My best friends problem after her mastectomy

Hi there. Thank you for having me. My best friend had a mastectomy in 2007. A few months ago her fingers on her right hand started swelling up and her arm was losing mobility. She had been getting pins and needles in these areas and was referred to the oncology dept of our local hospital. They have now told her that there had been damage done to her nerve endings when they removed the lymph nodes and that its inoperable. She has received month other info except that she returns to the oncology dept in a months time. What could this be and are there any specific questions that she should be asking. I will appreciate any help you can give us. She is an amazing woman who has never wallowed in self pity but this new development is taking its toll on her. Anthea is 53 yrs old. And designs and makes womens wear. Not being able to use her right hand will affect her ability to make a living. I feel so helpless and really would like to get as much info so I can help her. Thank you so much. Nuri. South Africa.