Update part two!

Hi there one and all, Things have moved on since my last blog so thought I would catch up. I have FINALLY had a response from the Chief Exec re my letter of complaint against the hospital where I had my WLE/SNB/skin graft treatment. I've lost count how many times the word "apologise" appears in it! The good thing to come out of this though is that they are changing some of their procedures and staff training so future patients will get a better service. The lymphoedema in my lower leg/foot is still proving to be a problem. I am under the Lymphoedema Clinic at the local Hospice and the staff there are lovely. My problem is where the skin graft is: right across my inner ankle. The compression stocking they measured me for compresses right across the graft so after an hour or so I have to take it off because it gets so painful. I was at the clinic yesterday for them to check it and the nurse has now given me some padding to put across the graft before putting on the stocking but after a few hours I was in pain again and had to take it off. They are now ordering me some wrap around stuff with velcro which I will be able to adjust at each point on my foot and leg so am waiting now for that to come in. I saw my lovely skin Consultant last week for my 3 monthly check with him. He was concerned about the lymphoedema but came up with a brilliant suggestion..learn to walk on my hands with my legs straight up in the air. That way all the fluid could drain down and I would just have to put up with fat fingers lol! Now why didn't the clinic think of that??? He checked my leg and is keeping an eye on another mole that has developed a 'shadow' next to it. I wonder what they will do if it needs to be biopsied? After being told I MUST NOT get scratched/stung or bitten on that leg because of danger of infection I wonder how they will operate? I had my interview at the new Cancer Centre re Cancer Information and Support Assistant but sadly did not get it. The feedback was good though. Apparently I did very well at the interview and came across as a very caring person but that there were a lot of strong candidates (80 people had applied!). I was told to keep checking the vacancy website as more jobs would be coming up now the Centre is open. So, money still is a constant struggle. I spent 2hrs with the Benefits Advisor at the CAB last week filling in the DLA form as I was advised by the jobcentre disability person to apply for the lower limit. I now have had a letter saying the form has been received and will I hear within EIGHT WEEKS!! I have appealed about being turned down for jobseeker's allowance and will now have to appear before an Appeal Panel at some point. All very stressful stuff which I really could do without! Oh well, I think that is all lol! I do 'pop in' and check to see how everyone is doing. Take care everyone pheonix xxx Take care