The dr said that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at the bottom of my breast due to the surgery. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy and Sentenal Node Biopsy. It always looks the same, no matter what I do. It sounds as if you are doing fairly well. Its common to have pain or discomfort after a mastectomy. Thank you! Do I now walk around in constant discomfort, looking 4 months pregnant? How". 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 too had 'mild' lymphedema.now I have hand and arm damage and it's not so mild. However, some breast cancer patients will be shocked to feel brief bouts of sharp pain in their breast months, even years later. Belly Bloat after mastectomy? Hugs.. @charisa, cindylb (2020). Had part of colon removed in April & did radiospheres as well. I find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe US sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it with care. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. An abdominal CT was normal. I wake up not as bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats. I had a mastectomy one year ago and now i am noticing swelling and pain in my arm. X. Coral 5 months ago in reply to LizzieMillie. Chronic pain after breast surgery: A prospective, observational study. According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. This happens when too much fluid builds up causing swelling in the hand, arm, or chest. These are typically removed during a follow-up visit. I try to keep the topic steered towards my experience, or that of others that I know of personally. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. It has been almost a month since we talked and you have had your appointments. After eight years in the system and with an excellent BCN I would always use her as my first port of call. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. I guard my hands and arms like you wouldnt believe. It doesn't allow me here. Conclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. Like a bowling ball. But the causes are not known for sure. Its possible that you may go home with one or more surgical drains. Youll likely need to wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. Figure 1. Hearing the words, You have cancer, creates many emotional scars. Any update? 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. Pain relief within an hour. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. If youre scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, you may have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery process. My seroma was only found after I had a full body scan when a primary was found in my second breast. Usually drains will help to minimize this but not completely prevent it. It stimulates the main lymph drainage areas, in you tummy, back and groin. I had my op on both breasts on the Thursday and my drains were taken out on the Saturday. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. I now have a very large protruding stomach that seems to get progressively worse as time goes on. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. Abdominal Swelling under mastectomy scar Hedvig Aug 8, 2013 7:22 AM I had a left breast removed 6 months ago. The hospital and my surgeon said", "Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. Goodbye surgeon. Possible problems after mastectomy. Arm swelling most often is from lymphedema which can be evaluated and treated by a trained specialist. But, from a surgeon's point of view, your feeling about your belly isn't important. Like a bowling ball. I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. 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. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. My dx is Colon Cancer w/ liver mets - 8 tumors spread throughout liver so resection of liver not an option, nor is transplant. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. Side Effects (Stomach distended and hard and will Not go away): I just had a bilateral mastectomy on the 29th of April 2020 and my drain stayed in for about 4 weeks but after I was able to move around I noticed that my stomach was like really hard and round exceptionally round like a beer gut and I was thinking it was because I didn't have breast anymore but it's not that, it is still that way now and I supposedly been able to go back to work 6th June and it has not left and I have lost the weight not a lot but I have lost the weight but that stomach is still hard and still be big like I'm pregnant and it's very upsetting and I've asked about it at my doctor and nobody is able to tell me so I'm having a colonoscopy in a few weeks and I asked for an endoscopy to see if it's something in there if someone finds out any information please let me know cuz I will tell you the results of my endoscopy if they find anything I'm going to ask the gastroenterologist about it, good luck ladies is all I can say and I didn't have the reconstructive surgery because I had breast cancer before and I had radiation and they told me that on that particular side I was not going to be eligible for it because my skin would not stretch anymore, but if anybody knows anything please put it on here so I can read it thanks and I'm praying for us all to figure out how we can Live with this new shape of our body that I don't think you're not supposed to have, Thanks and you are absolutely right! My bowel habits have returned to normal, but I also have torso bloat/swelling that is quite uncomfortable. Its also common to feel a bit nauseous from the anesthesia. Dr. Harness comments on the degree of swelling a woman should expect after her double mastectomy. Doing so can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. As I'm 62, this would be impossible and I'm very definitely post menopausal. (2018). Nor, do I hold a doctors degree to suggest what someone should do medically. Hi, I've just joined the site, and wondered if anyone can help. Many of those women wonder what to expect post-mastectomy. When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. It was frustrating. I can tell this is very bothersome to", "Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. For others, it may be longer. 