Massive swelling - post axillary node clearance

Hi, ooh that sounds like it could get sore. I did develop a seroma shortly after mastectomy that had to be drained 3 times (600ml of fluid first one, 900ml the second, then 400ml) and luckily it disappeared before radiotherapy. Obviously you will be keeping an eye on it. I’m not medically qualified, but do know from talking to others, that axillary clearance does seem to cause all kinds of problems for a number of people. A year on, I still have general swelling under the armpit, and the occasional ache and twinge, which other people seem to get too. Perhaps the surgeon had to root around a bit and it’s got battered and bruised internally, I don’t know. Let us know how you get on. Xx

Hope you get better soon. I have the same cancer and will also be having axillary clearance end of September. Dreading the op. Please get it checked again if no improvement.  Nothing is easy with this journey 

When you say your were seen yesterday- by who - your consultant or someone else. The swelling is hard when you feel it? If you weren’t seen by your consultant I would ask for their input

I had a huge swelling also…it did eventually go down as they didn’t drain it (said it would reabsorb).  It took ages, but was normal again after many weeks. X

Thanks for your reply. Good to know it did eventually go away for you - hoping the same! 

No unfortunately my consultant is now on holiday so it was a more junior doctor in his team (whose communication skills were terrible too!) Am being seen again on Friday due to my concerns over it. The swelling is not totally hard but it’s not soft either. 

Chase them if it gets any worse. Good luck Friday  hopefully it’s just the heat