arm pit pain

I have been having pain under my arm and swelling at the elbow on the side that i had a mastectomy 6 months ago. i also have a fatty tumor the size of a grapefruit on the back of the shoulder on that side. At night i've been sleeping on that side as much as i try not to, but even when I sleep on my back the tumor hurts. If I get the tumor removed will it make the lympedema worse? what can i do about the swelling?

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Tanya27, With regard to the swelling, you may ask your doctor about an elastic sleeve or ace bandage wraps.  Sometimes, occupational therapists can be an exellent resource for lymphedema and post mastectomy pain as well.  Perhaps your doctor could provide a referral.  With regard to the fatty tumor on your shoulder, you should discuss this with the surgeon who did the mastectomy as well as the surgeon who might remove the tumor.  The two of them should be able to determine better whether there would be any additional concern regarding the swelling.