I had my mastectomy on July 14th and had my last drain removed 22nd. I still have loads of fluid around the scar site of the mastectomy and where lymph nodes were removed. Has anyone else had this, how long does it last and are there any things I can do to help it on it’s way.
Thanks Pam
Hi Pam,
I had problems with seroma too, the body should eventually absorb the fluid but if the swelling gets too large you will have to have it syringed off. The one in my underarm grew to the size of a small melon (even though I’d had drains in for a full 10 days), and was really uncomfortable. I had to see the BCN a number of times to be syringed, but the good news is it did eventually stop (a matter of weeks rather than months).
All the best
xxxx
Hi Pam
Hope you don’t mind, I have moved your thread from the archive threads to this current one. Breast Cancer Care have written a booklet called ‘Your operation and recovery’ which you may find helpful to read as it contains information about some of the symptoms you may be experiencing following surgery, including seromas, you can read it via the following link:
breastcancercare.org.uk/docs/your_op_and_recovery_07_web_0.pdf
Please feel free to call our helpline for further information and advice on 0808 800 6000, we are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-2pm.
Best wishes
Lucy
Hi six weeks after opp and every thing back to normal …i found doing excersise really helps so go girl get that arm moving …
i knpow its not nice but it will go down hun so stick to it it will work
sal x
Thanks for that. I must admit I’ve neglected the excercies a bit although I have been doing them. I feel and look so unbelievably well that I suippose I forget them.
I’ll get back to them immediately.
Pam x
Well done, it will help but dont forget hun that cus you have no lymph nodes its harder for you fluid to dispures …
so from tome to time it mite swell up a bit …that cant be helped …
take care hope all gos wel hun …keep arm moving …lol…lol…
sal x
Hi pam, had double mastectomy 24 june had to have syringed 3 times thankfully all gone now.Am now in between chemo 1 and 2 and feeling ok had couple of sicky days at first but ok now in fact having a small glass of wine while typing this.Hope ur seroma clears soon wendy x
Hello,
New to this site and new to having had a mastectomy.
I’m also having a bit of trouble with the fluid building up although i only had my drain in for 6days and even then they told me it my just be four days, Does your wound feel strange? numb i mean? i wasn’t told about that until later when i thought there was something wrong and exercises, yes i was told not to lift or iron etc… but that i could stretch my arm as far i wanted BUT not while lifting anything, but she never told me how many times a day i should do this, There is so much information to take it isn’t there?
Denise
Hi again,
Can i just mention, My Doctor had this new technic where your injected with radiation(small amount) in the breast just before your operation,Then when your asleep and before they begin they shine a(sort of) ultra light around the arm pit and the radiation lets the doctor pick out the two major lymph glands so i didn’t have to have them all removed. Anyone else have this?
I live in Durham.
Denise
HI Denise, I had that too, had it in both breasts, so that they can see if any lymph nodes need to be taken out, had four out one side and three out the other, and a double mastectomy, the fluid built up three times and just had to go back to have it syringed off, there is so much to take in, but I have learnt so much from the people on here that I wasnt told about at the hospital. Have got the numb feeling in the top of my arms and in my armpits, have you? I think its so important to do the exercises to stretch the skin, so keep on - I just do it when Im walking around
x
Hi I had mx on 25th June with dye inserted for sentinel node biopsy. 4 nodes removed for testing and have just come out of hospital again having had to go back in for 2nd op to remove rest of nodes. I get the results next tuesday so keeping everythimg crossed.
Sharon xx
Certainly will keep everything crossed Sharon, let us know how you get on, expect it will be a long week for you,
x
Can someone help me, if you have had a double mastectomy - how should you feel now after 4 weeks? My left arm is really hurting, the skin feels hot and hurts to touch, it was ok this morning but got worse over the day, dont know if thats normal?
BessieBoo
I’d have your arm checked out if I were you, you have to be careful of infections. I’m only 3 weeks post op an my arm is sore which is uncomfortable but doesn’t ‘hurt’ exactly…if you know what I mean!
Let us know how you get on.
Big hugs
xxxxxxxxxxx
I am now 9 weeks after double mastectomy and only just getting feeling back under my left arm and back. my arm was uncomfortable but not painful.Definatly speak to your BCN she will be able to advise you what to do.It does get better and movement comes back but it takes time, listen to your body and dont overdo it. LOL WENDY
thankyou, it feels easier this morning, perhaps I did too much yesterday, but I will get it checked today,
xxx
Glad it feels better this morning.what treatment are you going to have ?lol wendy
Hi Wendy
Starting rads on 5th Sept and started Arimedex for 5 years, what are you having? Did you have a reconstrction? Did you have some nodes out? (Sorry, all these questions!!) dont mean to sound nosy - just interested!!!
xxx
Forot to say[chemo brain] had 13 nodes out 3 had cancer. not having recon am 48 and dont see the point been out and about as i am everyone knows me here and whats happened, so will keep falsies for special occasions
Hi Wendy, im not either, and I know Im lucky not to have chemo, good luck with yours next week,
xxx