This is an odd one, i had a lumpectomy and wle and axillary clearance at the end of October, I’m not massively big chested so haven’t really worn bras since. Now I find that when I do wear a soft bra, no underwire or anything, i get slight achey pain and discomfort around my back, under my arm pit and the seroma seems to fill up again. It’s as if my skin can’t cope with any pressure on it. Do you think i should be worried about this - also is it normal to still swell up under the arm at this stage? When should the fluid go by? I am just wondering if all is ok, I find too that the swelling gets worse if exercise more. I’d really appreciate any advice or similar stories. Many thanks Carrie x
Hi Carrie
I get that too and I had my mastectomy in June. I am going to see the breast clinic on Thursday so I will discuss it then.
If I iron or vacuum then it seems to ache and get painful too. My underarm feel a bit hot and swollen at present I am disapointed I have not made better progress.
Let’s see what happens on Thursday
I would definately contact your BC nurse just to check it out with her.
Take care
Karenx
I had a WLE followed by axillary clearance back in Oct 2006. It’s only in the last few weeks that I have stopped wearing soft sports bras as I ached so much on that side. I had rads on that side as well and find I am now slightly swollen; it’s like I am half a cup size larger and I find my bras cut in along the top of my breast. I had a mmomgram last Monday and my breast was achey for days after.
I had a wle and lymph node removal on 19th Nov followed by a further wle on 12th Dec (they needed to remove ‘a bit more’!). I am still getting quite a bit of stabbing pain and aching if I try and do much. I have been a bit concerned but I guess by your comments this is okay.
I am going for rad planning next week and a cat scan was mentioned. I am very claustrophbic and am wondering whether anyone can give me info on this. Thanks.
I had lumpectomy followed by WLE & anxillory lymph nodes removed back in November 2006. I recovered really well from that, and then had some radiotherapy, which seemed give me more pain where I had the surgery. Last November, I was having similary problems with you - I had noticed that my left boob was swollen, very warm and heavy and when I took off the bra I was wearing, I would have quite a few indentations on my skin. Rather than go to my GP I saw my Breast Cancer Nurse who said instantly I had Breast Odeoma. She referred me to someone who has been giving me Manual Lymph Drainage massages once a week, which seems to have reduced the symptoms. It might be worth you contacting your BC Nurse to talk it through with her or your GP and ask to be referred to have some MLD massages too. It is a very light massage on the skin to help the lymphatic system drain more to the other side away from the affected breast.
I only have a little pain under my arm now, but still avoid wearing underwire bras. However, it is getting better each week.
You only had your op a few months ago and it just takes a little longer for everything to heal. I just wanted to get on with everything, but sometimes you have to listen to your body. Instead of going for that 10 mile run (he, he), try swimming or cyling instead. Let me know how you get on.
Please feel free to call our helpline for more information about having a cat scan if it is worrying you. The number is 0808 800 6000 and it’s open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-2pm.
I think the odoema symptoms sound like mine. I go to hospital and see BC nurse tomorrow so hopefully will sort out it is most uncomfortable.
Thanks all
Karenx
I too had WLE, followed by full anxiliary clearance and i also had a LD reconstruction, but like you found i couldnt stand to wear a soft bra for long, it seemed to dig in and made the area seem to swell… although i didnt suffer from seromas. Basically, i was fed up of having to take off my bra half way through the day ( i didnt wear ones with wires either and havent done since surgery) because of the discomfort. I hunted high and low for one just right for me…
That was until i discovered Victorias secrets… They are an American brand but you can buy them on line - they do cost a bit more as you pay for shipping but if you know anyone who goes to the states a lot you could ask them to bring you some back, they have stores all over.
I buy the Ipex no wire and also the secret embrace no wire, they are so comfortable and they do them in lots of pretty colours - much more to choose from than places like m & s have to offer. They also do little vest support tops too if anyone likes to wear them.
I swear by them anyway… i just thought i would share my finds…
Hi Lynne and Carrie
I saw the BC nurse and surgeon on thurs and although they are pleased with the healing are going to make and appointment for me to see the Lympho Nurse so I am pleased with that for now. Thanks for your comments Lynn.
Love to all
Karenx