Cording

Thanks @kezmusc
No.  They did not organise any follow up physio appointments at all.  I’m disappointed... (I am with Cabrini and I am surprised)

Hi @Chev

Didn't the hospital book you in for physio follow up? I had lumpectomy and  level 2 axillary dissection. The cording started about 3 weeks after surgery. Under my arm pit and down to my elbow. You could see the guitar string inside my elbow, gross. Nasty stuff. I had 3 lots of physio at the hospital (supposed to have 6 but oops bad patient) and that's about all it took.  I did do twice the amount of recommended exercises  and a lot of massage and stretching myself.  Lots of the wall walk.
 It hurt like heck at the start though so take it easy first up.  It made me feel quite nauseous the first week or so.  

I had minor cording which did resolve with continued stretching exercise and the lymph physio did some laser after my chemo was completed which meant full movement again. 21st may will ensure fully healed also.

You don't see the lymphedema physio straight away as they like you to heal as much as possible.
You are seeing them on the 21st May, that is approximately 6 weeks after surgery, that is exactly how  long I  waited.
I personally wouldn't be seeing another physio (especially one not in the area of lymphedema) but just concentrate on the post surgery excerise you were given and rest up.
Your lymphedema physio's are very good and the cording is one of their  specialities, you will be in good hands.

@Chev In the meantime massage it. This won’t be comfortable but it is what the Lymph Physio will do. Hop in the shower, do your stretches, then lay down, affected arm up, and massage with moisturiser as this makes it easier. 

Thanks @primek

Yep.  The nurses are the ones who referred me to the physio (however she’s not available until 21st May).

This link has great pics. There are many Australian versions you can download also...they are pdf so I can't send the link.
A breast care nurse can support you. There should be one connected to the hospital that surgery has be done.

https://sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=mastectomy-exercises-after-surgery

Yes - I have a breast care nurse and I have been given exercises to do.  I can feel a thin rope/string like structure in my armpit and it becomes tight when I lift my arm up (can’t get above shoulder height).  Can’t imagine it’d be anything else.

Have you a breast care nurse?

I would be surpised you would have cording this early after surgery as healing would still be occurring. It us normal to be tight after surgery and the post surgery exercises should assist with this with gradual increase in motion. Have you been given these?