I support what Karen wrote about finding a lymphedema therapist. Getting the proper therapy and learning to do it yourself for drainage is important.

I had 20 lymph nodes removed and cancer was in two of them and that was 21 yrs ago and my armpit still aches and I have lymphedema all the time. I don't take anything for it I do massage it but that's about all. I hope you have a better turn out for yours good luck

I agree you need to see a PT that specializes in Lymphedema. I had a slight case and my PT gave me message techniques to help with the drainage and gave me a script for a pressure sleeve. I'm to wear it when I exercise or fly.

Well, @MollyWilliamsonBiggers, my feeling is that our specialists are rather myopic (for good reason and almost always to our benefit); to my mind that means ask each all of your questions and you may wind up with an answer out of the lot. I raised my eyebrows, though, at the thought that your surgeon can't direct you regarding your lymphedema, as that should be in her wheelhouse. Is she a general surgeon or breast specialist?
Ask any of your team (even her) for a referral for PT with a therapist that specializes in lymphedema. They can do specific lymph drainage massage. I had 14 removed and developed cording; this type of therapy helped minimize it and gain full range of motion.
As far as chemo brain, there's copious evidence that it is so. I wouldn't let my heart flop when a surgeon poopoos it-your med Onco can validate that for you, as he's the one applying the implicated med.

((Hug))

Karen, I'm interested in hearing more from you about that subject. I had 13 lymph nodes removed, and have a moderate case of lymphedema. My arm is always swollen, and the doctors don't seem to know how to treat it. My surgeon doesn't have a clue. She didn't believe in chemo brain either.