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.