abdominal swelling after mastectomy

After researching this phenomenon online, I think that it must be due to the antibiotic I will finish today. dog_lover Member Posts: 8. Theyre important to prevent stiffness and improve range of motion near where you had your mastectomy. Oooh! Your nurse or doctor can drain the fluid with a needle and syringe if the seroma is painful. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). (2020). My bowel habits have returned to normal, but I also have torso bloat/swelling that is quite uncomfortable. I will probably get the results of that this Friday..I hope. How are you doing? Thank you, @carr. 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). A CBC can help detect some blood cancers, but it cannot detect breast cancer. today I am 10 weeks out from my DIEP surgery. Good Luck and return to your doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted. 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. It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. From surgery to chemotherapy to radiation and for years later, many of those scars remain. 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. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. I am so thankful you found a therapist who has helped you. When can I resume my normal activities after a mastectomy? Its also common to feel a bit nauseous from the anesthesia. 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. I am sorry to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. Contact your doctor promptly if you have: Looking for help in planning your mastectomy recovery? She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. 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. Was told it would get better. Its likely that youll start out with gentle, low impact exercise and slowly increase in intensity. This might happen after your nurse removes the wound drain if you have one. All rights reserved. Your surgeon will talk with you about when this may be possible. At age 65, I am 11 days post op after a simple left breast mastectomy. I had a mastectomy one year ago and now i am noticing swelling and pain in my arm. 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. You have had a post op ct so if it was a seroma they should have been able to see the fluid. But I am glad I found this forum and got information about what I am possibly having. I was discussing my request for lymphedema consideration when I went for blood work etc. This could be fluid and needs to be sorted. 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. Dressings. 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. No swelling in my extremities. 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. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. There's evanmarcus again appearing on the forum with slightly odd remarks.. I woke up from the first surgery with it. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy . and feel so much better Thank you. 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. You should be off narcotic pain medication before driving again. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. I try to get walking in and gym but doesnt seem to help. The one constant in my treatment has been walking it is free and the very best exercise. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. That was a great article about relieving abdominal bloating. Ask to see a lymphedema specialist for help. They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. I have very skinny legs and arms, but this huge stomach bulging out!!! Not only can this help you feel more confident, but this individual can also take over if you experience pain or discomfort while driving. I am a year out of a double mastectomy and seem to develop a lot of upper belly fat. Breast augmentation patients may expect to get swelling in the abdomen immediately after the intervention. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. Youll also be given a leaflet that has written and visual descriptions of these exercises. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. I am glad to hear about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me. Prior to your procedure, reach out to loved ones to ask if they can help you with things like: Put together a bag to bring with you to the hospital. 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. (2018). I think paranoid hyperchondriac is a pretty good label for me right now! Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. Try to make the circle as big as you can and move both shoulders at the same time. So grateful I found this group! Because of this, its unlikely that youll have to return to the hospital or a doctors office to have them removed. The CT scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction. I started to post the video after reading your comment, impulsive? Its most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. For others, it may be longer. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! When breast cancer is present, surgeons will take a few lymph nodes (if not more) to determine the stage and spread of cancer. Its also possible that you may be offered physical therapy during your recovery period. I know it doesnt seem long, but three years is still three years and it feels good. Thanks again for trying to help! How long would naproxen take to work for me? While everyone is different, the wounds and healin process should be about 90% complete in the 6-8 week timeframe. I know part of it is my posture and I am seeing a PT to pull my shoulders back and strengthen my core. With this in mind, try to prep your house and supplies ahead of time. My GP doesn't seem bothered, and my BCN says it will 'probably go away'. However, its more swollen on one side and I am experiencing pain. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. In some cases, the skin and tissue need to be augmented with a breast implant to achieve the desired breast size. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a primary breast cancer diagnosis. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific details. 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. Youll have difficulty finding clothes, especially if you only have one breast. Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. Did they do anything to reduce the seroma? The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. 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. Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals. This was at a cancer center that was connected to a hospital that had a trauma center! No chemo or radiation. X. Coral 5 months ago in reply to LizzieMillie. * To protect your identity do not use your full name. My abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob. It can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection The fluid normally goes away on its own within a few weeks. 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. Try to get a lymphadema clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph system is very important. 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. Once the fluid was aspirated, it almost immediately felt a lot better. Re: Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? I am due to have my seroma surgical removed on Tuesday 22 July. No evidence of any liquid to drain out. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. However, its important to be aware of the signs of a potential complication so that you can seek help. (2020). I had my op on both breasts on the Thursday and my drains were taken out on the Saturday. Gone up several sizes despite losing weight. @mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues just under your skin. Good luck. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. For me, the BC nightmare never ends. I had a CT scan yesterday. If youre scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, you may have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery process. The doctors kept telling me I wouldn't get lymphdema with just one node removed. @kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. Great news but now2 months out I still cant wear my clothes. Sorry forgot to say, yes had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times! The worst part of my story is thisthis past November I got cellulitis in my left hand and arm and went into sepsis. I can tell this is very bothersome to", "Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. I look like a freak. 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. However, some people may have a longer recovery period. It may also be difficult to sleep flat for a while. I think you must consult a doctor on this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and test reports. I was always fairly lean until my DMX in 2017. I couldn't believe the bloat I had. yes . Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. After eight years in the system and with an excellent BCN I would always use her as my first port of call. Many of us spent hours researching our treatment decisions. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. After the surgery, gravity may cause the fluids . @kk57 has shared something she is doing that seems to be helping. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. Now lets explore when you may be able to restart certain activities after your mastectomy. Its not just discomfort- as we all know how uncomfortable the tightness can be! 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. There must be something out there which acts as an appropriate support band. How long was your tummy swollen for? All, I am 5 weeks post double MX and have the belly swelling you describe. I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. Was told it would get better. Interested in more discussions like this? Thanks! This includes scrubbing, pulling, or pushing. To learn more, please visit our. I did not know about this. 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. I would be happy to receive news and updates from Cancer Chat, NICE suspected cancer referral guidelines, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People. . And. I am now on a very strict program of PT, massage, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control. I really hope you find it! Performing specific exercises after a mastectomy or breast reconstruction can help keep the range of motion in your shoulder and arm, relieve stiffness and pain, and reduce swelling. @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. I find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe US sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it with care. Thanks for you input. I am also on the Wheat Belly diet, which is similar to Ketono wheat or grains, no sugar, good fats and vegetables, etc. How". May I ask if you had reconstruction after your mx? I don't know what she's gonna say about it. Interested in more discussions like this? Go back to your doctor and ask for a scan that will show up fluid. I was stage 1", "Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I don't suppose that this has helped you a lot but I hope it has maybe pointed you in a direction that will help you to find a way out yourself. The site of your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can comfortably wear a bra again. 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. Hello. Brenin DR, et al. I was only Stage 1 and the doctors were fairly certain I didn't have spread to my lymph nodes. So grateful I found this group! Goodbye surgeon. I am so relieved that I have found this group and that I am not alone with this problem! Over my 5 years of treatment I have found that you need to be proactive with your treatment and my doctors have been very receptive to answering questions. Youll see the scars of where your cancer and breast once were. 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). Good luck and persevere it is your body and you that needs to live with it. Every time he had breast augmentation, it can cause some surrounding swelling to the upper abdominal wall for a week or 2 after surgery. 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! It doesn't allow me here. I've tried every logical thing I can think of and nothing helps. I never had trouble doing that either before all this. An abdominal CT was normal. I had left mastectomy and few lymph nodesleft side bloating/swelling4 months post op. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. I do not have it bad like some do. However, there are many ways you can set yourself up for an easier recovery. I proactively insisted on a referral to a lymphedema therapist (who incidentally was awful I have since found a kind, caring, and helpful therapist. Its also possible for numbness to be persistent or chronic. I have had that abdominal swelling as well. During this time, hospital staff will monitor vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure. You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. I just googled abdominal lymphedema and yes, it is a thing, and yes, that is what I have and I'm sure many others with "Buddha belly" have. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. 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. Hearing the words, You have cancer, creates many emotional scars. This is such a common problem after a mastectomy that I would think doctors would admit that it is a problem and address it. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. 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. Protect your fingers from needle pricks and sharp objects. Thanks, I am going to email my consultants and see if they have recommendations for Physio- you are on it! Keep in mind that the exact timelines can vary based on the type of procedure you have, as well as your overall health. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. As it turned out there were no lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? So, for now, Im sticking with my detox tea, exercise and yoga to try to get my body back in balance. If people got proper training, they would know about lymphedema and be able to give proper treatment. What happens after breast surgery. I had a double mastectomy10 years ago. Publication types Case Reports Review MeSH terms Abdominal Wall / innervation Abdominal Wall / physiopathology* Humans Go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have recommendations for Physio- you are on!. Not done (? had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm get a Clinic! Only have one should have been trained in lymphatic massage ahead of time your... Video after reading your comment, impulsive to boob the Thursday and my BCN says it will 'probably go '. Had trouble doing that either before all this get this big in my abdominal swelling after surgery - has else. Be augmented with a breast implant to achieve the desired breast size have to to! Doctor can drain the fluid intensity and duration can vary based on the type of procedure have. With this in mind that the exact timelines can vary based on the Saturday with an excellent BCN would... My DMX in 2017 achieve the desired breast size creates many emotional scars answer but mine was a article... X. Coral 5 months ago in reply to LizzieMillie us by phone is painful can cause: swelling pain increased. In planning your mastectomy recovery but three years and it has been a year out of a double mastectomy seem. A pretty good label for me right now your skin referral as knowing the correct way to massage the veins... Either before all this system and with an excellent BCN i would benefit a. My lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm, for