Just a correction sbee on my side. Apologies as I was muddled (as is always the case nowadays) re cellulite vs cellulitis.
Seems they are two very different conditions. I wish they didnt name things so similar.
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection. Hence why I was hoping you were getting support with that. I was warned about it when I went to a lymphedema consultation recently. But ive muddled it with cellulite. So sorry. My mistake.
But I would still urge you to get support. To see if there is anything you can do to make your symptoms/worries more tolerable.
Everything gets sooo overwhelming. My chemo starts on 8th May. Im bracing myself, as I know it can be really tough. The operation was tough enough and has resulted in side effects.
We have to cope with so much physically and emotionally demanding things. We need to always be kind to ourselves and each other.
Hello sbee, you are amazing to do a wildswim . You took a step and you done it you go girl!. This journey we are going through is tough, long, we had or about to have chemo,lumptcomy. mastectomy, radiation. everyone have been so supportive.cry,shout, it has changed us how we feel.look. Im so thankful this will keep me alive. I have learnt I need to embrace ,be proud of myself , the treatment I will be going through. I dont know if anyone else feels the same , with the media now its talked about more . Take one day at a time big hugs xxx
Just wanted to say hello because tomorrow I am 3 weeks from a single MX. I am still quite swollen next to my shoulder so def not flat yet but am happy to stay flat and grateful! All good wishes, Debs
Hi @olivia1 glad it is all going well. I went to see my surgeon for the post op review and she remarked that I had a bit of seroma hanging about, so she drained it again (150ml fluid) I had no idea.
It is always worth mentioning the swelling. I’m told it mainly goes of its own accord, but they might be able to help it along for you. xx
Yup. Thank you. I went to the GP about it as the hospital is 2 hours away and …of course full of thoughts … 8 May surgeon will have a look. It is a little bit down but could be wishful thinking! All good wishes
Wow! Big shout out to Ireland for providing swimwear! I live in Wales directly across from Rosslare. Love to everyone on the forum, we rather not be here, but we do have each other, which comforts me greatly. Debs Olivia
@olivia1 I know it’s not made easy for us is it? I had my PICC line flushed yesterday and asked if they could also look at draining if I made another appt, but they won’t touch it. ‘Speak to your oncologist’ was the response. I get it, but seeing the oncologist is easier said than done. x
It seems they dont like draining seromas as our bodies then just fill the space back up.
Im 8 wks post op. Single mastectomy. Remaining flat. My seroma has been with me from the day they took the drain out.
They refused to drain it. Saying it had to be double its size before they would even consider it. It registered 70% on a moisture metre. It feels like a water balloon all across my chest and under my arm. It swishes around as soon as I move…like a wave under my skin .
However, this morning, I noticed it looked half its size. More fluid under my arm, but less on my chest. So instead of having a small breast, I was more flat.
I heard some seromas can last over a year.
Stick with it, try not to drain, and fingers crossed it will gradually just go.
Unless you have radiotherapy. Then I understand they have to drain it as the fluid messes up the treatment. Or its too big, or it is infected. Then thats a different matter altogether.
I was told….”so long as it keeps swishing around, thats a good sign, so we will leave it alone”…
Glad its helpful Jaygo. We are all navigating a whole new way of life aren’t we!
They told me there is a bigger risk of infection if they have to drain it, as bacteria can sneak in via the needle and the damaged skin.
I was told the fluid inside is mainly sterile/body friendly/natural.
Seromas reminded me of Breast Milk….ie if you want your body to stop making milk, reduce the time baby is feeding. Stop stimulating/emptying the breast. But if you keep feeding baby, your body keeps making milk.
Leave Seroma alone …. Our bodies reduce the fluid.
Keep draining them…Our bodies make more fluid.
The analogy helped me get my head around it. Made me understand the reasoning behind the advice.
Think we all need medals for infinite patience dont we.
Thought I’d put an update on after I was on here on Sunday and you guys were so helpful and supportive.
The surgeon I spoke to on Friday who said she couldn’t offer me a double mx, because cancer in left breast was too small, told me that after speaking to the team yesterday morning they could! I was over the moon - which sounds so weird - but here I am, recovering from the surgery option I desperately wanted. Thank you for the support on here to pursue what I felt I needed. Everything you all said was so helpful.
Now I’m just dealing with juggling the two drains, the pain and learning to sleep on my back! It’s a whole new load of learning isn’t it? Oh, plus the exercises! And yes, definitely we are all medal worthy !!! For so many things….patience, courage, strength AND the kindness to care and want to support each other on here!!!
So pleased you pushed for what you wanted and the surgeon and Team listened to you.
Two drains and back sleeping !!! Wow, what an inspiration. Hats off to you. I hated one drain and am challenged by back sleeping. But my adjustable bed helps with that.
In 8 weeks you will be a new lady, healed, and ready to rock. .
@Tulip29@poppy261 don’t know what I’d have done without you and this forum on Sunday.
I really want to give something back to the forum, but don’t feel I am as knowledgeable as many on here. In time I hope I can share useful info from my experience.
But for now I wanted to let any non-back sleepers worried about sleeping on their back after surgery about a “V” shaped pillow that I bought. It was £14 from Dunelm and described as being “specially shaped to support you whilst sitting up in bed” (it is also described as for side sleepers, which I found a bit confusing!
I put it on top of a pillow and wedged it - and myself! - in place with pillows either side of me. It propped me up well for the night after the anaesthetic (which was recommended to me) and has kept me in place, and from rolling onto my side or front during the night. Last night, 2nd night post surgery, I had the BEST nights sleep since the cancer was diagnosed over a month ago.
Dear @cherryblossom1, it’s so lovely to hear back from you after your op and sounding in good spirits. I wish you a safe and speedy recovery, and thanks for the pillow recommendation. X
) re cellulite vs cellulitis. 
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I hated one drain 
xxxx