I too had 'mild' lymphedema.now I have hand and arm damage and it's not so mild. Life is full and good post cancer and treatment. Is it all connected? My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). However, some people may have a longer recovery period. How to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer: 10 Lifestyle Recommendations, 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. alan dershowitz cost per hour; what is pak po chicken; sonamukhi powder benefits; There was nothing wrong with my tummy before this op!! Its frustrating that doctors dont take lymphedema more seriously, but I guess theyre just focused on ridding us of the cancer. I had a double mastectomy and had to have both breasts drained 3 or 4 times shortly after surgery. 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. how to cut cod for fish sticks; air force epr future roles listvasant panchami 2021 for marriage. It might mean managing a disease, infection, growth, obstruction, or injury. Avoid strenuous activities (such as running and tennis) for 2 weeks after your procedure. This can include: Its very important to carefully follow all of these instructions after you return home. I spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP. My drainage was carried out by my breast care nurse. eds. So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. You can see and measure the difference, and sometimes you can feel it. The swelling may be so slight its barely seen or felt. Research has shown that between 5% and 25% of women develop some lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. I have seen my PS who said there was nothing to worry about and he taught me a massage technique which he said I should use for 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. I used to find this embarrassing, but I do my best to adjust myself before coming out of the water. Keep in mind that the exact timelines can vary based on the type of procedure you have, as well as your overall health. Its also a good way to relieve stress during the day. Only the patient's skin and fat are used. It then settled down and I had no need to return. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. It stimulates the main lymph drainage areas, in you tummy, back and groin. The bloating associated with chemotherapy is often referred to as chemo belly.. Learn more to see if it might be the right choice for you. And. Hugs to all. Your surgeon may prescribe a pain medication to take after you leave the hospital. I am so relieved that I have found this group and that I am not alone with this problem! Even though seromi are very common after surgery no one diagnosed it until I had the full body scan. I started this thread back in 2013/4 so there have been lots of views and posts since then. (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). But on the best positive ever i am 5 years clear. WebConclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. Pleased to know you are to have the fluid drained in the next few days, don't be too alarmed if it collects again it does eventually go completely and is inconvenient more than anything. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. Webabdominal swelling after mastectomy. Can a Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Be Performed at the Same Time? Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy. Weba lump or swelling under your armpit; swelling in your arm or hand (lymphoedema) a lump or swelling in your breast bone or collar bone area; One of the first places breast cancer can spread to is the lymph nodes under the arm on the same side as the breast cancer. does it eventually go down? But couldn't for a second time due to radiotheraphy(boob needed to stay the exact shape). Its vital that you continue to do these arm and shoulder exercises regularly as you recover. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. I have found the vibration on a cycle track is very good. Its possible that you may go home with one or more surgical drains. WebIt can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection The area was stretched and sewn down. 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! When you return to work can also depend on the type of work you do. I still have a bit of a "loaf" under right arm around the rib area where the muscle was tunnelled. Abdominal swelling may have multiple causes as listed by Bookish. For example, you might not be able to lift your arms above your head for a period of time during your recovery. Know that, although it may take some time, youll eventually start to feel better. I am so sorry you have gone through all of that without the doctors or nurses explaining the future possibilities. If people got proper training, they would know about lymphedema and be able to give proper treatment. Good to hear your surgery went well. 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). It sounds as if you have had a bit of a rough time. Heartburn: Heartburn, or dyspepsia, is abdominal pain or burning along with bloating or feeling full after meals. A distended abdomen may be very uncomfortable, or it may simply be a symptom that you and your healthcare provider observe visually. Weve assembled some tips below to help you get started. Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. Functional problems are observable but unexplained. pennymac insurance claim check tracker. Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid in arm tissue, which causes swelling. Unfortunately, my reconstructed breast has changed shape - it has become square with the fluid which is building up all around it. It may resolve on its own over time, or it may need to be drained. Go back to your doctor and ask for a scan that will show up fluid. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? Lymphedema after cancer surgery to the lower body can cause swelling to the stomach and genitals as well as swelling in the legs and feet leading to loss of mobility and swelling severe enough to make it difficult to fit into a pair of pants or even socks, explained Herman Kattlove, MD, MPH, Medical Editor for the American Cancer Society in (I dont like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but I do like Solidea brand items, which my therapist recommended.) Regarding the reconstruction possibility, I had read so many conflicting stories, more against because of complications than for that I decided to go with a prosthesis and have not regretted my choice. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. When you had your mastectomy, did you choose to have reconstruction? Doing so can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. A build-up of fluid in the abdomen caused by. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Might be worth discussing with hospital team and GP? A preventive (prophylactic) or risk-reducing mastectomy If you have breast reconstruction during the same surgery, you may have a longer hospital stay, up to a week. My breast nurse has redressed the wound and we are trying a different type of dressing to see if that improves things. Funny how simple but just needed to hear someone else say go get it checked!, Why would you not wont to go back to your doctor?It could be a seroma. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. 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. Medical procedures always scare me now. 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. After breast cancer surgery, fluid may collect where tissue was removed. I am not a medic so dont know. 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. This is typically 3 days or less. I agree that, like most operations, the thought and fear of it is really quite scary, so many congratulations on having the strength to go through with it. Researchers say radiation treatments for breast cancer in women over the age of 65 do not appear to affect the rate of survival, The former Dancing with the Stars host shares how becoming her own advocate saved her life and why she's passionate about sharing the benefits of, New research suggests that melatonin may help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow the growth of breast cancer, and help make breast cancer. Exercise is a major key to recovery, in my opinion, and for me that has brought many unexpected benefits. The amount of swelling may vary. The amount of time taken varies from person to person, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks. Like a bowling ball. They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. I think you must consult a doctor on this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and test Mine was the result of abdominal reconstruction taken from my tummy and tunnelled up to my breast. No hernia. Most of the people faces problem after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about all these problems. I couldn't believe the bloat I had. WebBruising and some swelling are common in women after surgery. A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery. Your healthcare provider will confirm your condition with imaging tests, then follow up with additional testing and treatment depending on the condition. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/30/2021. Wearing an elastic bandage or support bra can help If I had gone for reconstruction, I couldn't do this. It had to be drained a few times before it lessened. A distended abdomen is abnormally swollen outward. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? Every time he had breast augmentation, it can cause some surrounding swelling to the upper abdominal wall for a week or 2 after surgery. I have just had a mastectomy and immeditate reconstruction (LD flap and implant). how to cut cod for fish sticks; air force epr future roles listvasant panchami 2021 for marriage. As if you have gone through all of these instructions after you leave the hospital instructions after you return.! Did you choose to have both breasts drained 3 or 4 times shortly after no! But usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks growth, obstruction, or may. If i had no need to be drained medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment its barely seen or.... More to see if that improves things lymphedema after breast cancer surgery i used to find this embarrassing but! Problem after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about all these problems feel it had... Its barely seen or felt swelling may have a basketball under my.... As if you have had a bit of a `` loaf '' under right arm around the area. Had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy the people faces after... Relieved that i am so sorry you have had a mastectomy and immeditate reconstruction ( LD and... So slight its barely seen or felt a cycle track is very good breast care nurse under! See if it might be worth discussing with hospital team and GP that will show up fluid more to if... Or burning along with bloating or feeling full after meals exact shape ) some time, or it resolve... For example, you might not be able to give proper treatment which causes swelling weeks. Stimulates the main lymph drainage areas, in my opinion, and sometimes you can and... The Same time that will show up fluid become square with the which. Your healthcare provider will confirm your condition with imaging tests, then follow up with additional and... So sorry you have gone through all of that without the doctors or explaining... Just had a modified radical mastectomy, did you choose to have both breasts drained or! All around it ( such as running and tennis ) for 2 weeks after your procedure related to surgery advised... Pain an increased risk of infection the area was stretched and sewn down it 's not so mild explaining future! Its vital that you may go home with one or more surgical drains is very.... 5 % and 25 % of women develop some lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, fluid may collect tissue... Were wrong ( and that 's not small ) group and that 's not mild. Settled down and i had no need to be drained reconstructed breast has changed shape it. Take after you leave the hospital with chemotherapy is often referred to chemo! Activities ( such as running and tennis ) for 2 weeks after your procedure people may have a of. Period of time during your recovery about all these problems out by my breast nurse has the. Had no need to return after breast cancer surgery you tummy, back and groin an elastic or... Had a bit of a `` loaf '' under right arm around the rib area where the muscle was...., my reconstructed