Breast Cancer Now Forum

I have a question about the seroma draining. I had SLNB on the 24th, went back to the hospital on 4th October because the swelling had become too painful, couldn’t do my excercises or put my arm down, sleep was affected near impossible. The dr drained it but advised me that there was a high chance of this reoccurring. Low and behold two days later I can feel my under arm starting to swell. How long does this go on for? And has anyone else experienced this happening and is there anything anyone can suggest to prevent this from happening? Will this prevent radiotherapy (praying for clear nodes) from taking place if it continues? Suggestions please, getting worried. ... View more

Hi, I’m home and recovering from SLNB. The radioactive injections were quite painful but quick at least. The surgeon came and checked to see if he could find the liquid on the tracer before he even started surgery which was good. Not sure how many lymph nodes he got but hopefully it’s enough to test and see if it’s spread. I don’t know that he used a blue dye tho because I don’t have a blue tinge to my skin or pee. I am fairly swollen but am managing to get my exercises done but managing with over the counter pain meds. Surgeon was able to tell me my HER2 score was re tested and came back negative so providing the nodes come back clear I will just have to have radiotherapy and tamoxifen. I’m keeping everything crossed for that outcome. You ladies are so strong who have been through this awful disease and I am pleased to have found this forum where we can chat about everything and anything. Stay positive everyone. ... View more

Hi, thank you for putting my mind at ease. I’m getting a little nervous about the SNB on Monday but will be glad to see the back of it. Hopefully I won’t have to long to wait for the results. Thanks again for the advice. I will let you know how I get on next week. Joanne. x ... View more

Hi Ann, thank you for your reply. I turned 50 in April and just entering menopause. I guess that’s why they got PR-. Did you have SNB and if so what was your experience of that? I’m trying to stay busy with work to help keep me occupied but it’s difficult. I’m English living in Canada, with my husband and two youngest children. Our eldest is married and lives in the UK. They seem to do things a little different from the UK. My sister who is a nurse in the UK thought they would have done the SNB when I had the lumpectomy but they don’t offer that. How old was you when you was first diagnosed? 10 years sounds such a long time to take medication, did you have any side effects with that? Thanks it’s great to finally have someone to talk to about this who has been through it all. Joanne. x ... View more