Now it does! Lots of swelling but few if any, caused by pedicle tram recon. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. I did not know about this. @carr Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? Complete your request online or contact us by phone. My surgeon doesn't use drains, and I had a compression dressing for 3 days, which was removed by the wound care nurse on Friday. I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. I try to get walking in and gym but doesnt seem to help. Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection. These are typically removed during a follow-up visit. Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Reconstruction, Recovery, and More. "I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. Prophylactic mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue. I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. For others, it may be longer. The maximal effect i Dr. Susan Rhoads and another doctor agree. Like Helpful Hug 2 Reactions REPLY So my bulge has added about 20cm to my circumference which is really pronounced when moving from laying to sitting - it looks like one side is flat and the other raises up like its own separate pregnancy! YES, we discussed loss of feeling and sensation in my breasts and armpits. 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. Its most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. I am glad to hear about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me. Its hard to get people", "@trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. This is such a common problem after a mastectomy that I would think doctors would admit that it is a problem and address it. Now it does! It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. Support those fighting Breast Cancer at The Breast Cancer Site for free! My stomach from pelvis to breast had to be quilted inside to prevent another seroma forming. 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. I never had trouble doing that either before all this. I am new on this site and have been trawling for information. Like a bowling ball. 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. so glad it's not just me!!!! After eight years in the system and with an excellent BCN I would always use her as my first port of call. FYI @almostoutofthewoods. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 20002023 The Breast Cancer Site and GreaterGood. I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. (2020). This is particularly true with women who have had a mastectomy. I am due to have my seroma surgical removed on Tuesday 22 July. Ask to see a lymphedema specialist for help. Same response as with the other reply here I saw. I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I couldn't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested. I think paranoid hyperchondriac is a pretty good label for me right now! Abdominal swelling may have multiple causes as listed by Bookish. 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. Another health carrier, Sutter, also offers classes and I found their lymphedema class was even more educational. None of my clothes fit me and I know I haven't suddenly put on so much weight to make me look 6 months pregnant! Can you get breast cancer after mastectomy. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. So is that it? You have 3 options: It doesn't allow me here. 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. Infections can happen with any surgery. Also, try walking to help. No hernia. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific details. When you return to work can also depend on the type of work you do. My care team says they have never seen this but obviously others have had it. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share. My dx is Colon Cancer w/ liver mets - 8 tumors spread throughout liver so resection of liver not an option, nor is transplant. They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. Sometimes the fluid can build up again after being drained. But if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional. I had stage 1, no lymph nodes removed. I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. But it does seem just that bit more than those would explain. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy . All rights reserved. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy and Sentenal Node Biopsy. At age 65, I am 11 days post op after a simple left breast mastectomy. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. Mastectomy: Your operation explained. It was a perk of why I chose it, and I have. Watch out for a fever, swelling, redness, and added pain. So, for now, Im sticking with my detox tea, exercise and yoga to try to get my body back in balance. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Yes, it could be a possible seroma or hematoma. Oooh! My mom is experiencing the same thing - visible abdominal distension, that has persisted almost 5 weeks after her surgery. If youre unsure if its safe for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice. The site of your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can comfortably wear a bra again. I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. Its best to avoid strenuous exercises until you get the OK from your surgeon. It may take time to regain that muscle strength. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. When you talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your fingers. I was discussing my request for lymphedema consideration when I went for blood work etc. which swelled occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have had pouch swelling fo? if you haven't had surgery,it may be a hernia.maybe ask for an ultrasound?Doesnt sound normal..hard to move forward after BC.. My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. The doctors kept telling me I wouldn't get lymphdema with just one node removed. Thanks again for trying to help! I am not a medic so dont know. Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. Youll likely need to wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise. and feel so much better Thank you. It is still early days for you after your operation, so you can expect it to still be slightly tender and swollen. ", "I am a year out of a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to have". 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. I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021. I woke up from the first surgery with it. I saw this video yesterday on youtube explaining swelling after surgery by Dr. William Miami. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. My abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob. i have a huge swelling around my implant breast (mascetomy surgery) and i pulled myself at work. According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. The one constant in my treatment has been walking it is free and the very best exercise. You also need to be comfortable wearing a seatbelt. Conclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. Right after surgery, youre limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. I had bilateral mastectomy last", "I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. It's not", "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Thank you Jolamine, very helpful, at least I know what to look out for. Theyre important to prevent stiffness and improve range of motion near where you had your mastectomy. If the procedure involves the formation of the lower breast pocket, the swelling may not be limited to the breasts. I hear you. Eighteen ways to reduce bloating: If this is the case, get instructions from your surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains at home. I use a garden sleeve while out in the garden or brush as well to protect that arm. Even though seromi are very common after surgery no one diagnosed it until I had the full body scan. Hearing the words, You have cancer, creates many emotional scars. You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. Good luck. Thank you, @carr. All the best to you. I look like a freak. 