I too can't help on a number of those issues - I had no pain post mastectomy and axillary clearance (17 nodes) although I am beginning to think I was in the minority. I also didn't have cording but did get lymphoedema - I tend to think a good specialist lymphoedema therapist may be worth consulting. A seroma may not be painful - I had a huge one (first draining was 1.5 litres) which was spread over a wide deep area and didn't hurt at all. It did slosh when I bent over though!! Draining shouldn't scar but may introduce infection so it may still be best to see if the fluid will disperse naturally. Also mine simply refilled within a week or so, which meant relief was very temporary. The problem is compounded by the natural bacteria you have, even in a healthy body, that can find this kind of nutritious "soup" irresistible and infection can result, without any external stimuli. Damned if you do and maybe damned if you don't! A lymphoedema therapist may be able to encourage the seroma to disperse by massage. Best of luck.
