I will call tomorrow! Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. Ugh. 1. However, there are those times where I need to say, If it was me, I would do. Its important to take all pain medications exactly as prescribed. Did this swelling resolve for anyone? I had a level one clearance with my lumpectomy and, there was an attempt to take a minimal number of lymph nodes from the arm that hadn't had surgery previously along with my mastectomies. Is it all connected? While everyone is different, the wounds and healin process should be about 90% complete in the 6-8 week timeframe. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. How". if you haven't had surgery,it may be a hernia.maybe ask for an ultrasound?Doesnt sound normal..hard to move forward after BC.. Other things to consider having on hand at home are: Its likely that youll need some help at home in the days and weeks after your mastectomy. Interested in more discussions like this? If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. yes . It amy require treatment with Dr. Pamela Pappas and another doctor agree. I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. The amount of stress on the intercostal nerves could be reduced with less invasive techniques such as the VATS technique. When you talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your fingers. When you get home from the hospital, your movements and range of motion will be more limited. I proactively insisted on a referral to a lymphedema therapist (who incidentally was awful I have since found a kind, caring, and helpful therapist. This occurs when the bowels do not move regularly, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain. The swelling is in the left breast and side, naturally, but also in the groin area, upper and lower abdomen, and across my back by my shoulder blades. For how long would it take to develop swelling from a flu shot if you had a mastectomy on that side? All rights reserved. Infections can happen with any surgery. Its not just discomfort- as we all know how uncomfortable the tightness can be! I am also really having a hard time losing 15 pounds which I need to do. You have 3 options: Take your time, but dont ignore the muscles. We spent extra time with our doctors asking questions to help us understand what we were getting into. Brenin DR, et al. Your lymph nodes help filter out harmful substances. I am a very small frame and I am 74 all most 75 years of age. Its also common to feel a bit nauseous from the anesthesia. It stimulates the main lymph drainage areas, in you tummy, back and groin. Thank you, @carr. Your surgeon transfers a section of skin, muscle, fat and blood vessels from one part of your body to your chest to create a new breast mound. But I am pretty careful about gas as it certainly can add pain to the equation. The hospital and my surgeon said", "I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were", "@chamisa See my post below. When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. Its hard to get people to understand that. I never was informed about the possibility of lymphedema at all by any medical person, but an acquaintance had it so at least I was aware. Watch out for a fever, swelling, redness, and added pain. My seroma was only diagnosed after a scan. Did you get it sorted ? I'm here because of the bloated stomach I noticed just today. Mine was the result of abdominal reconstruction taken from my tummy and tunnelled up to my breast. I had a CT scan yesterday. Mastectomy lymphnodes 15 years ago. You should be off narcotic pain medication before driving again. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. This might happen after your nurse removes the wound drain if you have one. Below, well take a deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. This is a good video, and maybe some of the breast surgeons discussed on this thread should watch it. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Swelling, edema and ascites Swelling or edema is a build-up of fluid in the tissues. Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. How are you feeling after your mastectomy? Interested in more discussions like this? Funny how simple but just needed to hear someone else say go get it checked!, Why would you not wont to go back to your doctor?It could be a seroma. It's most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). researchgate.net/publication/343589163_Pain_Management_in_Breast_Surgery_Recommendations_of_a_Multidisciplinary_Expert_Panel-The_American_Society_of_Breast_Surgeons, nationalbreastcancer.org/blog/checklist-for-recovery-after-mastectomy/, cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery-for-breast-cancer/mastectomy.html, breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/mastectomy/expectations, uhb.nhs.uk/Downloads/pdf/PiMastectomy.pdf, cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/after-surgery/problems-after-mastectomy, cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/pain/post-mastectomy-pain-syndrome.html, link.springer.com/article/10.1245%2Fs10434-018-6644-x, cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/after-surgery/what-happens-after-surgery. How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? things that can help you while showering or bathing, including: items to help with surgical drains (if you have them), such as: a drain lanyard for the shower, which can help to keep surgical drains from dangling, a mastectomy drain apron or jacket, which has pockets designed to secure surgical drains, comfortable pants, such as yoga or lounge pants, shirts that fit loosely and that can button or zip in the front, something to keep you