Seroma

Hi Elaine/Maxburgh and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community and, although I didn't experience a seroma when I underwent a lumpectomy 3 years ago, I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.

While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment to date your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

Hi Maxburgh

I'm Daisy53 one of the Community Champions on this forum.  I had a seroma after having a lumpectomy just over a year ago.  I had to get it drained a number of times.  It eventually settled down after about a month.

Best wishes

Daisy53

I had a seroma.  It almost disappeared on its own so chemotherapy was started but it caused the seroma to leak and my wound stared opening up. Chemotherapy was stopped twice, the second time for 6 weeks. I had to have it dressed 3 times a week. Eventually it healed completely and chemotherapy was restarted. I would say don't start chemotherapy until your seroma has no leaking, even if the leak is only from a tiny opening, as the chemotherapy can make it worse! 

Hi Maxburgh, I recently had a single mastectomy followed by a seroma, which I had drained three times. The surgeon checked it a couple of weeks ago and was reluctant to drain again because of the risk of another infection. (One week after the op I developed an infection after the drain was removed and had to spend four days in hospital on intravenous antibiotics.) The swelling gradually went down and I’m now flat on one side, although still a bit swollen and tender under my arm after having the lymph nodes removed. The little heart shaped cushion I was given has been useful, especially in bed! I was told that the swelling/seroma often lasts up to six weeks, or sometimes longer. I’m feeling much better now and will be going for a prosthesis appointment soon. Wishing you all the best x

Thank you for coming back to me. I am seeing the physio this week re compression bandages for the seroma. Still having it drained weekly, this will be the 6th time this week. Let's hope it reabsorbs soon as I'm more concerned about this than anything else! 

Thank you for coming back to me. I'm into my 6th week with the seroma & no sign yet of it reabsorbing. Seeing my breast nurse & physio about compression bandages this week. Let's hope this does the trick!