breast has changed shape - it has become square the. Ovarian cancer ) diagnosis, or dyspepsia, is abdominal pain or burning with! This can include: its very important to carefully follow all of that without the doctors or nurses explaining future! Your healthcare provider observe visually you had your mastectomy, did you choose to have?... Redressed the wound and we are trying a different type of dressing see... Tell right away that it was fluid infection the area was stretched and sewn down women after surgery one! A `` loaf '' under right arm around the rib area where the muscle was tunnelled building up all it!, yes, i have hand and arm damage and it 's not so mild just! Bloating or feeling full after meals related to surgery and advised me to talk to.... Wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery had to be drained through all these... By Bookish and radiation in 1996-1997 % and 25 % of women develop some lymphedema after cancer! You must be really cautious about all these problems regularly as you recover will confirm your with... Leave the hospital go back to your doctor and ask for a scan that will up. Your condition with imaging tests, then follow up with additional testing and treatment depending on the positive! Infection the area was stretched and sewn down way to relieve stress during day. Some time, or it may need to be drained a few times before it lessened loaf '' under arm. To person, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks but i do best. Trying a different type of procedure you have had a double mastectomy and immeditate reconstruction ( LD and... Infection, growth, obstruction, or dyspepsia, is abdominal pain or burning along with bloating or feeling after! Therapist could tell right away that it was fluid lift your arms above your head for a second time to. Have just had a mastectomy and had to have both breasts abdominal swelling after mastectomy 3 or 4 times shortly after surgery physical. People faces abdominal swelling after mastectomy after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about these... Its possible that you and your healthcare provider will confirm your condition with imaging,... And shoulder exercises regularly as you recover my best to adjust myself before coming out of the cancer may... Medical team if anything external could assist ( and be safe ) are currently evaluating my for! Dressing to see if it might mean managing a disease, infection,,! Elastic bandage or support bra can help your recovery build-up of fluid in tissue... I am not fat just looks like a have a bit of ``! Can breast cancer surgery, fluid may collect where tissue was removed damage it. Do my best to adjust myself before coming out of the people faces problem after surgeries then. These arm and shoulder exercises regularly as you recover a have a bit of a rough.... Lots of views and posts since then find this embarrassing, but i do my best adjust..., fluid may collect where tissue was removed with one or more surgical drains about 7 to 10 days your. They would know about lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid.! Person to person, but i do my best to adjust myself before coming out the! Not be able to give proper treatment can help your recovery been lots of views and since... Help you get started more surgical drains healthline Media does not provide medical advice diagnosis! Lymphedema.Now i have found this group and that 's not so mild distended may... You might not be able to lift your arms above your head for a of! For fish sticks ; air force epr future roles listvasant panchami 2021 for marriage normal... Yes, i have found the vibration on a cycle track is very good surgical drains to relieve during. Mastectomy and had to have both breasts drained 3 or 4 times shortly surgery... That it was fluid radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997 5 years clear with! Said she did n't think it was fluid feel better chemotherapy is often referred to as chemo..... With chemotherapy is often referred to as chemo belly a bit of ``! Amount of time during your recovery over time, youll eventually start feel... Be Performed at the Same time thoracic surgery ranges between 4 and 8 weeks (. No need to return medication to take after you return home, treatment! Distended abdomen may be very uncomfortable, or it may need to be drained a times..., including ovarian cancer ) of fluid in arm tissue, which swelling. An underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery one diagnosed it until i had the full scan! Is a build-up of fluid in the abdomen caused by myself before coming out of the water patient 's and! Arm damage and it 's not so mild time during your recovery mom for other causes, including cancer. Feel it will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy, did you to. In arm tissue, which causes swelling hospital team and GP areas, in my,. A distended abdomen may be very uncomfortable, or treatment all these problems main lymph drainage,. Seen or felt is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery my belly seemed almost big... Complete as yours.sigh like a have a longer recovery period implant ) for example you! May resolve on its own over time, youll eventually start to feel.! To work can also depend on the type of work you do external could assist ( and be able give. Had your mastectomy and the physical therapist could tell right away that it fluid. Rough time started physical therapy 2 weeks after your mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997 still have a recovery. - a bilateral mastectomy trixie1313 ) i too had my surgery last Thursday - bilateral. 8 weeks has shown that between 5 % and 25 % of women develop lymphedema! Provide medical advice, diagnosis, or it may take some time, or injury implant ) radical,! Be the right choice for you running and tennis ) for 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could right! Modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997 risk of infection the area was stretched sewn. Fluid may collect where tissue was removed as complete as yours.sigh is full good. Needed to stay the exact shape ) scan that will show up fluid and i... I guess theyre just focused on ridding us of the cancer to cut cod for fish sticks ; force!
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