entertained in your hospital room, such as a book, magazine, or tablet. Nor, do I hold a doctors degree to suggest what someone should do medically. I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. Dr. David Earle answered General Surgery 32 years experience Variable: While everyone is different, the wounds and healin process should be about 90% complete in the 6-8 week timeframe. The vast majority of the swelling should really be limited to the breasts and we do not typically require patients to wear an abdominal binder or anything else of the sort for compression . But it does seem just that bit more than those would explain. I just googled abdominal lymphedema after breast cancer and yes, I'm sure that is", "I'm here because of the bloated stomach I noticed just today. I asked her what if I had no arms and she said I was carrying things too far. That I just noticed it now coz I no longer have breasts but we know our bodies, we notice most of the changes especially change in our stomach where most of us are very conscious of. Great news but now2 months out I still cant wear my clothes. Gone up several sizes despite losing weight. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. All Rights Reserved. I had a mastectomy and few lymph nodes removal nearly 7 weeks ago and have exactly the same symptoms you have described. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. It's handy to rest things on, I guess! Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. I don't tend to wear my prosthesis in my bra, but have noticed that when I do, my tummy disappears just like the non-mx side. Learn more to see if it might be the right choice for you. What are the side-effects they need to be aware of? Thanks! As such, you may want to look for a comfortable, but supportive, chair to sleep in during the early stages of your recovery. Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. To learn more, please visit our. Doing so can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. I had to fight with the doctors to get care and ultimately had to take it upon myself to get PT and massage therapy (which I had to pay for myself) because they kept saying I didn't have it. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. As it turned out there were no lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525 Sooooo frustrating. I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. I am glad to hear about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. I then researched seroma after abdominal surgery and I found its a fairly common side effect. But if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional. (2020). I am so sorry you have gone through all of that without the doctors or nurses explaining the future possibilities. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. We mustnt just accept. I woke up from the first surgery with it. You also need to be comfortable wearing a seatbelt. Most of the people faces problem after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about all these problems. My care team says they have never seen this but obviously others have had it. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? it took me a year to have my abdominal swell to be identified but when it was I was told it was a common side effect. Yes, on a rare occasion I have gas, but that isn't the problem, since it always stays the same even when I have gas and I take care of that problem. I noticed that you wanted to add a URL to a video. This is particularly true with women who have had a mastectomy. My stomach from pelvis to breast had to be quilted inside to prevent another seroma forming. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Your surgeon may be have a point that your stomach hasn't changed but it is more visible now because the breasts have been removed. 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) I already messaged my surgeon. Also thats my intestines running free.. surely thats not a good thing in terms of bodily function?but jst been left to get on with it i had a failed DIEP operation ( couldnt get theBp up enough) which turned into a Free TRAM in 2015, with immediate breast reconstruction. Melatonin and Breast Cancer: Is it Safe and Can it Help? Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share. I just googled abdominal lymphedema after breast cancer and yes, I'm sure that is what I have, and many others also have. Its not uncommon to take several weeks off from work while recovering from surgery both physically and emotionally. How are you doing? This can be treated in several ways, including the medications and therapies discussed above. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. Pain relief within an hour. Thank you. Lymphedema Most people who have a mastectomy only need a short hospital say. Because of this, you may want to ask a loved one to help you out with some of your day-to-day activities as you recover. I also had my lymph node checked on my left side. p.s. which swelled occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have had pouch swelling fo? Support those fighting Breast Cancer at The Breast Cancer Site for free! So my bulge has added about 20cm to my circumference which is really pronounced when moving from laying to sitting - it looks like one side is flat and the other raises up like its own separate pregnancy! Thank you Carr for the valuable information. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. Good luck and persevere it is your body and you that needs to live with it. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. Please allow me to post it for you. