Using weight training machines

Florida, have a look here: http://stepup-speakout.org/Handout%20doc%20for%20S...

I was lifting similar weight to you before my bmx/recon surgery, and although it took me a good while, using the slow, progressive approach recommended to minimize LE risk, I am nearly back to my pre-surgical lifting. I developed LE before I returned to the gym, so I've had to pay particular attention to adding weight in small, infrequent increments to avoid making my LE worse. In fact, my LE has improved. I cannot say it's because of the strength training, but I wouldn't rule that out, because one reason that lifting heavy weights is thought to trigger or aggravate LE is because the arm and torso are not accustomed to the heavy weight, and the lymphatic system increases lymph production to come to the rescue. Strength training, following LE precautions, enables us to become accustomed to hefting enough weight to be safe in life's daily lifting or resistance activities, In my case, that includes picking up grandchildren and paddling my kayak.

You'll get there--just be patient with the process.

I don't know much about this specific topic, but have you thought of yoga or free weights? Yoga is great for strength training, almost better than weights.

oh and speaking of yoga,,, at class last week, I saw a woman using these gel like discs under her hands. I asked her about them and they are called yoga jellies.  They help with relieving some pressure on the hands which will be great for me,,, now that I have carpal tunnel too!!!  So I ordered a pair. They will also be good under the knees for certain poses too.

Listen to your body.... I had a lumpectomy with SNB.. 3 nodes taken.  I was back to Crossfit 3 weeks from surgery date. I took it easy for that first week... but easy in crossfit for me was 55lbs.  But I didn't do anything that I didn't think I could do.  If something didn't feel right or started to pull then I stopped.  Just don't overdo it and you will be fine! 

I was cleared to go back to the gym when i felt like it, but no arm work until surgeon cleared me. There's more than lymphedema at issue--also concern for damaging healing of stitches, especially pectorals at SNB site. I went back to gym two days after lx, but did leg work only for two weeks. Then surgeon said to do 10 and 20 pounds max (instead of 40 and 50). The bicep and seated row machines were another issue--my boob hit them in the wrong place, so it took a liitle longer to return to them.