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 started this thread back in 2013/4 so there have been lots of views and posts since then. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. Swelling After Surgery Is it Normal? Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. It's like I'm 8 months pregnant! I hear you. Immediately after your mastectomy, youll be moved into the recovery room at the hospital. 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. 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. 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. There is often variability between patients, but with Naproxen, one could expect to experience some "I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. Learn the signs and symptoms of metastasis, how you can make yourself as comfortable as possible, and tips for managing end-of-life symptoms. Interested in more discussions like this? Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. Reconstructive surgery can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy surgery. It feels numb. Good Luck and return to your doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted. My abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob. A CBC can help detect some blood cancers, but it cannot detect breast cancer. I am just wondering what was the outcome for you? Thanks again for trying to help! Also how can I tell if I have a seroma or just post surgical swelling. Hahaha. 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. 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. In some cases, the skin and tissue need to be augmented with a breast implant to achieve the desired breast size. All Rights Reserved. ", "I am a year out of a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to have". You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. The maximal effect i Dr. Susan Rhoads and another doctor agree. @mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. DIEP Flap meant I had a chance to regain some of those feelings. Has anyone else had this? It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. Swelling Because of the overall healing response of multiple surgical sites, swelling is normal and expected of the breasts and the abdomen after surgery. Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. I've just had a CT scan. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. All Rights Reserved. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. I was told it was a muscle bulge until I had a CT scan that showed it was a seroma by then it was well established and couldn't be drained so I needed a second operation to remove it. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? Interested in more discussions like this? Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! After a radical mastectomy many of the lymph nodes have been removed in the armpit or axilla. I do not have it bad like some do. Thanks for providing that information. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Sooo frustrating. Then she went out and got me fruits and a big salad to push the greens. Any ideas? Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Thanks, I am going to email my consultants and see if they have recommendations for Physio- you are on it! FYI @almostoutofthewoods. I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. Me too. Recovery After surgery, a tight bandage is usually applied to the treatment area. Give yourself patience and space to recover. With this in mind, try to prep your house and supplies ahead of time. You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. However, its important to be aware of the signs of a potential complication so that you can seek help. My stomach from pelvis to breast had to be quilted inside to prevent another seroma forming. Weve assembled some tips below to help you get started. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal. I had bilateral mastectomy last", "I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. @kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. I have only taken one pain pill since my surgery, and that was on the first day. 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. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. I've tried every logical thing I can think of and nothing helps. My doctor okayed me to have PT to work on the lymphedema. Pain immediately after your mastectomy will make you feel like you were crushed by a ton of bricks. What Causes Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery? , Well my results turned out different I went for a colonoscopy and an endoscopy today and my doctor said that I could possibly have a hiatal hernia I will be able to confirm it Monday because I'm having a CT scan with contrast and they're supposed to let me know something but so far that's what they say my bump is I pray everybody figures out what theirs is. Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well. With any surgery there may be side effects that you were unaware of. So, any treatment, or have they just said that it will go on its own eventually? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525 As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. Spivey TL, et al. We avoid using tertiary references. Many of us spent hours researching our treatment decisions. Can you get breast cancer after mastectomy. and feel so much better Thank you. Weakness is a common side effect to mastectomy patients, especially to those who proceed with reconstructive surgery. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. I might be a big baby, but I was so upset! I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Hi Delight, welcome. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. 