Last year I had my breast take off and it as been filling up with fluid I have had it drained 4 times now but this time my breast as gone hard and it’s painful I have phone the hospital and they said it ok But I thinking it should not be like this and all so it look like I got 1/2 my Brest back as I am a 40 dd Size Brest it’s it natural for this to happen I was hoping to be flat by now and if so how long is it before by Brest goes flat. Thank you Annette
Hello Annette,
Thanks for getting in touch.
My name is Carole and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I’m sorry to read that you’ve had fluid drained 4 times since your surgery last year.
After surgery for breast cancer, some people develop a collection of fluid. Sometimes the fluid can refill after being drained (aspirated) and may need to be aspirated several times. This collection of fluid feels soft.
You’ve described a change in your symptoms recently though, and we are concerned that your breast area is now hard and painful.
Although it’s good to read that you contacted your hospital team, it’s not so good to read that you are still worried about this.
We would recommend that you get back in touch with your hospital team, GP/111 today so that you can be examined.
Any new, worsening, or persistent symptom should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
It’s understandable to have questions about recovery, and to wonder how long it might take for your breast area to become flat. However, it’s difficult for us to say as we are not part of your hospital team. Recovery can vary and may depend on after-effects of breast surgery. We’d encourage you to speak to your hospital team as they may be able to say when they’d expect your wound to settle down.
Although everyone is different, it can help to speak to others who have had a similar diagnosis. I see from your profile that you’ve joined our online breast cancer group and am sure you’ll find it a good place to ask questions and get support. Breast Cancer Now’s Someone Like Me is another way to speak to people who really understand what you’re going through.
I hope this is helpful.
Sending best wishes
Carole
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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