Hi Amy,

What you are experiencing is "lymphedema". This is common after node removal as the lymph has no way to be removed from the neck, without the nodes. Massage of the area forcing the lymph to the midline of your neck will help develope new pathways for the lymph to get to the other side and be picked up by the nodes on the other side.

I was fortunate that the physical therapist that helped me with my range of motion in my left arm was also a trained lymphedema therapist. With her help, my swelling was kept to a minimum and she taught me how to do the lumph movement myself. Once gone, my swelling has never returned

You should ask for help at the hospital where your surgery was done.

You should also do a search of the site for "lymphedema"

Jerry