Was not expecting less than a month after a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy to have to go back to surgery but here we are. I developed a seroma immediately post op which was drained a week later, it continued to fill up again and has somehow pulled my breast and nipple over to one side with a big line down the middle. Surgeon thinks and internal stitch has got caught up in the seroma.
I should have been happy the surgery was straight forward. My margins were clear and 1 node with micrometastasis. So why do I feel that my surgery was botched!.
Has this happened to anyone else? It now looks like my boob is split in 2.
@burstcouch two weeks after my lumpectomy and sentinel node surgery I too was back under the knife. I developed two large infected haematomas which they tried to drain but couldn’t so I had the second surgery. They did a beautiful job of reopening my original scar and it looks amazing. Eight weeks later I developed an infected seroma which they tried to drain and managed to get about half. Two weeks of antibiotics and chemo being delayed followed. Thankfully it settled down and I’ve had my first cycle of chemo.
What I’m trying to say is that these things can happen and it doesn’t mean anything was botched - biology is a strange beast and our bodies don’t always react in the way anticipated 
My surgeon couldn’t believe I had all the issues I did as everything went so well initially.
I hope all goes well for you with the second surgery and you are happy with the end result xx
2 Likes
Sorry to hear of your discomfort. The line that stands out for me is: “My surgeon THINKS…” Leaves the impression he/she as no clue as to the reason for your condition. Which, as you may be aware, is a rare occurance. Yes, I know - no comfort in that. I would suggest a second opinion on the best way forward.
1 Like
And I thought my recovery was bad. You have been through the mill and out the other side, and you have still got a positive outlook. It’s so good to hear this.
1 Like
Thank you for some sound words. I am going to make an appointment before surgery on the 9th to discuss the plan further and to tell the surgeon how I feel.
Excellent! Glad I could help. Good Luc!
I had a perfect lumpectomy and sentinel node removal and then was told 2 weeks later I needed a mastectomy because they missed the margins by 2cm… they thought my tumour was 3cm. Turned out it was 5.5cm. I was in total shock. Didn’t think they could miss margins to that extent…
I hope they can fix whatever has gone awry. Really sorry to hear you have had to experience this. We just aren’t prepared for these types of things I think. I wasn’t even told what the risks of any of my surgeries were, it was all so fast.
Remember you have a right to ask questions. I hope the second surgery goes well 
Thank you for replying. I thought I knew what was going on too. I’m so sorry you had to have a mastectomy, I do hope your recovery was straight forward.
I think this cancer road trip is complicated and filled with pieces of gratitude and fear and everything inbetween. All I will say is ask questions when you have the energy; when you don’t, get a friend/partner or someone you trust to advocate for you. Thinking of you. Let us know how you get on.
Surgery completed. My boob looks a normal shape again. A suture had got caught up in the seroma, hence the problem. So its back with the TED stockings on again and breast exercises. Feeling a bit uncomfortable this evening, but am trying to do too much too soon. So chill out Saturday for me and hopefully a lovely weekend for everyone on here.
@burstcouch glad it’s gone well and they found the reason for your issues. Now rest and recover x
And there in is my problem. I can’t sit and chill. I wish I could but I have my business to run. Taking the painkillers and getting out for walks with the dogs has been good.
1 Like
Nothing like a nice dog walk in the fresh air and nature - lifts the spirits! Try and get some rest when you can and don’t overdo it! Xx