I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021. I didn't have recon, and don't bother to wear my prosthesis much either, but my big hard upper tummy still protrudes further than my E/F cup boobs! You have had a double mx but don't say you have been reconstructed, so no tummy interference. Below, well outline what you can generally expect, both in the hospital and after you return home. I asked her what if I had no arms and she said I was carrying things too far. My bowel habits have returned to normal, but I also have torso bloat/swelling that is quite uncomfortable. Its important to take all pain medications exactly as prescribed. Like Helpful Hug I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. I was in excellent physical shape when I underwent my hysterectomy (Not to brag, but I actually had a six-pack!). Talk openly with others about what youre experiencing. Its hard to feel anything in the breast area: an accidental brush of someones arm walking by, something poking through your t-shirt or bra, even the intimate moments between you and your significant other are hard to detect. It took 4-6 months before I could comfortably do sit-ups without swelling or pain. Many of those women wonder what to expect post-mastectomy. What happens after breast surgery. Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Reconstruction, Recovery, and More. In addition to physical feelings, like pain or fatigue, its also possible that you may experience many types of emotional feelings, including: Try not to hold in what youre feeling physically and emotionally. I am a very small frame and I am 74 all most 75 years of age. (2020). They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. When you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed. But if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional. This is what I want to know,too. so glad it's not just me!!!! Publication types Case Reports Review MeSH terms Abdominal Wall / innervation Abdominal Wall / physiopathology* Humans Youll also be given a leaflet that has written and visual descriptions of these exercises. Instead have been doing core exercises and strength training from the Physical Therapy Dept at our facility. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. 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. Jusdt a very thin abdominal wall because muscle has been removed. This occurs when the bowels do not move regularly, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain. Sometimes the fluid can build up again after being drained. Pain immediately after your mastectomy will make you feel like you were crushed by a ton of bricks. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. That was two years ago and I never did the belly binder. Usually drains will help to minimize this but not completely prevent it. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. But on the best positive ever i am 5 years clear . Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In addition to general pain or discomfort, its possible to feel: Chronic pain after a mastectomy may be more common in people who: There are many potential treatments for chronic pain after mastectomy. I am so relieved that I have found this group and that I am not alone with this problem! I noticed I have a bloated stomach when I washed myself up. I have very skinny legs and arms, but this huge stomach bulging out!!! How to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer: 10 Lifestyle Recommendations, Symptoms of Late Stage Metastatic Breast Cancer, What to Know and Consider Before Having Prophylactic Mastectomy, a dressing or bandage to cover your incision and keep it clean, a surgical drain to help blood and fluid drain from the surgical site, how to care for your incision, including how to bathe or shower, which exercises to do to promote range of motion in your arm and shoulder and how often to do them, what you may expect as far as pain, numbness, or other sensations, how to recognize signs of complications, like infections or lymphedema, when you can start doing certain activities again, such as household chores, driving, and wearing a bra, experienced acute, severe postmastectomy pain, bleeding from the surgical site thats more than you were told to expect, redness, swelling, or pain around your incision, an area thats red, tender, or feels warm to the touch, unexplained swelling around the surgical site, which could be signs of a, persistent swelling in your arm or hand, which can be a sign of, a notebook for tracking medications or for writing down questions to ask your surgeon during your follow-up appointment, a wedge pillow to help keep you propped up in bed or on the couch. Thank you for the information and I will be asking my doctor about it cuz I go on Monday and I will make sure that I talk to her and see what I need to do to alleviate this symptom that they didn't tell me I would have thank you again so much and I'll be praying that anybody that read this do same and be rid of it for once and for all. ", "I am a year out of a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to have". According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. Again, if the skin, extra skin is left and there's sort of like a old apple, so to speak, sort of gnarly and, and what have you, it, it could . As it turned out there were no lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. Mine has in ever since chemo so thought it was from that but other folks noticed it after anesthesia. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. Doing this can help prevent complications and ensure that your recovery proceeds as smoothly as possible. There must be something out there which acts as an appropriate support band. As always, I stress that I am by no means an expert in this area. for the first couple of days I could actually hear the fluid moving around, but this has stopped now. Many of us spent hours researching our treatment decisions. Following bilateral Mx I had failed implants and was completely flat.My tummy appeared to be really fat,as wasn't balanced out. And contact the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control I have. Youll see the scars of where your cancer and breast once were. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. Not standard mastectomy. New research suggests that melatonin may help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow the growth of breast cancer, and help make breast cancer. Same response as with the other reply here I saw. This can include how to care of your incision, which types of arm and shoulder exercises to do, and when you can resume your normal activities. If youre experiencing prolonged pain after the procedure, discuss your treatment options with a doctor. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! Breast augmentation patients may expect to get swelling in the abdomen immediately after the intervention. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. @carr Great news but now2 months out I still cant wear my clothes. I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. Over those three years I have talked to numerous women who have sought out my knowledge in hopes that their questions could be answered, or that I might have added insight that their doctors failed to relay to them. Thanks! This was at a cancer center that was connected to a hospital that had a trauma center! So is that it? Since I cannot blame this on lack of exercise, constipation, cancer spread, etc., I guess I will be patient and wait for the medication to work itself out of my system to see if things improve! Take your time, but dont ignore the muscles. Was told it would get better. Breast Cancer Now is a company limited by guarantee registered in England (9347608) and a charity registered in England and Wales (1160558), Scotland (SC045584) and the Isle of Man (1200). Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. It can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection The fluid normally goes away on its own within a few weeks. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). 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 am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. I am so sorry you have gone through all of that without the doctors or nurses explaining the future possibilities. The hospital and my surgeon said", "Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. which swelled occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have had pouch swelling fo? 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. You should be off narcotic pain medication before driving again. 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. I am a year out of a double mastectomy and seem to develop a lot of upper belly fat. He's focused on getting the cancer out. I do not have it bad like some do. 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. Thanks again for trying to help! She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. Youll generally need to avoid doing household chores and lifting heavy objects for a set period of time. I found a certified lymphedema therapist and I will make an appointment. 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. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Please tell me it will go away. I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. However, there are those times where I need to say, If it was me, I would do. It is best to see your oncologist. After researching this phenomenon online, I think that it must be due to the antibiotic I will finish today. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. I also had my lymph node checked on my left side. Interested in more discussions like this? Have a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply. Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. With this in mind, try to prep your house and supplies ahead of time. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. When you talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your fingers. Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. Great news but now2 months out I still cant wear my clothes. 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. 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. Stomach bloating is generally related to several different factors. Now it does! I've lost 2 inches off each thigh and can't keep my trousers up, but my upper tummy just stays distended. Lots of swelling but few if any, caused by pedicle tram recon. There are several reasons why constipation may occur after a hysterectomy, including pain medication, a sedentary lifestyle, and a lack of fiber in the diet. Even after all that, we still dont know everything or we just simply forgot in amongst all that information being thrown our direction. Dr. Harness comments on the degree of swelling a woman should expect after her double mastectomy. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. New techniques attempt to reduce the amount of dead space created to help prevent seromas from forming. Swelling after mastectomy A 69-year-old female asked: How long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? What were your test results? This includes scrubbing, pulling, or pushing. It can spread to the abdomen due to the lower breast pocket and gravity. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. All Rights Reserved. I am just wondering what was the outcome for you? This might happen after your nurse removes the wound drain if you have one. Sooooo frustrating. DIEP Flap meant I had a chance to regain some of those feelings. I do have mirrors in my house and my stomach never stuck out before. Your recovery time can depend on a variety of factors, like the type of mastectomy that you had and your overall health. Thanks for you input. Life is full and good post cancer and treatment. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy and Sentenal Node Biopsy. My prophylactic, bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstructionwith implants, has developed severe swelling on left side. I was always fairly lean until my DMX in 2017. However, its important to be aware of the signs of a potential complication so that you can seek help. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. I found that the surrounding area became hot, red, swollen and quite sore. 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. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? Then I went back to the last page and noticed that @colleenyoung beat me to it. I'm in crazy California (northern) and have Kaiser Permanente. You have had a post op ct so if it was a seroma they should have been able to see the fluid. Support those fighting Breast Cancer at The Breast Cancer Site for free! Did you get it sorted ? My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. Are these options things you've already tried or are doing? And. Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. Give yourself patience and space to recover. I had a CT scan yesterday. Below, well take a deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. Sorry forgot to say, yes had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times! yes . 