HI Bravo,
Are you sure its lymphodema and not seroma? I had lumpectomy and lymph node clearance. Ultra sound showed that the breast swelling was Seroma, stayed for about 6 months. Surgeon advised me not to drain it as it just recollects and if you let it subside on its own provides a better cosmetic outcome than constant draining. I have two more radiation treatments left and I think it has nuked the rest of the seroma (LOL) as it appears pretty much gone.The radiation burns are far worse than the surgery and swelling. Uncomfortable...yes but it will go away.