Swelling and pain in nodes

Dear Person
my question is that a friend of mine recently had a masectomy of the left breast and lymph nodes. She can hardly raise her left arm above her head and her arm is swollen. The question is can she expect any relief from this in time and how so?
Please email me asap with this information. very very important

                                              Yours truly
                                                 Marsha Lister

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Marsha, One of the complications of surgery to the lymph nodes can be a condition called lymphedema.  This can happen quite soon after surgery or may happen months or years later.  Lymphedema cannot be cured.  However, with proper care and treatment the affected limb can be restored to a normal size and shape.  In addition, lymphedema can be treated and controlled so that it does not progress further.  If left untreated, lymphedema can lead to increased swelling and a hardening of the tissue resulting in decreased function and mobility in the affected limb.  It can also lead to chronic infections and other illnesses.  

For more comprehensive information about lymphedema prevention and treatment we have information on our Cleveland Clinic Website. Which is clevelandclinic.org once there click on Health Information Center, then type in lymphedema.

[Redbean]

I had a double mastectomy with lymph nodes removed in July and it takes at least four months for the stiffness and some of the swelling to go down.  It's important to do the exercises they recommend after mastectomy.  I still have little stabs of discomfort now and then and other annoying sensations while my nerve ending are healing.