To drain or not to drain (a seroma), that is the question?

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I had a mastectomy and lymph node clearance on Christmas Eve. I had a drain in for 6 days. Since then I’ve had to go back to get the collecting fluid drained on 5 occasions. Each time a considerable amount of fluid is drained but it keeps building up again within a day or so. I saw a new oncologist 6 days ago who said it was better not to have it drained but to let the body reabsorb the fluid. I now have a very full and increasingly tight ‘boob’ (a good b cup at least). Does anyone have any experience as to whether if you leave these swellings alone instead of periodic draining , that it does stop the fluid eventually from building up and get reabsorbed?
Any advice would be gratefully received. Cheers Jo

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Hi I have had the same problem. It had to be drained whilst I was having Radiotherapy but BCN wants to leave it now and see if it dissipates. After 3 weeks of not draining it is tight and irritating - feels like a cushion against my arm. Seeing Onc today so will see what she suggests.

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I had a mastectomy and lymph node clearance just before christmas 2011. I too had a seroma but never had it drained as my BCN said that eventually the body absorbs the fluid - and it did. There is always the risk of infection every time you have it drained. If it was me, I would leave it be. x

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Hi I’m new to this site and to see someone in the same boat as me. I had same surgery mid dec…sorry I have no advise… and been back 4 times to have the seroma drained and still building up…Its actually delaying my chemo which is frustrating and nerve wracking too. I go once a week it is getting less but as I get more sensation back it feels so tight like a big tight plaster with a blister inside… its now about 200ml.

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Hi, thanks for your replies. It is obviously an area of controversy . For now I will press on with leaving it but as it grows, it gets more uncomfortable. Will hope it starts to resolve soon. Jo

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Just back from first chemo and so far so ok . I did get v sick on FEC but ask for all anti sickness meds you can. Tax causes more joint and muscle aches on around day 3 apparently but I’ll let you know in due course no doubt.
A fighting spirit is what you need to get you through . You will get there- one session at a time, one day at a time. Take care xx