Seroma after double mastectomy

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I had a double mastectomy on 21st February as I had cancer in both breasts. It was less painful than I expected and I am making a good recovery but I’m finding the seroma uncomfortable – it’s like having two bags of water taped to my chest. I know it will re-absorb eventually, and it doesn’t seem bad enough to warrant aspiration, but can anyone tell me how long it took for theirs to go and has anyone found a way to make it more comfortable? I do find getting out of bed in the morning, with this weight on my chest, a dispiriting experience.

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hi there

i had my mx 23rd nov i had to be drained twice and then between christmas and new year my body kicked in and started absorbing
i slept with a v cushion as i found my seroma collected to the side and made it uncomfortable
liz

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Hi I,m 3 weeks post mastectomy and have had my seroma drained twice up to now approx 350ml each time, it was such a relief. it is filling up again but doesn,t feel as much this time so hopefully it will settle. Give your BCN a ring she should be able to drain them for you, and i agree a V pillow made me lovely and comfy

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Thanks for the suggesting a V shaped pillow, I will give it a try. Did you have any symptoms, other than just general discomfort, that made them decide to drain the seroma?

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Hi Teabagwoman - I had seroma drained twice after MX and my BCN said that sooner or later they would not do it again because my body had to absorb the fluid naturally. I did get another one though and eventually it went on its own. I found doing the exercises they give you seemed to help - especially doing them quite soon after you’ve been drained - also after a shower it felt better - wasn’t really painful, just uncomfortable.

Hope you get on alright.

Jan
x

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It felt very tight and as it mainly collected under my arm it was uncomfortable when i put my arm down, it also looked like my boob was trying to regenerate she said they wouldn,t of drained it if the skin wasn,t tight.

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Used my V shaped pillow last night and was more comfortable, thanks Kiwijan. My balloons as I think of them are quite soft so sounds as though no need to worry about draining at present. Does anyone remember waterbeds? It feels as though I’ve got one strapped across the front of my chest - I guess if that’s the worst I have to put up with I should be grateful.

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Sorry Megsmum it was you I should be thanking for a better night.