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Susan, I'm so sorry you're having such troubles! While a seroma and lymphedema involve the same lymph (or serous) fluid, they're somewhat different issues. A seroma develops at the site of the wound - the lumpectomy - as the fluid collects in the area where the tumor was removed, basically filling a now-empty space. As it continues to collect, it makes your breast swell. Why does it collect? Because your lymph nodes wereremoved or damaged, and fluid is leaking from a number of damaged "node connectors" into your breast. Lymphedema, on the other hand, can affect your whole upper quadrant - arm, chest, and back. It, too, is the result of lymph node removal or damage; the lymph system is damaged enough that it just isn't as efficient at moving fluid around as it used to be, and there's a general swelling.   What to do? Can be very problematic, as you've seen. I hate to see them all give up on you; I'd get another opinion. I've heard of women who had chronic seromas, where the solution was an open drain with concurrent heavy antibiotics to ward off infection, until the area finally stops draining. At any rate, even lymphedema is treatable, so I don't think you're getting the best advice. I'd ask your PCP or hospital social worker how to go about getting some help; there's no way you should just accept this as a permanent state, OK? Good luck, and I hope you find some help soon - PJH