well i remember after my first surgery in 1998. i had stabbing pains in my shoulder blade area and arm, with some swelling around top of arm and could feel sensations in breast also.

i still get discomfort at times, but i am stable and feel i understand how to keep  things this way.

 i have had scanning light laser, but not initially. i wish i had as i think it helped tremendously for scarring, swelling, discomfort/ pain to lessen.

also learning basic manual lymphatic drainage techniques is really helpful for everyone to know.

http://lymphedemaville.wordpress.com/2008/10/29/lymphnode-stimulation-front-and-back-illustrated/

it is hard to explain on here.

i felt somewhat " dismissed and abandoned " in 1998 regarding lymphoedema, and my concerns regarding  aches and pains, some swelling, though not very noticeable to untrained eye.

i regard myself as having a slight problem, B UT i do feel early post operative care and information on anatomy and physiology of lymph, plus ongoing assessment and learning the basics of manual lyph drainage is very important.

letting lymph stay " blocked" will only encourge fibrosis. it is important to clear the" backlog" as soon as possible, but in a gentle, slow manner, daily.

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i did not know initially the thoracic duct empties  into the  LEFT side of the neck into a major vein.

thoracic duct:

"major lymphatic vessel, which begins near the lower part of the spine and collects lymph from the lower limbs, pelvis, abdomen, and lower chest; lymph flowing through the duct eventually empties into a large vein in the upper chest and returns to the bloodstream."

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the RIGHT side of the neck is where lymph drains from the RIGHT arm and  upper chest area.

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 post surgery and before chemo and radiation, caused some other discomforts.( more so radiation)

 there were no breast care nurses at that time. i went to a public hospital physiotherapist.

over time  i found more information and these days i manage well, although it took some time to get here. i went through some hurdles, but it has made me stronger too, so not all bad.

 i am glad things are changing, although i still meet people who initially find it difficult. some " professionals" seem to have better understanding than others, so keep searching if necessary.

one thing i did not realise is there are varying degrees of swelling.

here are a few sites also:

http://www.gorhams.dk/html/the_lymphatic_system.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlDC8o-xpT0&feature=player_embedded

i wish you well.....

kathy.

thank you all for youre advice yep Physiotherapist booked at the hospital for 4th july the earliest l can get in and had massage booked in awell but physio said not incase they are not trained in lympho drainage , also l findthe same leonie breast and right side sore most of time but worst ie sweeping or doing things and yes to much at once , or even if lm not doing to much still sore and tired and arm and breast sore, so have to wait till the 4th not long  but thank you all so much hope you all are well xxxx

thank you all for youre advice yep Physiotherapist booked at the hospital for 4th july the earliest l can get in and had massage booked in awell but physio said not incase they are not trained in lympho drainage , also l findthe same leonie breast and right side sore most of time but worst ie sweeping or doing things and yes to much at once , or even if lm not doing to much still sore and tired and arm and breast sore, so have to wait till the 4th not long  but thank you all so much hope you all are well xxxx

good comment leonie, i agree.

one of my mantras these days is:

" slowly , gently, carefully "..

to remind myself not to do too much all in one go.

keeping the balance can be hard at times.  kathy.

Isn't it good when you have a reason for things.  I have never suffered from swelling as such but have always had soreness. Initially I was going to a lymphatic massage 3 times a week.  I now have monthly maintenance massages.  The difficult part is finding a suitable person to do the massage.  If you have access to a Physiotherapist at a Hospital they are very good.  However they are usually so busy it is hard to access them.  I usually pay about 70/hr and can claim back about $23 on each visit from my health fund.  Make sure that you get someone who is experienced in breast care.  Lymphatic massage is meant to be very gentle.  I have been unable to have massages for the last couple of months due to having chemo treatment.  My medical oncologist has told me that I can start them up again in a couple of weeks.  Yeh.  It is also important to know what triggers the soreness.  Sometimes when I am really tired or have done too much with my arm it is really sore.  Then if you don't use it the same can apply.  It is about finding the happy medium.  I hope this info helps.  Good luck finding a suitable practicioner to do the massage. XLeonie

Isn't it good when you have a reason for things.  I have never suffered from swelling as such but have always had soreness. Initially I was going to a lymphatic massage 3 times a week.  I now have monthly maintenance massages.  The difficult part is finding a suitable person to do the massage.  If you have access to a Physiotherapist at a Hospital they are very good.  However they are usually so busy it is hard to access them.  I usually pay about 70/hr and can claim back about $23 on each visit from my health fund.  Make sure that you get someone who is experienced in breast care.  Lymphatic massage is meant to be very gentle.  I have been unable to have massages for the last couple of months due to having chemo treatment.  My medical oncologist has told me that I can start them up again in a couple of weeks.  Yeh.  It is also important to know what triggers the soreness.  Sometimes when I am really tired or have done too much with my arm it is really sore.  Then if you don't use it the same can apply.  It is about finding the happy medium.  I hope this info helps.  Good luck finding a suitable practicioner to do the massage. XLeonie