Thank you Michele, but my mission has been to help others every since I was originally diagnosed in 05.  I know all too well about poking and proding.  My first mastectomy after my tube was removed, I had several asperations, where the dr stuck a huge needle in my breast and withdrew fluid.  I hated that just as much as the drains.  I hope you can go without another tube, and I wish I knew some magical secret to managing lymphedema - but it's just stuff you learn over time.  In fact I noticed today that my arm was looking a little heavy.  I don't religiously wear my sleeve - I even have this pnematic pump system with sleeve that my oncologist rx'd me.  I used it when the fluid was REAL bad.  You use it for an hour a day - maybe your dr can get you one of those!  I think that is what helped the most over-all - that and it has been 3 yrs since it was a major problem.  Good luck and keep in touch here.  I'm always around (even tho I nap, lol)

I also have my own blog that I have kept since 05, but I warn it does contain strong language!  But if you scroll to the bottom you'll read all about my trials and tribulations with cancer (from 05) and the recent return of it in Febuary.

My site - Cancer is NOT a DEATH sentence!

I hope the best for you!  Good luck & keep me posted!

Angi