Lymphademia

Not sure if i'm spelling that right.  A year after my surgery, chemo and radiation - my arm and hand started swelling.  I went to place recommeded by my onc where they would work on the arm/hand by gently pushing towards my shoulder adn also gently massaging my other lymph node areas.  They would then wrap my hand and arm very tight and with about 5 bandages.  It was so painful.  i stopped going (it was a 2 hour apt five days a week!) and decided that it really wasn't making much of a difference. 

I got through the winter but now the arm/hand is so big i must go back.  i dont' know what to do...it's horrible not to use my right hand/arm but the giant arm/hand is throbbing and killing me anyway....

Can anyone offer me any advice?????    

Check into physical therapy where they use kinesio tape; I'm telling you, I cannot believe how this stuff works of redirecting fluid to establish new drainage channels. I've been going since my last surgery in May, and the difference is wonderful...since it worked so well on me they've started working with other patients who've exhausted other avenues. The person has to be trained in the proper placement, but between the massage and the tape, it has worked wonders....who would have thought that tape could work such wonders (and your insurance should cover it!!)

Janice