On June 6, 2023, my life changed when I was diagnosed with lymphedema. If you don’t know what lymphedema is – I didn’t – it’s excessive swelling caused by the buildup of lymphatic fluid somewhere in the body. My lymphedema manifested itself -- out of nowhere – in my left foot. It impacts my foot, my toes, my ankle, and my lower leg. There is no cure for lymphedema. Although lymphedema is not a life-threatening condition, it is a life-altering one and it requires extensive daily management.

"Good job, Mommy! You did it!"

I was indeed proud of myself. Everywhere I looked, there were trees and fallen branches. I was standing on a cluster of flat rocks in the middle of a creek. I hadn't been this far down the creek on our hikes before. My five-year-old son and my husband were usually the ones hopping across the rocks while I stuck close to the sides or stayed up on the path.