The need for proactive approach to lymphedema

My story is so similar to others in that many doctors are not being proactive in helping patients with the onset of lymphoedema. When I was first spoken to by my surgeon, he informed me that I would develop lymphoedema following my mastectomy and subsequent treatment. The only time that I was checked for signs was by the registrar radio oncologist who referred me to the physiotherapy department at the hospital six weeks post treatment. This was in spite of the fact that I had raised the issue of experiencing swelling under my arm and some tightness in my upper arm months earlier. Now I am informed that I should have been applying self massage procedures straight after surgery. The only information given me was a Cancer Council booklet when I asked the breast care nurse about it prior to radiotherspy treatment. I am so disappointed that this important aspect of treatment is so haphazardly being addressed. I would like to call for a more proactive approach for routine monitoring and provision of better education on lymphoedema as part of routine checks.