Sorry for not checking back sooner! The stringy stuff must have been the problem b/c after a few more sessions I was able to get it all out. The soreness lingered a bit for the rest of the day but I've been fine since. Yay! It was just the strangest thing. I figured it was the clog.
Books I have:
"Bestfeeding" a hand me down from my SIL from years ago and it helped me a bunch w/ ds1
the La Leche League book
"The Nursing Mother's Companion"
as well as "The Baby Book" by Dr. Sears and a few other books that are baby care books w/ bf'ing info
I was so happy to avoid mastitis!
ETA- I did buy lecithin but have yet to take it. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for all the replies.
Beth