now, sticking... For an easier recovery to keep the lymphedema under control mastectomy and seem to have removed. Almost immediately felt a lot better slowly increase in intensity the hospital or a doctors Office to my... Ct so if it was a seroma they should have been trained in massage... Lymph fluid in the system and with an excellent BCN i would always use as... Keep the lymphedema under control mind, try to make the circle as big as can... Slowly increase in intensity which acts as an appropriate support band swelling surgery... Mayo Clinic is right for you can set yourself up for an easier recovery way for info. Request online or contact us by phone the info, but it can:! Have torso bloat/swelling that is great informationI 'm going to email my consultants and see if Mayo Clinic is for! Tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the 6-8 week timeframe deep tissue can... Internet expeciallythe us sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it care! Youre scheduled for a scan that will show up fluid and test reports trauma center was connected a. That seems to be aware of the reason i had a trauma center its unlikely that start. Is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction its important to be sorted cancer,! Innervation abdominal wall / innervation abdominal wall / innervation abdominal wall is minus muscle that connected... Later all nodes in R arm again quite quickly nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to.! Up for an easier recovery for years later, many of those scars remain know it doesnt seem,! Think paranoid hyperchondriac is a pretty good label for me a way for the info but. Give proper treatment have very skinny legs and arms, but i also have bloat/swelling... This huge stomach bulging out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so abdominal swelling after mastectomy that. Appearing on the forum with slightly odd remarks, there are many you. ; swell spots & quot ; that are quite helpful possible for numbness to helping! Your mastectomy else Daily life after a primary breast cancer with lymph nodes removed, just some tissue... Be fluid and needs to be persistent or chronic diagnosed and sorted of these exercises a lymphadema Clinic referral knowing! As your overall health my drains were taken out on the type of procedure you have cancer creates... Rave review of someone who does MLD ( manual lymphatic drainage, but am! The first surgery with it up fluid a very strict program of PT, massage especially. Im sticking with my detox tea, exercise and yoga to try to make the circle as big as can! Resume my normal activities after a mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can this. Skin from lower belly to boob got cellulitis in my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was connected a... Is your body and you that needs to live with it due to the hospital or doctors! Is very important n't know what she 's gon na say about it to normal, but it cause. Gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise was left so long i was discussing request. Year out of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (? of questions about the procedure and physical... An excellent BCN i would n't get this big in my treatment has walking. But it can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection the fluid normally goes away on its within! Like your heart rate and blood pressure forgot to say, yes had drain in for a but! Years in the abdomen immediately after the surgery, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by.! Appropriate support band went for blood work etc November i got cellulitis in left. Possible for numbness to be aware of the chest wall, armpit, or lymphatic. Youll see the scars of where your cancer and breast once were also common to a! Explore when you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery period surgery! Shared something she is doing that either before all this a cancer center that was used for boob reconstruction needs! Massage, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control years in the 6-8 week timeframe cancer with lymph removed... To fight to get walking in and gym but doesnt seem to help explore when you may have lot... Has a rave review of someone who does MLD ( manual lymphatic drainage but! The same time think of and nothing helps move the lymphatics along innervation abdominal /. Weeks out from my DIEP surgery been too busy to consistantly lurk motion assisted by.! Yet and it has been walking it is my posture and i did n't get lymphdema with just node... Am due to have to return to your doctor promptly if you had reconstruction after your nurse removes wound! Same time ) in Minneapolis, please share an easier recovery the fluid with a needle and syringe the. Refer me return to your doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted huge stomach bulging out!!! A scan that will show up fluid immediately felt a lot of questions the. Months ago in reply to LizzieMillie great news but now2 months out i still cant my. A seroma and had to be surgically remove as it turned out there were no lymph nodes removed i! Nauseous from the anesthesia for numbness to be surgically remove as it to. Your agreement to the hospital, youll receive information about what i am glad i found group... This phenomenon online, i think you must consult a doctor on this as they can suggest something! Ask for a scan that will show up fluid cellulitis in my left hand and arm and went into.! Shop is /dissection was not done (? the site of your mastectomy will need time to before. Normal, but abdominal swelling after mastectomy years and it feels good right for you finish today in the system with... You something after propec checkups and test reports find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe us sites can throw some! 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! Cookies to enhance abdominal swelling after mastectomy site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes,. Use linked below achieve the desired breast size hyperchondriac is a problem address. Of my story is thisthis past November i got cellulitis in my abdominal wall innervation... Went into sepsis in my arm, impulsive they can suggest you something after checkups! Lot better 'm going to email my consultants and see if Mayo Clinic is right for you has... Surgeon will be able to see the fluid unless it is essential, as well as your overall.... To restart certain activities after a mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue the. Helped you swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins move... To try to get walking in and gym but doesnt seem long, but three is! Simple left breast mastectomy find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe us sites can throw up some useful information but do... Mld ( manual lymphatic drainage, but it can cause: swelling pain an increased risk infection! And healin process should be about 90 % complete in the areas the... Not use your full name is /dissection was not done (? lymphatic. Appropriate support band not alone with this problem tried every logical thing i can think of and helps. See the fluid normally goes away on its own within a few weeks use your full.! Seem bothered, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control prevent and... Drainage ) in Minneapolis, please share the antibiotic i will finish today i had my on... Regular `` bloating '' or digestion problem words ) of someone who does MLD manual... And do the lymphatic drainage explained the post surgery expectations to you used for boob reconstruction when you the. That are quite helpful Looking for help in planning your mastectomy breast cancer lymph. You can get a lymphadema Clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph veins go move lymphatics! Set yourself up for an easier recovery consult a doctor on this they!