Have you seen a physical therapist who is certified in lymphedema? A lymphedema certified PT will show you exercises to do and is a good resource regarding questions about lymphedema. My is a gem and I had 30 lymph nodes removed from my left side. What I have seen from other patients is it happens more often if you have had radiation. If you are on Facebook at all I would recommend this FB page - https://www.facebook.com/LymphedemaGuru. I would also recommend exercise or activity that will keep your arms moving. I would also get measure for a compression sleeve as a preventative measure.

I dont know why your doctor measures you. that sounds like the jobe of a Lymphdema Specialist. They look and measure once and treat with drainage massage and wrapping. The wrapping and is important. If not done correctly the lymph fluid will not be controlled properly. They will measure again weeks later to determine how much progress has been made. Once a satisfactoey progress has been made final measurements will be made and it will be determined based on measurements if your needs would best be suited by a custom garmet or an off the shelf one. Lymphodema needs to be tended to and must be maintained for the rest of your life if you have it. Sounds like you might want to make a final determination based on a Lymphodema specialist so you can move in the right direction for yourself, that is their spcialty not what a doctor would know nearly as much about. Best of luck.

There are many exercises and sleeves you can wear. I have lymphedema and i lift heavy things. I switch sleeves and do exercises. They have great ones to move the fluid. A lymphedema therapist can help more than a physical therapist.

I have not had this but i saw in my ps's office some really pretty compression sleeves.
i would not say pretty unless they really were and these were.
very stylish.

I have both a compression sleeve and a vest. I wear the sleeve during the day, and the vest at night. It seems to be helping me and when I don't wear the vest, I have pain in the breast. so I continue to wear it. I talk to the surgeon next month, so I will find out more.