Lymphatic massage - how do you know if you need it? when do you start?

@Eastmum that’s really good getting free sessions. I have to wear a sleeve most days - the swelling came up when I started chemo so may possibly be related to that - will have to wait and see. 

thanks @iserbrown I'm definitely going to see someone asap - it really sounds like the way to go.

wow @lrb_03 that's some enormous change in a short time! I've heard the sleeve makes a huge difference - my MIL wears one. I had the baseline measurement from my breast care nurse.

Hi @"Kiwi Angel" - thanks for the recommendation - that's a bit far for me as I'm in Bondi. I just went back to the pamphlet that my breast care nurse gave me - the one she wrote my baseline measurement in - it says that I can get 5 free sessions as part of an early intervention screening program through what's called the GP Chronic Disease Management Plan - so I'm going to find out all about that tomorrow. They recommend the first follow-up 6 weeks post surgery, so that's 2 weeks away. xxx

@Eastmum I see u r in Sydney - I see a lymphodema physio specialist in Caringbah who is good if u live round that way. I found her on this site actually and she seems quite good. 

I actually saw my lymphoedema physio before my surgery, I'd had chemo first, & knew that I was having a node clearance. She then had baseline measurements. I saw her 4 weeks post surgery and she repeated the measurements, all good, no change. Within a little over 2 weeks I was back seeing her again, and had gone from 0.5cm difference in measurements to a 7cm difference.  Have been wearing a sleeve ever since  :p.
Not my favourite thing, but thems the breaks  :)

I went to Physio as my movement was limited to where I felt it should be at.  She recommended that I see the Remedial Therapist within the same practice, Jo, who does lymphatic drainage massage.  No I don't have lymphedema but I was having discomfort and a little bit of fluid build up.  Jo has made such a difference and I go and visit every now and then for maintenance, as I call it.  My main discomfort is in the sternum and as she explains it the lymphatic system has been interrupted and it is busy looking for new pathways.

@eastmum I had heard a lot about the mob that I'm going to from local fb group but I also asked my surgeon for a recommendation and he came up with the same place.

Oh @JoeyLiz you’re so right! I absolutely didn’t think about getting the arm up for radiation! I actually went to have a consult with a radiation oncologist before my surgery and she told me all about that and I’d totally forgotten! 
Right, now I’m on a mission to find a great therapist and get some professional advice. 
Thanks everyone! Xxx

Any doubts and  I would find a physio who specialises in it. Can’t hurt to have an expert opinion and any extra exercises/massage will help for when you need to get your arm up for radiation.
hope all goes well x

Thanks @lrb_03 and @TonyaM - I had a chat to my breast care nurse and she said 6 weeks post surgery is the right time to start. I’m 4 weeks today (thought it was 5! Doesn’t time fly when you’re having so much fun LOL). I’ll do a bit of research over the next two weeks then go check it all out. Thanks for all the advice! Xxx

Hi Eastmum, Irb is right- you need to find a lymphoedema specialist in your area to show you the correct way to massage and to take a baseline L dex reading.I wouldn’t go gangbusters rigorously massaging your arm until surgery all settles down.There are various stages of lyphmphoedema with the first being a heavy feeling or an aching arm.The aim is to prevent it before it progresses.This is done by exercise,massage,a possible sleeve and general care/moisturize of your arm.It’s been 15yrs since my auxiliary clearance and my arm is ok,although I get some swelling under the arm. I massage most days. Hope all goes ok for you.