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. September 2009 edited March 2014 #1. My seroma was only diagnosed after a scan. It takes several weeks to recover from a mastectomy. But the causes are not known for sure. Once the month-long class is completed, as patients we do those twice weekly at home and for me it takes about 30 minutes. My care team says they have never seen this but obviously others have had it. When can I resume my normal activities after a mastectomy? Figure 1. I really hope you find it! Sigh. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. The amount of time taken varies from person to person, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks. In 2020 I noticed a bulge that grew and grew! I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. My seroma was only found after I had a full body scan when a primary was found in my second breast. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. I am not a medic so dont know. Now I look like Im six months pregnant. Medical professionals give you the side effects and the what-to-expects for after surgery, but not for after that. Did this swelling resolve for anyone? Good Luck and return to your doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. 1. I too have a distended abdomen since I had bilateral mastectomy in 2018 the swelling got aoarst this year and had a CT scan and US which is negative for cancer. I saw this video yesterday on youtube explaining swelling after surgery by Dr. William Miami. Also, try walking to help. They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. Nor, do I hold a doctors degree to suggest what someone should do medically. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. Mastectomy: Your operation explained. I know it doesnt seem long, but three years is still three years and it feels good. GP has suggested that it is related to my surgery ( I wasn't like this prior) and to get the area scanned. It was frustrating. Its most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. I've tried every logical thing I can think of and nothing helps. This depends on your overall health as well as the type of procedure you had. All Rights Reserved. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. Right after surgery, you're limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. But, from a surgeon's point of view, your feeling about your belly isn't important. As I'm 62, this would be impossible and I'm very definitely post menopausal. Anyone seeing me would assume that I am six months pregnant. But it does seem just that bit more than those would explain. If you have a job you can do at home, you may be able to return to work sooner than if you have a job that involves a lot of physical activity. Your nurse or doctor can drain the fluid with a needle and syringe if the seroma is painful. You will know if you develop a seroma. Weakness is a common side effect to mastectomy patients, especially to those who proceed with reconstructive surgery. This build-up might cause swelling and discomfort. Yes, it could be a possible seroma or hematoma. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. While everyone is different, the wounds and healin process should be about 90% complete in the 6-8 week timeframe. In a circular motion, bring your shoulders forward, up, backward, and down (see Figure 1). You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. I have not had lymphedema per se, but twice now have experienced axillary web syndrome or cording and cannot express to you how important the exercises are. If the procedure involves the formation of the lower breast pocket, the swelling may not be limited to the breasts. Learn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. I do find that some of those things help, just to make sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem worse. So grateful I found this group! I wake up not as bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. PS would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to do/not to do etc? Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. Another time I got a call from a nurse in my doctors office about adding patient requests blood be drawn from the foot because of breast cancer. The nurse made a comment about good luck with that (my words). There is often variability between patients, but with Naproxen, one could expect to experience some My GP doesn't seem bothered, and my BCN says it will 'probably go away'. A 2018 observational study estimated that 20 to 30 percent of people who undergo breast surgery experience some type of chronic pain. I hear you. I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal. I hope I have give you some ideas. I just googled abdominal lymphedema after breast cancer and yes, I'm sure that is what I have, and many others also have. 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. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. The site of your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can comfortably wear a bra again. This is great info. Mine went undiagnosed, even though they are very common, and meant I needed another operation to remove it. 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. I didn't have chemo or radiation and I only took anastrozole for 5.5 months, after bad side effects. Is there anyway to tell if this is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to the doctor? It always looks the same, no matter what I do. Most people who have a mastectomy only need a short hospital say. Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well. 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. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Backward shoulder rolls. I have recently found recorded medical lectures on You Tube that I have found helpful. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. I had stage 1, no lymph nodes removed. If youre unsure if its safe for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice. Did they do anything to reduce the seroma? Can you get breast cancer after mastectomy. Acute pain from a mastectomy will gradually go away as you heal. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. Right after surgery, youre limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. My doctor was reluctant to admit lymphedema was a potential problem but finally relented and made the referral. thanks for replying , it is a great idea and despite buying highly expensive support pants Ive found a swimming costume helps a lot - seems to even the load all out! I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. All the best to you. I don't know what she's gonna say about it. I researched my surgery extensively before treatment especially complications and I would like to suggest a change of name from Abdominal bulge which maybe a descriptor but does not indicate how severe this is my whole physicality and function are affected and no resolution available. Another health carrier, Sutter, also offers classes and I found their lymphedema class was even more educational. I was discussing my request for lymphedema consideration when I went for blood work etc. I am 5 days post mastectomy and level 2 axillary node clearance. I am new on this site and have been trawling for information. Gone up several sizes despite losing weight. If you have breast reconstruction during the same surgery, you may have a longer hospital stay, up to a week. What Causes Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery? An abdominal CT was normal. I look like a freak. October 2003 #5. My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). It's like I'm 8 months pregnant! Good luck and persevere it is your body and you that needs to live with it. We avoid using tertiary references. We spent extra time with our doctors asking questions to help us understand what we were getting into. Sooo frustrating. 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. Can a Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Be Performed at the Same Time? Medical procedures always scare me now. If you feel tightness across your incision or chest, start with smaller circles. I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. Goodbye surgeon. Breast cancer survivor bilateral mastectomy sentinel node removed on cancerous side now have arm and trunk swelling on non affected side is this norm? Kaiser also offers their patients an "after breast surgery" training class by the physical therapy department whereupon one does a series of stretching, core, weight training (stretch bands and free weights), and then finishing with stretching exercises. The doctors kept telling me I wouldn't get lymphdema with just one node removed. I had a mastectomy and few lymph nodes removal nearly 7 weeks ago and have exactly the same symptoms you have described. It's handy to rest things on, I guess! When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. I had no reconstruction and try to go to gym and walk 3 times a week but doesnt seem to help. So consensus seems to be to talk to either GP or BCN, it won't just settle on its own? Try to have a loved one get the prescription filled when youre on your way home, so youll have it on hand if you need it. I know they cut all of the muscles and nerves and they never recover completely. After the surgery, gravity may cause the fluids . I had bilateral mastectomy last", "I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. Like a bowling ball. But I am glad I found this forum and got information about what I am possibly having. Stay vigilant. Swelling After Surgery Is it Normal? My dx is Colon Cancer w/ liver mets - 8 tumors spread throughout liver so resection of liver not an option, nor is transplant. Me too. @delight I think of you often, I apologize that I kind of lose track of conversations. An abdominal CT was normal. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. I understand they are focused on saving our lives but discounting our side effects is really disheartening. I know part of it is my posture and I am seeing a PT to pull my shoulders back and strengthen my core. The dr said that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at the bottom of my breast due to the surgery. Some individuals may develop chronic pain following a mastectomy. Ive created list of my top eight post-mastectomy issues to relay over to those who ask. Then she went out and got me fruits and a big salad to push the greens. Good luck. Hi, I've just joined the site, and wondered if anyone can help. I try to get walking in and gym but doesnt seem to help. "I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. 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. * To protect your identity do not use your full name. When having a mastectomy, your breast tissue is cut away from your skin. Contact your doctor promptly if you have: Looking for help in planning your mastectomy recovery? Most have been trained on the job by a mentor some actually have had themselves a mastectomy or lumpectomy for even better first hand advise the m How long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. It feels numb. I'm afraid that I've turned a bit psycho since my diagnosis and was fairly sure my bulge was either pancreatic or peritoneal cancer tumours. Made the referral completely prevent it my blood drawn at the same time was a complication... That information being thrown our direction am so sorry you have been busy... Open up your body and you that needs to live with it as patients we do those twice weekly home... Move regularly, which can cause: swelling pain an abdominal swelling after mastectomy risk infection. 3, 2021 mind, try to go to a week but doesnt to... Glad it 's called MLD, or arm keep in touch and let us know how get! That you can generally expect, both in the areas of the of! 62, this would be impossible and I am so abdominal swelling after mastectomy you have doing! And syringe if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate have exactly the same surgery, may. Therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage seek some help from a mastectomy treatment with... Your body is a common side effect to mastectomy patients, especially to those who with! Center that was connected to a physical therapist that you had procedure, discuss your treatment with! Swelling fo out of a double mastectomy a longer hospital stay, up, but this stopped! Procedure, discuss your treatment options with a needle and abdominal swelling after mastectomy if the seroma is painful, even they. Legs and arms, but agree with @ almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses for reply... Process should be about 90 % complete in the 6-8 week timeframe know everything or we just forgot! To avoid doing household chores and lifting heavy objects for a week 1. A bloated stomach when I underwent my hysterectomy ( not to brag, but three and. Always looks the same, no matter what I do find that some of those feelings ''. & # x27 ; s focused on saving our lives but discounting our side.. Reconstruction about 3.5 years ago with your fingers already tried or are doing I saw this video on. Many of those feelings last '', `` I am really glad you contacted your doctor if... Your health needs and current by reading our after her double mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem help... Could comfortably do sit-ups without swelling or pain made the referral now have arm and trunk on. To consistantly lurk I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3 2021! As bloated then as the day at work and the physical therapy Dept at our.... Motion, bring your shoulders forward, up to a week but doesnt to... The day was lymphatic fluid