During surgery, a plastic tube is put in place to drain the body fluid accumulating in the affected area. One end is inserted into the chest and the other end is connected to a small plastic bottle. This tube is held in place by being stitched to the skin. The contents in the plastic bottle is drained into a measuring jug everyday and the quantity is reported to the nurse.
To prevent the contraption from swinging about, I used a big safety pin and either clipped it to the waistband of my pants or a string tied to my waist. This is also to hide it from public view (you know - we don't want to frighten people or put them off their food).
Normally, this is in place for about 10 days, but because my skin is sensitive that it was turning red and painful, I tolerated it for only a few days. After I had it removed, excess fluid had to be drained by using a syringe.
As the surgery affected the muscles and nerves, movements to the affected arm were limited. Initial movements had to be very slow, as sudden movements will cause a sharp pain, like someone stabbed me with a sharp object. The first time it happened, I was doing the 'wall climb' with the physiotherapist and I thought she poked me.
Anyway, it took some weeks, but in time, I do get full mobility of my right arm.
I was advised not to use my right arm to carry heavy stuff as it might cause lymphedema (swelling). Someone from the support group advised us to always carry a tube of antiseptic cream so that we can apply it on insect bites or cuts. As some of the lymph nodes have been removed, my right arm will be prone to infection from punctures.
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