hi I’m 12 days post ANC, 6 days post drain removal and this morning all the (healed) wound area and under my arm feels swollen and spongy. I was told this could happen, looks like I will be going for it draining tomorrow, has this happened to anyone else? Sarah xx
I’m about three weeks behind you Sarah as you know but I’m so sorry you’ve had this blip. Thinking of you I hope it starts to drain away itself today. Lots of love and hugs xx
Hi Sarah, hate to say it but it’s fairly common. In my case it got worse before it got better. My op was way back in July 2013 so I can’t remember exactly how many times I had it drained at a guess it was about 5. I found it helped to keep pressure on the area to stop it refilling. Unfortunately you’re a bit caught between a rock and a hard place as draining it can encourage to refill.
Hope it doesn’t drag on too long for you, take care x
Hi Sarah, I started a thread under “Surgery” called Seroma build up after surgery. There are a few of us with the same issue. My seroma is above my reconstruction (silicone inplant) and I havent had it drained, but I have had it checked on a few occasions. The thing to look out for is if it is red or hot as that could be an infection. I also have slight swelling in my left arm (surgery side) which is lymphoedema, and I’m being referred to a specialist therapist to ease that. That feels more like what you have described to me, but if you have an appointment tomorrow, they will be able to tell you exactly what you have and decide the best course of action.
Good luck with your appointment, let us know how you get on 
xxx
Hi thanks everyone. It’s not red or hot, so that’s good, and my arm itself is ok, it’s under it and my side almost. What did you use to jerk pressure on it, and did you do that all of the time? They did say it could happen, so not panicking totally but could do without the additional complication! Love Sarah xx
With the seroma I find not wearing a bra is more comfortable, but I do when I go out. I just leave it alone. I had reflexology 3 weeks ago, the week before my last chemo, and I think that helped. Then it built up again after the next dose. Having another session of reflexology on Tuesday - so I’ll be interested to see if it eases it again (although it has improved a bit over the past few days). As for the lymphoedema, I avoid using that arm to lift and now try to avoid sleeping in it. I r no idea what to do for the best at the moment so I’ll be pleased to have my first appointment so I know what precautions to take. Xxx
Sarah I used a firm sports crop top/bra & wore it 24/7
Like you mine was under the arm - felt like I was carrying a house brick under there at times.
Hi Kim do you mean that the reflexology reduced the swelling? I’m willing to give that a go for sure if it may help! Sarah xx
I think so, it certainly eased the days following it but it could have been coincidence? I go to a place called The Haven where they’re specifically trained to treat breast cancer patients, although I don’t know if you need to have someone specifically trained to treat cancer patients. Pretty sure Macmillan offer this too. I love it, definitely going to keep it up! Xx
I will check with the hospital tomorrow, and will contact Macmillan too, thank you it’s worth a try! Xx
100ml seroma removed, much better now! Hope you are all well today love Sarah xx
Glad it’s sorted Sarah xx
Ah that’s good Sarah, bet you feel so much more comfortable now xxx
Hi it’s much better in that general area, arm burn on overdrive though and feeling generally fed up tonight (see new thread). Off to bed in the vague hope of a decent sleep ??? love Sarah xx