Swollen Breast near Lumpectomy Wound

Hi Irishgirl

I had a mastectomy and found I had fluid build up the 2nd week after the op and the area felt a bit tight. I found a damp warm face cloth held over the area helped. You can guarantee it always happens at weekends!

Thanks,I have tried the warm damp facecloth and that has helped. It's less painful this morning though still very swollen

Mine got more swollen around that time too, I started wearing a bra again 24/7 and that helped, though it was sore with the swelling. Mine is still a bit swollen, 6 months on!

I had the same surgery two and a half weeks ago. The side of my breast has been very swollen from about ten days post surgery. When I went for my results last Friday the surgeon said it was a build up of the fluid, it would clear but could take up to a couple of months. He said they would only drain it in extreme circumstances. It has been very sore but although still heavily swollen it was less sore yesterday and today. I hope you are soon feeling more comfortable. 

Gosh, 6 months, that is a long time. 

Thanks, have changed to sports bra and that seems more comfy, thanks a lot

Hi, I'm 3 months post Rt am a little concerned that my breast (what's left of it) lol is still swollen, warmer than the other to touch, tender and lifting arm on same side after lymph nodes x 3 removed, feels as thou its pulling and extremely tight even thou I'm doing stretch exercises, also getting stabbing pain, is this something you are still experiencing!! Is this normal...

Just trying to ease my racing mind.

Did you get it checked out at the hospital...

Kind regards and hugs

Hi, mine does not sound as “bad” as that as I have swelling and discomfort but it's not warm and I don't have lots of pain. I talked to the BCN and the risk is infection - redness, warm to touch, painful and potentially also having a temperature.  She also told me to stop exercises if they are painful.  Maybe give your BCN a call. Good luck 

I'm 22 days post op (lumpectomy and 3 lymph nodes) and my breast is still swollen, numb and hard. My scar is very itchy and it appears that the stitches have dissolved and 80% of the scabs have now gone so it's looking much better.

I can do the exercises easily. I do get twinges, stabbing pains and weird feelings though which I presume is everything knitting back together.