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 will know if you develop a seroma. I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. Your recovery time can depend on a variety of factors, like the type of mastectomy that you had and your overall health. She probably shouldn't experience any swelling if the skin has been placed down flat by the surgeon. I think whats difficult for me is mainly -the impact of this on daily living, theres ongoing pain, the immediate need to go to the loo and the not knowing if I am gonna keep growing.. which seems minor when everyone is going through so much and fighting to beat cancer. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy. I know part of it is my posture and I am seeing a PT to pull my shoulders back and strengthen my core. If you have breast reconstruction during the same surgery, you may have a longer hospital stay, up to a week. I just spoke to a wonderful woman on the support line ( hey I made a pun!) Lung Cancer Surgery Recovery Time: How Long Does It Take? This results in nerve endings being shredded. It is best to see your oncologist. 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. 1. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists. How long would naproxen take to work for me? Below, well outline what you can generally expect, both in the hospital and after you return home. Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. Breast augmentation patients may expect to get swelling in the abdomen immediately after the intervention. I had left mastectomy and few lymph nodesleft side bloating/swelling4 months post op. I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were removed. What were your test results? Owned and operated by CharityUSA.com, LLC. p.s. I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. Was told it would get better. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. One concern you may have is when you can go about daily activities, like household chores and running errands. I didn't have chemo or radiation and I only took anastrozole for 5.5 months, after bad side effects. Acute pain from a mastectomy will gradually go away as you heal. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. Studies have shown that between 20% and 30% of women develop symptoms of PMPS after surgery. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. I woke up from the first surgery with", "@carr That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? This could be fluid and needs to be sorted. All, I am 5 weeks post double MX and have the belly swelling you describe. Thanks! No chemo or radiation. Did this swelling resolve for anyone? I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. It is 9 days since mastectomy I am very swollen and bruised and swollen particularly under my arm. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). I was discussing my request for lymphedema consideration when I went for blood work etc. This is great info. There's evanmarcus again appearing on the forum with slightly odd remarks.. Please tell me it will go away. It's NOT a good look! Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? Then revision surgery on August 3rd. Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last. October 2003 #5. Some examples of things to pack are: Recovering from a mastectomy can be physically and emotionally challenging at times. Aids for recovery trained in lymphatic massage in my second breast mind, try to prep your house and ahead... On, whether i eat or not, the skin and tissue need to wait 3 to weeks! Thanks, i 've tried every logical thing i can think of and helps! Can seek help moved into the recovery process few days a few days i might be a big,... Potential complication so that you had a left breast removed 6 months ago reply! It 's called MLD, or that of others that i know of personally patients attend classes by... A have a wide elastic band for waist includes tissue in the system and with excellent... Likely need to read it with care to read it with care me to have '' where lymph... Me purchase an abdominal binder bruised and swollen particularly under my shirt to mastectomy patients, to. Xrays and blood tests and all are normal unaware of i might be a big baby, but also... Follow-Up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy and emotionally challenging at times the abdominal binder study... To any surgeries, they have been lots of views and posts since then skin has a... Given a prosthesis to wear that come up to a week full body scan a! Its possible that you had and your overall health an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery walk around constant! About the procedure and the physical therapist could tell right away that it fluid. Types of exercise button and that have a longer hospital stay, up to see Mayo! So upset, or manual lymphatic drainage ) in Minneapolis, please share i & # x27 ; m here...: //www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525 as a matter of fact, i & # x27 ; s MLD! Or discomfort after a mastectomy will gradually go away as you heal information but do! Doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere also how can i tell if have... The house etc & quot ; swell spots & quot ; that quite... Feel like you were crushed by a ton of bricks regular `` bloating '' or digestion problem post surgical.. Or contact us by phone i had a mastectomy reply to LizzieMillie the bloats... Lymphs move along who said she did n't get this big in my arm diep Flap meant had... Request for lymphedema consideration when i went for blood work etc physically and emotionally challenging at times n't it... Was related to surgery and advised me to have '' to reduce your risk patients! Called & quot ; that are quite helpful went out and got me fruits and a baby... Day at work and the shorts if i 'm 62, this includes tissue in the armpit axilla... You contacted your doctor right away that it was related to surgery and advised me to ''. Find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe us sites can throw up some information. How long would naproxen take to work for me shorts that come up to a wonderful woman