swelling after mastectomy

Hi RachXX

I had a mastectomy and a drain which at some point got semi blocked. I then developed a seroma which is your body trying to fill the missing part with fluid. If the fluid is too great you need it drained off with ultra sound as your body can only absorb so much. I had this done 6 times as my fluid was the gift that kept on giving. I would literally leave the hospital and feel it coming back. It did get less each time and eventually just before I started chemo it stopped. Very uncomfortable get it checked if concerned. X 

Good luck with it all ️

Hi Rach, I’m so sorry to hear your struggling with swelling after your mastectomy. Have you also had a reconstruction? I did 9 weeks ago, using a piece of tissue from my tummy. I only had three lymph nodes removed though, so not as many as you. Like your surgeon, mine wasn’t a fan of drains - I only had one drain in for around 12 hours then I was told the same, the body would absorb the fluid and the swelling would go down naturally over time. Like you, my chest was very swollen, I developed bruising, and the skin felt very tight. I found placing a cold flannel on my chest helped, and I also used arnica cream on the unbroken skin which helped and also felt soothing. Now 9 weeks along, the swelling has subsided a lot and the reconstructed tissue feels much softer than it did. I’m not sure all the swelling has gone yet but it has definitely improved a lot. I hope that reassures you a bit. Everyone is different though, and if you’re worried I’d suggest you contact your BC nurse and ask to be checked. I hope you feel better soon. Take care, Rosie xx

My surgeon did offer to drain it but was also concerned that it could get infected :-(. I will see how it goes and go back if no improvement soon. thank you.x

I couldn't have reconstruction as the tumour was too close to the skin. I am starting chemo and then radiotherapy in a few weeks. I would hope by then it has improved. thank you it is helpful to hear your story :-) xx

I had a Mastectomy 3 years ago and surgeon didn't put in a drain, when I went to my post operation appointment he drained about a pint of red fluid from the swelling I had...the few days after the area began to swell again but I didnt have it drained again.My body just slowly absorbed the fluid..eventually all settled down and the scar and whole area healed well. I am sure will be same for you Rach.

In 2011 I had lumpectomy on the left side and auxiliary clearance..3 nodes had cancer cells and I had Fec chemo, radiotherapy and herceptin...must have done the job as was cancer free for nearly 10 years..the new cancer was not the same as 1st one as it was oestrogen positive..now I take Exemestane to reduce risk of it coming back..I was on Letrozole but joint pain was too bad...better on Exemestane but do still have pains in hands and feet.

My main problem is lymphodema in my arms..I do the self-lymphatic drainage exercises.There are demonstrations on YouTube.

My new problem is a large swelling in front of my ribs underneath Mastectomy scar....guessing it's Lymphodema but I am wondering if I should ask breast care nurses about it...Ive been discharged from my Oncologist and back under GP....grateful for any comments.

Hi Hope4today

It would be a good idea to ask your breast care nurse about the swelling in front of your ribs. It might by Lymphodema but it's best to get it check out.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Thank you, very helpful. I hope you get some help for the swelling under scar. Take carexxx

Hi Rach - I had my mx last week. Did have a drain but that was taken out - I feel like I’m growing a new boob and it’s very uncomfortable  I’m hoping it will absorb into my body - not sure how long before I decide it needs checking out x

hi, yes it is uncomfortable, I am also swollen under my armpit and into my back. My surgeon was happy with the healing and said I could go back and have it drained if I felt I needed to.      I am nearly 4 weeks in and getting used the discomfort. Did you get the sloshing sound as the fluid was building up? my nurse said that was normal aswell. I hope you get some good advice. Take care. xx

It feels a bit like when I was breast feeding. I shall send an email to my breast nurse if it continues to grow - I’m looking into reflexology atm to see if this will help xx