Mastectomy post-operative nausea and vomitting

FormerMember over 5 years ago

3 replies
30 subscribers
1262 views

Hi there. I am new here so hope someone can help guide me.

A friend of mine (60+ female) was recently diagnosed with breast cancer (first time). She has had a single mastectomy and axillary lymph dissection on Tuesday, and is now back home. On Thursday (2 days post surgery) my friend started to experience extreme nausea and vomiting which has remained. We're now on day 5 post-operation. She was brought to A&E on early Saturday morning and put on a drip and IV, but this has not done much. She was prescribed cyclizine and another drug beginning with "ond" (cannot remember the name), but has stopped taking these as she does not believe they are working. She is very weak, and unable to take food or drink (small amounts of water).

We're aware that post-operative vomiting can be quite common. However, this has been ongoing for a number of days now and seems to be showing no signs of letting up. Does anybody have any advice or similar experience to this?

Thank you in advance.

Clo

GRANNY59 over 5 years ago

Hi CMC2019 welcome to the forum and so sorry to hera what is happening for your friend.

Can I ask is your friend still in hospital? Cyclizine is a good drug for nausea and vomiting but if your friend has stopped taking these then they maybe have not had chance to work yet?

If your friend is not in hospital then it does sound like maybe they need to be so if they are at home I would suggest calling the out of hours service and getting their advice as this doesnt sound ok? This may be a residual effect of the anaesthetic which can happen but not able to eat or drink needs attention promptly.

Please do come back and let us know how they are doing.xx

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to GRANNY59

Hi Gail,

Thank you for your super quick reply.

My friend is no longer in hospital. She went in for a few hours very early on Saturday morning where they put her on a drip and IV but she was out of the hospital by 9am on Saturday and is now back home.

I will pass on your message about giving the Cyclizine a chance to work and calling the out of hours service to the family, and will keep you posted.

Thank you again for your concern and kindness.

Clo x

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to GRANNY59

Hi Gail,

Just wanted to let you know that my friend is on the up. After a few home visits from the local GP and a late night paramedic call out, she was diagnosed as having a sever upper urinary infection which was causing the extreme nausea. She's on targeted antibiotics and anti-sickness injections and today was able to have her first meal. She seems to be improving hour by hour which is fantastic.

Thank you for your support.

Clo