Hi I had lumpectomy and node clearance on 28 December. I’ve had a seroma since the dressing came off (5 days post op) and had it drained once (day 6) . But - the seroma seems to goe down overnight but increases during the day and the pain intensifies as the day goes on. Is there anything I can do to ease this or stop it happening? Also Due to see oncologist on Friday for chemo plan due to 4 lymph nodes (out of 9) containing cancer. Could the seroma stop me having chemo?
Hi Wonkey Donkey
Thank you for posting
Seroma is a common occurrence following breast surgery and is caused by a build up of fluid in a space where tissue has been removed. While they are mainly harmless they can cause pain and reduced mobility. The fluid in a seroma is gradually reabsorbed by the body but this may take weeks or even months in some cases. If there are no signs of infection or inflammation (swelling) associated with the seroma then it is unlikely to delay the start of your chemotherapy. You can talk to your breast care nurse or treatment team if you are worried about this.
While it is important to exercise and maintain arm and shoulder movement after surgery to prevent stiffness this may be contributing to the build-up of fluid and increased pain as the day goes on. You may wish to talk to your breast care nurse or treatment team for advice or discuss referral to a specialist physiotherapist.
In the meantime, you may wish to consider taking regular painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (if you are able to take it).
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can be helpful and our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. They’ll be a phone call or email away to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0114 263 6490 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen to your concerns, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information. 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
Julie
Breast Care Nurse
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