Big Boob lumpectomy issues

Hello ,

I am really sorry you are going through this.  I am a larger lady (lady hmm well haha). I had lumpectomy and can honestly say I was blessed not to have any problems with the wound site.  I did find that the area where the sentinel node was taken from was 'sore' in a strange way - it 'stung' it didn't hurt painfully it was a stinging sensation that hurt to the point of every time I thought I couldn't stand it - it eased off.

Back to you and your swelling, these are just 'my own thoughts, I'm not medical, so take with a pinch of salt and see what you think'.... there must be something aggravating the wound area for the body to make up the fluid - now is this from the operation and everything needs to settle.... if this was the case 'why did they drain in the first place' - so this makes me wonder is there an infection brewing?  Is your boob area 'hot to the touch or red' - this would indicate infection and I would suggest you ask for a 10/12 day course of antibiotics..... if its not red or hot to the touch then maybe 'wait and see - wait and see if the body starts to reabsorb this - it will take days though, not something to happen overnight.

I do think you are unlucky with how things are at the moment.  I would say 'make sure you are resting'.

I will put a link on here to a bra I found 'after' my operation - if you get the right size they are comfortable and supportive - however with how things are for you at the moment I wonder if you would be better with the 'vest' type bras - because these aren't very supportive - you could wear two or three as they are comfortable.

In the meantime, I know there are other lovely ladies that have had problems the same as you - I hope they will be along soon to share their experience and suggestions to help you move forward.

https://www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/naturally-close-greyblackpink-zip-front-active-wear-high-impact-sports-bra/xe024/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=6010&optionColour=Grey/Black/Pink&pdpClick=true&optionSize=44DD 

(Hoping my post makes sense only I've not read it back nor corrected spelling errors - good luck xx)

Hi Sensiblecat welcome to the forum.  I wonder if that pulling sensation is cording which can happen after surgery and it feels like someone is pulling on the arm but you cant quire straighten it as the cording stops you from doing that, if that makes sense? I think the seroma that has needed drained can keep refilling but I cant say that I agree that draining it is a waste of time as the amount should get less each time its drained if it is not then they need to be looking at that for you again or leave you with a drain in for  a few days. Dont be put off with them saying that as ti will be causing pain and pressure so they more that  can be done to relieve that the better.

The bra will be tight with the swelling and Im like you in the size part but I bought small crop top bras from Asda they cost about £8 but lovely and soft and supportive to sleep in and wear through the day. 

Even though it feels painful please keep doing those arm exercises they will have given you as this will help to stretch the arm and tissues back to some degree of normality.

Thank you so much for your kind reply. I was wondering about infection myself but they checked me over and ruled that out. Thank you very much for the bra link, they have a big selection for us larger ladies and very reasonably priced - I’ve worn Glamorise bras for years now when exercising, though the ones I have are too tight at present.

I bought sone bra extenders off EBay to give my existing bras a bit more room at night when wearing 24/7.  These are M&S version but cheaper on EBay .  Check if your bras 2/3/4 hook.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/3-pack-3-hook-bra-extenders/p/clp21078615

I'm normally a 36G/ GG so get what you mean recharger boobs! I've got a couple of MAndS non wires supportive granny bras not in my normal size - I went up a band for swelling and I'd say they just fit. I can't wear them to sleep in - too restrictive- so have some cheap crop top bras from Sainsbobs - a stretchy front zip up one and a tshirt type material one with a 4 clip back fastener.

1. I'm 2 weeks post lumpectomy and snlb. Pain worse now than at start and movement is restricted (but I also had frozen shoulder before the op anyway!) Z and my boob feels the cold - especially the nipple!