Seroma or Hematoma

Hi 77arty

If its worrying you give the BC nurse a wee call in the morning. It's not unusual to have swellings and discomfort after the op but err on side of caution and give them a wee call. Put your mind at ease.

I had some swelling down my arm but it went away as quick as it came. Thankfully didn't last too long xx

I think I will ring in the morning although I’m a bit reluctant because I don’t want them to think I’m a nuisance bothering them with stupid questions.  It’s amazing how these worries always surface at weekends when you can’t do much about them. Thanks Missmolly

Your not a nuisance, they will give advice that's what they're there for. Your concerns are important and they will help.

I agree weekends are worse. I have heartburn tonight but started the injections today that you take on day 3 of chemo. Not sure if it's because of them. But scared to take anything because of the interactions maybe with the steroids and antisickness tabs. And hopefully it will be away tomorrow when I can speak with someone. Always the same. Xx

Hi 77Afrty,

I had a lumps and lymph nodes removed four months ago and start my radiotherapy this week. 

After my surgery, my arm swelled and I also had quite a swelling under my arm. I dis all the exercises I was told to do from the day after the op, but this turned out to be lymphoedema which is very common after breast cancer surgery. I was told to keep doing the exercises and drink plenty of water, which I did and it’s now only slightly there, it can take quite a while to fully go. I was also told, that if it was a Heamatoma, the arm would be red and feel hot.

If I were you just to put your mind at rest I would have a chat with your BCN or Doctor, who will help. 

I hope this is of some help to you.

Love and hugs.xx

Hi 77Arty , I’d go with the advice above and phone the clinic. They can decide whether they need to see you sooner or not. After my wide local excision and sentinel node sampling I had a very big haematoma. The side of my breast was very bruised looking and swollen. I saw the breast nurse 4 days after the op for a dressing change (I’d had to change it myself, with the help of my husband as it was really awkward due to the length of the excision) so she checked it and confirmed that it was a haematoma. I saw her a couple more times to monitor it in case it needed draining but luckily it very slowly resolved of its own accord. But I needed that reassurance from a medical professional to know it was ok. 
Hope you can discuss it with the breast nurse and get seen if necessary. Don’t let worries about feeling like you’re a nuisance stop you from phoning, though I know how you feel! Love and hugs, HFxx

Thank you that is helpful. It’s not hot, painful or red so I think I’ll dismiss the hematoma theory.  My panic has subsided and I think now I’ll hold on till my Thursday appointment.  I was drinking lots of water but I forgot to keep it up.  Now that you’ve reminded me I’ll start again.  It can’t do any harm. xx

Hi I had a similar experience post lumpectomy and node clearance - May 23rd.  Large swelling which was in part quite hard, redness, etc.  I spoke with the BC nurse and was requested to go to  BC out patients for check.  Was prescribed antibiotics - twice.  It is dissipating now after more than a month,  but slowly.  Speak with them, they will put your mind at rest.

Just had re excision and nodes out and boob swelled up hugely day after. Turned out to be hematoma. Which needed a short op to drain off. My boob just felt huge hard and a bit sore. Worth just getting checked out. Don’t fret it’s fixable but worth checking xx