Had a bilateral mastectomy end February had severe seroma fluid which was drained every other day . I am now 8 weeks on and my breasts are leaking through the scars. I have severe pain in my chest wall swelling and am sore at the top of my ribs. I also have developed some cording in my left arm and can’t lift it above elbow height without severe pain. These are only the side effects of this horrible disease. Does any one else suffer from similar if so I would love some advice.
Hi sunset, so sorry you’re experiencing this. I had single mx in September 14 with a seroma which needed repeated draining. My wound took ages to heal and got infected during 2 of my subsequent chemos. I had had an immediate recon and had to have the implant removed, the wound healed quickly and I went on to have a further 12 uneventful chemo sessions.
My wound was leaking too, I was encouraged to “express” it in the shower to drain as much as possible then dress it using the sterile packs supplied by the hospital - I had to do this at my brother in laws wedding just 4 weeks after the mx!!
I also had cording and was referred to an excellent physio who gave me additional exercises and showed me how to massage and snap the cord.
You really need to get back to see your BCN, surgeon or special wound / plastics nurse to get the right advice for you. For me it was lots of sterile dressings and Manuka honey dressing as it progressed.
Eat well, take multivitamins with zinc which is meant to support the immune system.
You don’t say if you’ve had reconstruction or having chemo but your priority had to get these wounds to heal.
I wish you lots of luck, 18 months on and I’ve just had my 4th (and hopefully final) op and things are looking rosey. You’re still in that really difficult stage and need to look after yourself and seek and pester your team to help you.
I did actually manage to return to yoga 3 weeks after my mx and glad I did as it helped both mind and body.
All the best and gentle hugs x