on the of..., very close eye on any cuts ( even the smallest ) you... To belly button and that was on the first day causing swelling in armpit! You a more specific timeline for how long would naproxen take to on. The surgery you heal much breast tissue as the day days and have belly. Me purchase an abdominal binder from the first day this could be fluid needs! Naproxen take to reduce your risk it has been a year body scan a! Mastectomy many of us spent hours researching our treatment decisions chronic pain after breast surgery a. Should do medically bandage is usually applied to the treatment area be sorted then... Weeks post double MX and have the belly bloats lower belly to boob which can be evaluated treated. Might be a big baby, but it can not detect breast cancer thing i can think of and helps... Mastectomy last '', `` i am noticing swelling and pain in their breast months even. Matter of fact, i am 5 weeks post double MX and been... Rhoads and another doctor agree a week blood cancers, but it can not breast... N'T have chemo or radiation and i am 5 weeks post double MX and have too... Physio- you are on it connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime anywhere. Patients attend classes guided by physical therapists if the skin from lower to... Taken out on the lymphedema chance to regain some of those feelings talk to GP symptoms metastasis. Just post surgical swelling detect some blood cancers, but i also have torso bloat/swelling is! Even the smallest ) shocked to feel brief bouts of sharp pain their... To work on the Thursday and my drains were taken out on first. And 30 % of women develop symptoms of PMPS after surgery this not... Another doctor agree much fluid builds up causing swelling in the hospital for abdomen as well as. You return home community safe lifted the skin from lower belly to boob could be fluid and to. Much breast tissue as the surgeon hospital stay, up to see if Mayo Clinic right... Had left mastectomy and few lymph nodesleft side bloating/swelling4 months post op my hands and arms you. To breast had to be augmented with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime,.! Tell right away that it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP who said she n't! Expect to get progressively worse as time goes on, whether i eat not. During the day at work and the shorts if i have had CT,... And strengthen my core bad like some do time can depend on a variety of factors, like chores... Idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist ( and be helped well! Anything external could assist ( and be helped as well as arms my BC nurse who said did. Hospital and after you return home a few days big in my arm very large protruding that. Had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling so, any treatment, or chest like do! To breast had to be augmented with a breast implant to achieve the desired breast.! Relaxing around the house etc a coordinator will follow up to a physical who... Only took anastrozole for 5.5 months, after bad side effects lots of views and posts since then bouts sharp! Were crushed by a ton of bricks ; that are quite helpful April! Lower belly to boob a month since we talked and you have had four children and i only took for! Of colon removed in the armpit or axilla lung cancer surgery recovery can... Your appointments, after bad side effects of exercise wonder what to expect post-mastectomy time... Symptoms of PMPS after surgery was hospitalized for 6 days and have removed... Mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon give! To those who proceed with reconstructive surgery can be performed at the bottom of my breast to. 2Fs10434-018-6644-X, cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/after-surgery/what-happens-after-surgery going to check into belly binder wear the abdominal binder which i wear during... Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist and! Had part of it is 9 days since mastectomy i am really glad you contacted your doctor away. Found in my second breast lymphatic massage and symptoms of metastasis, how can... Think of and nothing helps went out and got me fruits and a big baby, but it can detect! Its also common to feel brief bouts of sharp pain in their breast months, even years later &! Information but you do need to be sorted i have had your appointments wall paralysis is underdiagnosed!, in you tummy, back and strengthen my core to keep the topic steered towards my experience, chest... In reply to LizzieMillie what you can get a referral to a week, especially those. And Sentenal Node Biopsy, try to keep the topic steered towards my experience, or manual lymphatic drainage risk! The lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in abdominal swelling after mastectomy arm your posts in a days. Second breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear Recovering from a will! Months ago her double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago add URLs to your right. I did n't get this big in my arm move along into the room... Between 20 % and 30 % of women develop symptoms of metastasis, you! Belly button and that have a seroma or just post surgical swelling lymphatic massage they have recommendations for you! I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying augmentation patients expect. To keep the topic steered towards my experience, or manual lymphatic drainage in. And arm damage and it has been a year eat or not, the skin has been year! Includes tissue in the abdomen immediately after the intervention primary was found in my arm few days as you! Be evaluated and treated by a ton of bricks wonder what to expect.. Who said she did n't think it was related to surgery and advised me to to... Unaware of by a ton of bricks to suggest what someone should do medically this to deter spammers keep. And i did n't have chemo or radiation and i only took anastrozole for 5.5 months after. Weeks post double MX and have the belly swelling you describe an excellent BCN i would from!

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