Swelling after mastectomy?

Hi Lisa I am 9 days post op for mastectomy and axillary lymph node clearance so we are at a similar point in our journey.  Did you have drains in during week 1?  i have just had some puffiness/swelling develop which I think is due to the fact that the drains have been taken out and there is build up of fluid.  I am worried about lymphedema so have messaged my breast care nurse.  Have you had the conversation with yours?  I think gentle massage and gentle exercises should help.  Rest a lot and drink plenty of water. Our bodies have taken a battering and it is important to be kind to yourself . Fingers crossed it will start to ease shortly

I had swelling and it was a series fluid basically had to go to ultra sound and have it drained several times Eventually eased.exercise and massage help too. Good luck on your journey x

Sorry should say seroma x

Thank you. I did do the massage yesterday and I did notice I have more feeling in the area. I'm doing the exercise's and also found I have better movement each day and drinking lots of water so I think I've just got to be a little more patient! Good luck with your journey x

Thank you , I'm hoping to be back for the results next week so might ask if the swelling I have is normal! Good luck to you x

Sorry forgot to say, yes had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times! X

It is 9 days since mastectomy  I am very swollen and bruised and swollen particularly under my arm. It feels numb. When you talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your fingers. I am wearing a recovery bra which is comfortable but although it recommended wearing it over night I had to remove it as it was hurting me . Any advice welcome. Thank you 

Hi Coral I had my mastectomy on 13 July and have also have had areas of complete numbness - gradually coming back down my arm but not under my armpit.  I would say just a very gentle massage with your fingertips might help those areas but it is nerve damage causing it and that will repair slowly.  As it does, it feels like fire under the skin but I am telling myself that is a good sign as it is coming back to life!  I haven't been able to wear a bra at all so far - just wearing lots of baggy shapeless clothes.  Sending hugs and good luck

Hi Lizziimillie Thanks for your reply my mastectomy was on the 13th July as well. I think I am still shell shocked as it all happened so quickly. I was fast tracked and within a few weeks after finding a lump in my breast I had been diagnosed and operated on. I am grateful for the quick action but I still can hardly believe it happened. The sensation I had was as if water was trickling in my chest. The care nurse said it was the the nerves repairing and a good sign . 
Do you know what happens next? I am getting anxious about what the treatment will involve. I might be reading too much and learning more than I need to know. I am anxious full stop as my husband has stomach cancer and we are going through decisions about his treatment. Thanks for your hugs and good luck. I wish the same for you. Coral x 

Oh no Coral you poor thing having to support your husband also, at a time like this.   Sending you positive vibes brave lady x Every case is different so my next steps may not be yours - do you have an oncologist appointment booked?  I find if you just try not to think too far ahead that helps.   The oncologist will discuss your options and whether or not you need chemo or a different course of action. I have an appointment with my surgeon on 12 August to discuss next steps and to see how many of my lymph nodes were infected.   Its a lot to take in within a few short weeks :(. Have you tried meditation it is wonderful for calming the anxiety.  You got this.   We are mastectomy sisters having our operation on the same day lol.