Hi,
I had a wide local incision for 2 areas on same breast - a DCIS and a grade 2 and they took at least 2 lymph nodes for analysis- on 9/2/24.
I was warned about swelling but I’m struggling to know how much is normal. I’m normally a B cup but the operated one is now huge, hard and quite painful - fits my very old maternity bras on that side only when breastfeeding I was a DD+.
Pain started to recede after a week but is quite sore the last few days - could this be an infection? There is no redness I can see- the dressing is off but paper stitches still in place - should I peel them off by now?
Any advice very welcome
Hi @sian5
Sorry that you find yourself here. The nurses phone lines is open until 9am to 4pm so you may not get an answer today.
Could you call your GP to have a look, I know it’s late in the day but might be worth a try. Or your breast care nurses attached to your surgical team.
If they are not available might be worth a call to MacMillan as they have online chat and phone lines open from 8am to 8pm https://www.macmillan.org.uk/
Always worth asking if you are concerned.
Take care🥰
Hi sian5
Thanks for posting. It’s understandable that you are wondering if the swelling, hardness, and pain is normal.
As was mentioned to you, pain and swelling are common after breast surgery . Swelling after surgery may be due to a collection of fluid called a seroma which is usually reabsorbed by the body over time. Bruising is also common and occasionally blood collects in the tissue surrounding the wound causing swelling, discomfort, and hardness. This is called a haematoma
We cannot say if the increase in pain in the last few days is a sign of infection or due to one of the causes mentioned above. We would suggest you contact your treatment team as they may want to see you in clinic to check this. You can leave the paper stitches in place for now and ask about this when you speak to them about the swelling and pain.
In the meantime, you may find it helpful to take some pain relief such as paracetamol until you can talk to your team. If at any time you develop any signs of infection such as redness or a temperature, contact your treatment team or GP without delay.
We offer a range of free supportive services that you might be interested in.
As @naughty_boob suggested, do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Eve
Breast Care Nurse
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