After being evaluated on June 28, appointments were made for actual lymphedema therapy to begin. The first session was yesterday. It lasted 90 minutes, starting with re-measuring both arms to determine extent of left-arm swelling, followed by gentle massage of specific lymph node locations.
Afterward the arm was wrapped in layers to prevent further swelling. Since I will have this on 24 hours a day, I needed a little re-thinking about how to do some things… however, I can still use my fingers and bend my elbow so typing is not a big problem.
The purpose of the therapy is two-fold: To reduce lymphedema in the affected arm, slowly restoring the normal size of the arm; and to re-direct lymph flow to the unaffected side of the body since its usual pathways are blocked (hence the build-up of lymph fluid in the arm), thereby maintaining the normal size of the arm.
The massage part of the therapy is designed to re-direct lymph flow. It’s not complicated and I will be doing this at home between therapy sessions and in the future. The program will last several weeks: daily sessions and re-wrapping for about two weeks, then every other day for another two weeks.
All the McLeod PT, OT and rehab departments have now moved into the brand new facility behind Sports Medicine. This location is very convenient for me, being only a couple minutes’ drive from home. I really like the two therapists I’ll be working with, Ashley and Judith. Both are Christians, a great plus as far as I am concerned!
Bette's Journal 
Hello—Went through the same thing about 3 years ago. Wrapped my left arm 24/7 for 2 weeks, now wear a compression sleeve and glove daily and sometimes wrap at night. Sending you prayer and warm fuzzy thoughts!