Update - We Got Married!

Today Mike and I posted on social media the news of our recent marriage. On facebook and the other personal and professional social media platforms, we shared a few short words and a photo and drone-video, keeping it brief and true to us. But... on my blog I hold a bit more creative (aka wordy) license, and cannot resist saying a few extra things about our happy news!

Mike is the man of my dreams, a truly wonderful person inside and out, a fellow melanoma warrior - though he is brave and strong enough to call himself a melanoma survivor! - a true inspiration, and my best friend. Mike is intelligent and insightful, can always be relied upon by his friends and family, is invariably adventure-driven, and the funnest person I know. I am unspeakably honoured to share with him this crazy thing called life, and I thank my blessed stars every day that we found each other. 

Mr. Allan and I eloped last weekend, had a quiet ceremony at home, and shared this sacred moment between us with every emotion in our hearts and on our faces. We take this union very seriously, cherishing each other, knowing how quickly life can change and how important every moment is to live to the fullest. As the marriage commissioner prompted our words, the sweetness in the air was tangible, and we vowed to love and care for each other as husband and wife for the rest of our days. 

With an overflowing abundance of love and gratitude, yours truly,

💗 Mrs. Natalie Allan

~ with photography - and love-filled heart! - creds to Mr. Michael Allan 😎💕

March is Lymphedema Awareness Month

Over the years I have written quite a bit about my experience with lymphedema - secondary lymphedema in my right thigh, from surgery for melanoma skin cancer. Lymphedema (lim-fa-DEE-ma): lymphedema is a lifelong condition caused by a buildup of lymph fluid. This happens when the lymphatic system is either faulty or damaged and cannot function as normal. It leads to chronic swelling in the tissues where the lymph flow is blocked.*  I've dabbled in pursuing treatment for this but will admit I have not yet established ongoing management of it. Still on my to-do list. Mike also has lymphedema, from the same surgical procedure for melanoma, but it settled more in his foot. 

In any case, having bolstered a bunch of melanoma-related patient support and education initiatives with Save Your Skin Foundation and on my own over the years, I am now adding a lane, and lending a hand with lymphedema patient support. Recently I have joined a team in Prince George who are planning a Lymphedema Education Conference later this year for Physicians and allied HCPs in the Northern Health region of BC. I am happy to be working with an esteemed local Physiotherapist who is leading the initiative; I will support with my event planning and tech experience. 

Not only am I learning more about lymphedema, and the needs of patients, but through this project I am learning more about the health care system in our region, and the access to resources that Physicians may or may not have. 

Our group is excited to be planning this informative event, which will consist of a full day for Physicians, including a lymphedema care doctor guest speaker from Ontario, and then a half-day for allied health care providers on lymphedema care and bandaging, etc. While planning all of this we are learning about the process of hosting - and funding - an accredited conference for Physicians. It's a big undertaking! But a necessary one, as continuing lymphedema education fights for attention just as many other medical infirmities have to. 

View this video from Shirley Bond, MLA, Prince George-Valemount speaking about World Lymphedema Day and the local work and recent initiatives underway in our area:

I'll update with more information when I can, but in the meantime, I'll end with a shout-out to the 1 million Canadians impacted by lymphedema and bid them a healthy Lymphedema Awareness Day. 

For more information, please check out the Canadian Lymphedema Framework, and/or the lymphedema association in your province:

Canadian Lymphedema Framework