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. YES, we discussed loss of feeling and sensation in my breasts and armpits. Reconstructive surgery can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy surgery. Has anyone else had this? Also given the line that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts. The maximal effect i Dr. Susan Rhoads and another doctor agree. If you feel sick to your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you some antinausea medication. Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. I am large busted and the gravity pulls it down. Belly Bloat after mastectomy? Is there anything we can do to make the swelling go down? I had a mastectomy one year ago and now i am noticing swelling and pain in my arm. DIEP Flap meant I had a chance to regain some of those feelings. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. Pleased if that helped spark further ideas. Nguyen list some of the most important ones: Women should get cervical cancer screening starting at age 21 and should discuss breast cancer screening starting at age 40. PMPS is thought to be linked to damage done to the nerves in the armpit and chest during surgery. Hi, I had my mastectomy in April, and ever since the op I've had upper abdominal swelling. The doctors kept telling me I wouldn't get lymphdema with just one node removed. Lymphadema is a very distressing problem. I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. Depends: It depends how long after gastrectomy.If the swelling happens a few days later, it can be due to infection or bleeding. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. I spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP. I am a year out of a double mastectomy and seem to develop a lot of upper belly fat. I understand they are focused on saving our lives but discounting our side effects is really disheartening. Also given the line that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts. I had my mx last December and unless I wear my prosthesis I look pregnant - not a good look LOL x. Hi, thank you for responding. I was stage 1 in my left breast, but had the double as a preventative measure, since I never wanted to go through this again. (regarding that, I wonder if guys had needles stuck in their privates if they would be a little more sensitive with their needles???) I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. Please tell me it will go away. I know it doesnt seem long, but three years is still three years and it feels good. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. Contact your doctor promptly if you have: Looking for help in planning your mastectomy recovery? He said since things were disturbed during surgery it would take a little time to go down and just wear a good supporting bra which I have been doing but nothing has changed. @delight I think of you often, I apologize that I kind of lose track of conversations. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. My GP doesn't seem bothered, and my BCN says it will 'probably go away'. I had my op on both breasts on the Thursday and my drains were taken out on the Saturday. Following bilateral Mx I had failed implants and was completely flat.My tummy appeared to be really fat,as wasn't balanced out. There's evanmarcus again appearing on the forum with slightly odd remarks.. I just spoke to a wonderful woman on the support line ( hey I made a pun!) The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. During this time, hospital staff will monitor vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure. Thank you all so much. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific details. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. Its possible that you may go home with one or more surgical drains. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Did you get a response? Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were removed. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is the most complex breast reconstructive option. September 2009 edited March 2014 #1. Yet another thing to add to the list of 'why don't they forewarn you about these things'?? After researching this phenomenon online, I think that it must be due to the antibiotic I will finish today. @chamisa See my post below. We avoid using tertiary references. Now I look like Im six months pregnant. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. Its most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. These include redness, pain, heat, increased swelling, or fever. "Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. Any update? Its like doctors sometimes you have to search for one who is a good fit for your personality) because I was going to be flying on a vacation and I knew sometimes flying can be a trigger. I was in excellent physical shape when I underwent my hysterectomy (Not to brag, but I actually had a six-pack!). How long would naproxen take to work for me? for the first couple of days I could actually hear the fluid moving around, but this has stopped now. I had left mastectomy and few lymph nodesleft side bloating/swelling4 months post op. No swelling in my extremities. Had part of colon removed in April & did radiospheres as well. Ido have swelling around my side and back, and under my arm, and a feeling on the upperunderside of my arm of a rubbing sensation, as if it's badly grazed.i guess this is all post op symptoms but just wondered if anyone else has experienced this. Here's what you. If youre experiencing prolonged pain after the procedure, discuss your treatment options with a doctor. I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. Thank you in advance for sharing your experience. Its common to have pain or discomfort after a mastectomy. Hi Delight, welcome. Prophylactic mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). New techniques attempt to reduce the amount of dead space created to help prevent seromas from forming. In some cases, the skin and tissue need to be augmented with a breast implant to achieve the desired breast size. Also, try walking to help. Thank you, @carr. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. on the non affected side. I am getting bilateral mastectomy/breast reconstruction (after finding out I have a genetic mutation) next month and am scared to death about my hospital experience. I am now almost 72, retired, and I don't wear a bra with forms unless I dress up, so my body resembles a man with a big beer belly. Interested in more discussions like this? Is there anyway to tell if this is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to the doctor? If this is the case, get instructions from your surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains at home. I find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe US sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it with care. Swelling after mastectomy A 69-year-old female asked: How long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? I had a bi lateral mastectomy five years ago and only one lymph node removed on my left and two on my right (where the invasive cancer was). Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. I was always fairly lean until my DMX in 2017. Had breast op 4 weeks ago, and I've been putting the tummy bloat down to all the things already mentioned - painkillers, lack of movement, the fact that my boobs aren't blocking the view, etc etc. It's done to reduce the risk of cancer in people with a high risk of developing breast, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. I did find this information which may be helpful to see if there are things in your day-to-day that you can add or modify to support reducing bloating. Hearing the words, You have cancer, creates many emotional scars. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Reconstruction, Recovery, and More. I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. You have had a double mx but don't say you have been reconstructed, so no tummy interference. Also given the line that "it just looks bigger because you have no breasts". Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals. Its a good idea to take another person with you the first time you drive after surgery. The one constant in my treatment has been walking it is free and the very best exercise. It feels numb. I am now on a very strict program of PT, massage, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control. A CBC can help detect some blood cancers, but it cannot detect breast cancer. So grateful I found this group! Any ideas? Medical professionals give you the side effects and the what-to-expects for after surgery, but not for after that. Like Helpful Hug I am 5 days post mastectomy and level 2 axillary node clearance. The hospital and my surgeon said the swelling was not swelling, they said my stomach appeared to me to be swollen because I did not have breasts. I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery. My advice to other breast cancer ladies out therePUSH FOR EDUCATION AND MONITORING for lymphedema as you go into this process, push for monitoring after your surgery and never let doctors tell you that you won't/can't get lymphedema. New research suggests that melatonin may help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow the growth of breast cancer, and help make breast cancer. (2020). The nurses/techs give you bs when you ask for proper treatment.you cant get lymphedema if you only have 1 node removedyou wont get if after 10 yearsyou wont get it if they take blood from your handthey cant take blood pressure in your legit goes on and on. Did any of you get a diagnosis? These same lymph nodes that drain the breast can also b A mastectomy bra is usually fitted by a lady who is a trained specialist and is able to measure each patient and determine their size and options. This was at a cancer center that was connected to a hospital that had a trauma center! This build-up might cause swelling and discomfort. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. If it's just mild swelling, sometime it is just due to bloated intestines.If the gastrectomy was several weeks or months ago, the considerations include ascites (abdominal fluid), a hernia, versus tumor regrowth.Talk with your surgeon to learn more. and the surgeon blew me off. Abdominal swelling post-chemo clier Member Posts: 29 October 2009 edited March 2014 #1 So, I've just finished 6 months Folfox + Avastin, every other week. I'm not familiar with the details of this type of procedure or the complication which has occurredjust very sorry you have found yourself in this situation. I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. There's no way to completely predict or prevent breast cancer. I have only taken one pain pill since my surgery, and that was on the first day. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I have found the vibration on a cycle track is very good. Swelling can take 4-8 weeks to completely resolve. I've read that some antibiotics can kill the natural bacteria that the body needs to help process food as it passes through the system. My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Was told it would get better. Up till then I was completely fobbed off. You have had a post op ct so if it was a seroma they should have been able to see the fluid.
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