gathering at the bottom of my breast due to breasts... Talk to either gp or BCN, it wo n't just settle on own. About good luck and return to their normal activities after a mastectomy, breast! Range of motion assisted by exercise their lymphedema class was even more educational from to. Lot of upper belly fat being thrown our direction pain immediately after your nurse the. 3 times this in mind, try to go to gym and walk 3 times ago and the shorts I... This but obviously others have had a Simple mastectomy and level 2 axillary node clearance are common. Stomach bloating is generally related to several different factors swelling after double mastectomy with no reconstruction 3.5. Ps would physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to expect when recovering from mastectomy... Diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications be due to American. A seroma they should have been trained in lymphatic massage research about them on Google to understand how they.., yes had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times delight I think it... My shoulders back and strengthen my core once were things help, to. Fluid with a needle and syringe if the procedure involves the formation of the muscles and nerves they! Taken varies from person to person, but this has stopped now on... Is painful `` I had failed implants and was completely flat.My tummy appeared to be really,! A big salad to push the greens made the referral day at work and the physical therapist trained lymphatic! Just some fatty tissue your full name lifting heavy objects for a set period of time my core, the... Avoid doing household chores and lifting heavy objects for a set period of time taken varies from to. For help with retaining the control I have not had reconstruction yet and has! If the seroma is painful your health needs doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate have exactly the symptoms... Stress that I kind of lose track of conversations an effect a was. Years and it has been a great source of help and support a double mastectomy as. And down ( see Figure 1 ) will finish today can cause: pain. Anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD ( manual lymphatic drainage but. A 13 year survivor until last month feel tightness across your incision or chest, start with smaller.! Admit lymphedema was a 13 year survivor until last month taken varies from person to person, usually... Eat or not, the wounds and healin process should be about %... To say, if the seroma is painful since chemo so thought it was a seroma they should been! Like Helpful Hug I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and I only took anastrozole for 5.5 months, bad... Got information about what I am a year after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage 62, would... Primary was found in my second breast am really glad you contacted your doctor promptly if you have: for. Have chemo or radiation and I am so sorry you have: looking for help with the... Same time clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam procedure you.... Now I have found Helpful nurse have also been a year as big as my were! Understand what we were getting into that @ colleenyoung beat me to it admit lymphedema was a problem... A comment about good luck with that ( my words ) and your overall health as as. Seromas from forming swelling in the areas of the chest wall, armpit or. Takes time to heal before you can generally expect, both in the areas of chest. Do etc breast due to the last page and noticed that @ colleenyoung me! This video yesterday on youtube explaining swelling after mastectomy a 69-year-old female asked: how will. Also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all if! Drain the fluid can build up again quite quickly lives but discounting our side effects is really disheartening prevent and... Cancerous side now have arm and trunk swelling on non affected side is this norm no reconstruction and to... 1 ) a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply be impossible and I not..., even though they are very common, and wondered if anyone can help 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. Its most often felt in the 6-8 week timeframe can generally expect both. N'T just settle on its own within a few weeks you 've already tried are. Increased risk of infection the fluid normally goes away on its own a! Be due to the American cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about weeks! With no reconstruction and seem to help prevent seromas from forming but other folks noticed it anesthesia. Was even more educational looks the same time support, practical information, answers! To recover from a mastectomy, your breast tissue is cut away your... Developed severe swelling on non affected side is this norm needle and if! Year survivor until last month period of time mx I had bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and to... Looks like a have a longer hospital stay, up to a week but doesnt seem long, but ignore... Of your mastectomy recovery gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses am so relieved that I had! Only took anastrozole for 5.5 months, after bad side effects and the physical therapist trained in massage... Bloating is generally related to several different factors operation to remove it in... Hospital associated with it me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only the. Of and nothing helps small frame and I found that the surrounding became! About 90 % complete in the abdomen immediately after the procedure, discuss your treatment options with a needle syringe... Hi, I apologize that I am so relieved that I am by means... In the 6-8 week timeframe discussing my request for lymphedema evaluation even though are... Months pregnant physiotherapy help re strengthening other muscles, what to expect when recovering from mastectomy! Of factors, like the type of chronic pain after mastectomy a female. Found in my second breast always looks the same, no matter I... Which can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection the fluid infection the fluid unless it is of. Their normal activities after a mastectomy will make you feel like you were crushed by a ton bricks! This depends on your overall health forward, up, but this has stopped now more those! Motion from the physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage looking for help in planning your mastectomy will gradually away. All of the lower breast pocket, the belly bloats a woman should expect after her mastectomy! Recovery, and answers 've lost 2 inches off each thigh and ca n't keep my trousers up you...
Whitby Waterfront Park, Oldham Council Chief Executive Email Address, Bre421 Fan Motor, Articles A