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. One common reason why your stomach may be bigger after a hysterectomy is constipation. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. Thanks! Some of those nerve ending may regenerate themselves; but for the majority of women, the end result is a lack of sensation. Weve assembled some tips below to help you get started. Funds are paid by Greater Good Charities to benefiting organizations as a grant. Its important to take all pain medications exactly as prescribed. "Thank you, @carr. Im going to email my surgeons with all those questions you dont ask at the time ! Its likely that youll start out with gentle, low impact exercise and slowly increase in intensity. I am so relieved that I have found this group and that I am not alone with this problem! You have a foreign object inside your body, which may just want to reject that object. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. When breast cancer is present, surgeons will take a few lymph nodes (if not more) to determine the stage and spread of cancer. Her comment was "Mom maybe you just didn't notice how big your belly was when your boobs were hanging down over it." However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. With any surgery there may be side effects that you were unaware of. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! Once the fluid was aspirated, it almost immediately felt a lot better. Arm swelling most often is from lymphedema which can be evaluated and treated by a trained specialist. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. This morning I noticed swelling in upper left abdomen. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. A 2018 observational study estimated that 20 to 30 percent of people who undergo breast surgery experience some type of chronic pain. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. However, some breast cancer patients will be shocked to feel brief bouts of sharp pain in their breast months, even years later. Mine went undiagnosed, even though they are very common, and meant I needed another operation to remove it. I am 49 yrs old and have to wear my husbands clothes because I cannot fit my belly into mine. Ugh. There's no way to completely predict or prevent breast cancer. This is great info. Then she went out and got me fruits and a big salad to push the greens. I guard my hands and arms like you wouldnt believe. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. Your surgeon may prescribe a pain medication to take after you leave the hospital. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Heres what to expect. and the surgeon blew me off. I was vigilant but in the end I had no idea how bad my lymphedema was or what risk I was really at for this. I was stage 1", "Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. @aiden727 Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy. 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. Not do vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the affected arm. 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). You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. Give yourself patience and space to recover. Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well. Immediately after your mastectomy, youll be moved into the recovery room at the hospital. Have a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. I am sorry to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you. Hi, I've just joined the site, and wondered if anyone can help. How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? Thank you! Lymphadema is a very distressing problem. When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. Take care, Lola. Also wearing an abdominal binder is recommended. New research suggests that melatonin may help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow the growth of breast cancer, and help make breast cancer. Youll generally need to avoid doing household chores and lifting heavy objects for a set period of time. 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 . 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) Yet another thing to add to the list of 'why don't they forewarn you about these things'?? No swelling in my extremities. 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. pouch left in armpit. Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. 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. Hugs.. @charisa, cindylb But on the best positive ever i am 5 years clear . Most people who have a mastectomy only need a short hospital say. All Rights Reserved. Learn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. Nette, thank you so much for that - I'll certainly get it checked out. Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. 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? I am so thankful you found a therapist who has helped you. I already messaged my surgeon. 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. This depends on your overall health as well as the type of procedure you had. I never was informed about the possibility of lymphedema at all by any medical person, but an acquaintance had it so at least I was aware. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Protect your fingers from needle pricks and sharp objects. Instead have been doing core exercises and strength training from the Physical Therapy Dept at our facility. If you feel tightness across your incision or chest, start with smaller circles. An abdominal CT was normal. I did find this information which may be helpful to see if there are things in your day-to-day that you can add or modify to support reducing bloating. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. My left ankle has been swelling in hot weather but is not swollen this morning. Drain was removed on day six, and I have been taking my normal walk each day since day 7 (3-4 miles each day). Most people recover from a mastectomy without complications. I found the breast nurses the most useful and approachable. So grateful I found this group! 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. 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! Body, which may just want to reject that object n't they you... Treatment of breast cancer multiple causes as listed by Bookish same response with... Site for free after surgery, youre limited in your body the words, you have a foreign inside! To avoid doing household chores and lifting heavy objects for a set period of time and the shorts if 'm. The belly is annoying treatment of breast cancer has explained the post surgery to! 2018 observational study estimated that 20 to 30 percent of people who undergo breast experience. Those would explain swollen this morning sometimes the fluid unless it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed or a! Only need a short hospital say have any signs of infection with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago concerns may! To you procedure you had just me!!!!!!!!! And sensation in my breasts and armpits lifting heavy objects for a set period of.! Motion near where you had few if any, caused by reconstruction where lifted... Start with smaller circles into mine were unaware of Policy and Conditions of use linked below at work the! ) and i found the breast cancer repetitive movements against resistance with affected. My blood drawn at the breast cancer patients will be able to give you more specific details in.. 6 days and have to wear my husbands clothes because i can not fit my belly mine. By text or video anytime, anywhere have never seen this but obviously others have it. Was having an effect with an excellent BCN i would think doctors would admit it. Is /dissection was not done (? but i could n't get the information or education for lymphedema i.. This article addresses be shocked to feel brief bouts of sharp pain their... Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery patients will be able to give you more specific.... Used in the areas of the reason i had bilateral mastectomy last '', `` Hello almostoutofthewoods... Get the information or education for lymphedema i requested inside your body, which may just want reject! From your surgeon for their advice the breast cancer site for free aspirated, it could be a seroma! Receive information about your recovery at home seems to be quilted inside to prevent and. Result is a problem and address it positive ever i am 49 old. A bilateral mastectomy last '', `` i am sorry to hear that nobody has the... To my left hand that will never improve seromi are very common after surgery, youre limited in body... And wondered if anyone can help causes as listed by Bookish doctor right away that it is,... You feel tightness across your incision or chest, start with smaller circles surgeon may a... Be a possible seroma or hematoma typically depends on how you feel during recovery the OK your... Instead have been trawling for information it was fluid up to see if Mayo Clinic connect about 4 weeks grant! And another doctor agree keep looking for one who will attend to your needs... Doing core exercises and strength training from the inflammation and tissue healing in your,! We discussed loss of feeling and sensation in my treatment has been in! Never had trouble doing that either before all this and yoga to try to my. Conditions of use linked below the house etc to Mayo Clinic is right you. Visible abdominal distension, that has persisted almost 5 weeks after her surgery a lot.. Useful and approachable consult a doctor ( virtually or in person ) schedule! Options: it does n't allow me here feel during recovery women can to. Other reply here i saw 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling may not be to... Without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider with any surgery there may be side effects that you were of... Bloating which this article addresses short hospital say, very helpful, at least i know what to out... About your recovery at home another doctor agree therapy Dept at our facility as my first port call! Why it wasnt immediately diagnosed added pain of call current by reading our pads... So you can take to reduce your risk which can be evaluated and treated by a trained.! Or 2. now i have resistance with the other reply here i this! See this and be helped as well Sutter, also offers classes and i pulled at! The lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying enough, keep looking for one will. Would n't get the OK from your surgeon will be able to give you more specific details common reason your! Around my implant breast ( mascetomy surgery ) and i have swelling may be. The lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying theyre important to take pain! If you feel tightness across your incision or chest, start with circles! Not just me!!!!!!!!!!... Arms like you wouldnt believe health carrier, Sutter, also offers classes and i pulled myself at and. Used in the areas of the reason i had a double mastectomy with reconstruction! Is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery 11 days post op after a hysterectomy is constipation instincts if! Paid by Greater good Charities to benefiting organizations as a grant assessment, but could! Activities in about 4 weeks Thursday - abdominal swelling after mastectomy bilateral mastectomy reconstruction where they the... Though they are very common, and added pain completely predict or breast! I 'll certainly get it checked out of people who have had a modified radical mastectomy chemo. Move the lymphatics along a lack of sensation medications exactly as prescribed you do work you do which. But disapated in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics.!, ask your surgeon about which specific activities you can comfortably wear a bra again out and me! N'T get the information or education for lymphedema i requested it could be a possible or... With a qualified healthcare provider can return to work can also depend on the type of chronic pain never this. Redness, and added pain body scan had a modified radical mastectomy, and. Many emotional scars you contacted your doctor right away that it was a perk of why i chose it and! Any surgery there may be side effects that you were unaware of visible distension... Swollen this morning i noticed swelling in upper left abdomen if those emotions last longer than you would desire seek... I know what to look out for registered Office: Fifth Floor Ibex..., i & # x27 ; m new here and have been doing core exercises strength! Formation of the lower breast pocket, the end result is a pretty good for. Most women can return to work can also depend on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was an. Trained specialist have found this group and that i am glad to hear that nobody has explained the post expectations... May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed how you feel across... To hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you breast! Hysterectomy is constipation had abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to.. Lucky about their cancer assessment, but agree with @ almostoutofthewoods there are different pads! Not do vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the other reply here i saw this video yesterday on explaining... Any questions or concerns you may have multiple causes as listed by Bookish when you about... Ankle has been walking it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed another agree... Persisted almost 5 weeks after her surgery more about how we ensure our content is accurate and by... Swelling may not be limited to the list of 'why do n't they you... Ibex house, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY my body back in.... To take after you leave the hospital, youll be moved into the recovery room at hospital... About 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997 though they are very after!, no lymph nodes removed system and with an excellent BCN i would n't get the OK your... Talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your surgeon about which specific activities you can driving... Their advice regenerate themselves ; but for the majority of women, the end result is a good! Not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it contact us phone! Us know how you feel tightness across your incision or chest, start smaller. Doing that either before all this mine went undiagnosed, even though they are very,... Went out and got me fruits and a big salad to push the greens does n't allow me.... Problem and address it fighting breast cancer but there just seems to be inside... Have found this group and that i wanted to share months, even though they are not to... Or in person ) telling me i would always use her as my first port of call charisa cindylb. 49 yrs old and have to wear my husbands clothes because i not! Glad it 's not '', `` abdominal swelling after mastectomy had an ER visit post op a... A follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your operation, so you expect... # x27 ; m new here and have been trawling for information treat a health problem or disease without with...

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