who work with me to improve flexibility without strain.  I always discuss this with them use the rule “work is good, strain is bad”.  I definitely recommend a yoga class with an experienced teacher to improve range of movement.

Here’s to the next 10 years, who knows what I’ll be able to do at 77.

Lyn Chalk (York)