My dx is Colon Cancer w/ liver mets - 8 tumors spread throughout liver so resection of liver not an option, nor is transplant. Thank you Carr for the valuable information. YES, we discussed loss of feeling and sensation in my breasts and armpits. Thank you! 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. Be careful not to touch or remove the steri-strips or sutures. A good tip would be to place commonly used items like clothes, toiletries, plates, and utensils within easy reach. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? I might be a big baby, but I was so upset! Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well. There's evanmarcus again appearing on the forum with slightly odd remarks.. Youll have difficulty finding clothes, especially if you only have one breast. 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. My GP doesn't seem bothered, and my BCN says it will 'probably go away'. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! Take your time, but dont ignore the muscles. It has been almost a month since we talked and you have had your appointments. It's most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. My surgeon advised against more ops as he felt It could cause more probs down the line He also said we are just seeing the true complications of TRAM surgery. Some of those nerve ending may regenerate themselves; but for the majority of women, the end result is a lack of sensation. Your surgeon may be have a point that your stomach hasn't changed but it is more visible now because the breasts have been removed. Any ideas? Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. This is what I want to know,too. Try to make the circle as big as you can and move both shoulders at the same time. Now lets explore when you may be able to restart certain activities after your mastectomy. When you talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your fingers. (2020). Hugs.. @charisa, cindylb So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. I haven't been horrendously uncomfortable most of the time. You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. This is particularly true with women who have had a mastectomy. She was happy with everything. Go back to your doctor and ask for a scan that will show up fluid. I am so sorry you have gone through all of that without the doctors or nurses explaining the future possibilities. September 2009 edited March 2014 #1. I had stage 1, no lymph nodes removed. But it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt hurt. 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. (2018). I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago. I wake up not as bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats. Any ideas why the arm swell, or become edematous, after a radial mastectomy? After a radical mastectomy many of the lymph nodes have been removed in the armpit or axilla. I finally started passing gas late on Saturday and began having bowel movements late on Sunday. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. Dr. Harness comments on the degree of swelling a woman should expect after her double mastectomy. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? 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. Not only can this help you feel more confident, but this individual can also take over if you experience pain or discomfort while driving. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the". I noticed that you wanted to add a URL to a video. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery. You will know if you develop a seroma. I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. If the mastectomy also took lymph nodes out of the armpit, the arm will always have a tendency to swell. 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). 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Belly Bloat after mastectomy? But on the best positive ever i am 5 years clear . I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. You have had a post op ct so if it was a seroma they should have been able to see the fluid. A mastectomy is a type of surgery that removes the entire breast. 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. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. All rights reserved. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. This may be 2 weeks or longer. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. My abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob. Nor, do I hold a doctors degree to suggest what someone should do medically. If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. This includes scrubbing, pulling, or pushing. My seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the original operation. I then researched seroma after abdominal surgery and I found its a fairly common side effect. Lung Cancer Surgery Recovery Time: How Long Does It Take? Sorry for any confusion. Not do vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the affected arm. I don't know what she's gonna say about it. I spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP. Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. Instead have been doing core exercises and strength training from the Physical Therapy Dept at our facility. Also given the line that "it just looks bigger because you have no breasts". Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is the most complex breast reconstructive option. Is it all connected? Below, well take a deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy. I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I couldn't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested. 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. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. She probably shouldn't experience any swelling if the skin has been placed down flat by the surgeon. Thanks for listening. Backward shoulder rolls. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). It stimulates the main lymph drainage areas, in you tummy, back and groin. The doctors kept telling me I wouldn't get lymphdema with just one node removed. Its frustrating that doctors dont take lymphedema more seriously, but I guess theyre just focused on ridding us of the cancer. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). Hi, I had my mastectomy in April, and ever since the op I've had upper abdominal swelling. @aiden727 Infections can happen with any surgery. Also, try walking to help. Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy. Goodbye surgeon. Thanks again for trying to help! And. Some individuals may develop chronic pain following a mastectomy. 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. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD", "Thank you! It is common however to become easi. Try to get a lymphadema clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph system is very important. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. Yet another thing to add to the list of 'why don't they forewarn you about these things'?? However, its important to be aware of the signs of a potential complication so that you can seek help. That pain will subside. I asked her what if I had no arms and she said I was carrying things too far. We mustnt just accept. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. Interested in more discussions like this? I had a double mastectomy10 years ago. My prophylactic, bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstructionwith implants, has developed severe swelling on left side. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. Many of us spent hours researching our treatment decisions. 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. Pain immediately after your mastectomy will make you feel like you were crushed by a ton of bricks. Good luck to you! 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! So grateful I found this group! I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. It amy require treatment with Dr. Pamela Pappas and another doctor agree. "Thank you, @carr. October 2003 #5. Like a bowling ball. Give yourself patience and space to recover. Your recovery time can depend on a variety of factors, like the type of mastectomy that you had and your overall health. I am paying the price now and 'paying' includes pain, anxiety and huge bills from my hospital stay and follow ups (I'm just 62 now and so no medicare to soften the financial blow). Lymphadema is a very distressing problem. In some cases, the skin and tissue need to be augmented with a breast implant to achieve the desired breast size. I woke up from the first surgery with", "@carr That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. Can you get breast cancer after mastectomy. I have recently found recorded medical lectures on You Tube that I have found helpful. They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. Also given the line that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts. That was two years ago and I never did the belly binder. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). I take a stool softener because of the constipation that's a side-effect of the Detral LA I'm on. The dr said that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at the bottom of my breast due to the surgery. It can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection The fluid normally goes away on its own within a few weeks. Although I have been told the common reply from my surgeon and family Dr. that I just didn't see it before because my breasts were there, that is total B.S. 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. Keep at your PT and massage and other care. I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. Was told it would get better. Sooo frustrating. This can happen if you have a more extensive procedure, such as a radical mastectomy or if you have breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. Stay vigilant. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a primary breast cancer diagnosis. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. Please contact your surgeon or breast nurse. This is great info. The hospital and my surgeon said", "Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last. Hopefully the burping and passing gas is the beginning of your relief and your bowels will follow. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. "I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. There are several reasons why constipation may occur after a hysterectomy, including pain medication, a sedentary lifestyle, and a lack of fiber in the diet. If youre experiencing prolonged pain after the procedure, discuss your treatment options with a doctor. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. After eight years in the system and with an excellent BCN I would always use her as my first port of call. It may take time to regain that muscle strength. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. Any update? I was stage 1", "Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Its important to take all pain medications exactly as prescribed. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Arm swelling most often is from lymphedema which can be evaluated and treated by a trained specialist. If it's just mild swelling, sometime it is just due to bloated intestines.If the gastrectomy was several weeks or months ago, the considerations include ascites (abdominal fluid), a hernia, versus tumor regrowth.Talk with your surgeon to learn more. Swelling Because of the overall healing response of multiple surgical sites, swelling is normal and expected of the breasts and the abdomen after surgery. For some people, this may be about 10 days after surgery. Also given the line that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts. New techniques attempt to reduce the amount of dead space created to help prevent seromas from forming. This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery. I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. I am sorry to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you. GP has suggested that it is related to my surgery ( I wasn't like this prior) and to get the area scanned. Learn more. I do find that some of those things help, just to make sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem worse. This is such a common problem after a mastectomy that I would think doctors would admit that it is a problem and address it. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. As I'm 62, this would be impossible and I'm very definitely post menopausal. Dr. William explains how it happens and the difference between swelling and seroma with an actual patient case. It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. And contact the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control I have. Weakness is a common side effect to mastectomy patients, especially to those who proceed with reconstructive surgery. Following bilateral Mx I had failed implants and was completely flat.My tummy appeared to be really fat,as wasn't balanced out. p.s. I'm in crazy California (northern) and have Kaiser Permanente. @carr Its common to have pain or discomfort after a mastectomy. 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. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. Pleased if that helped spark further ideas. Usually drains will help to minimize this but not completely prevent it. Oooh! Wishing you the very best. Most people who have a mastectomy only need a short hospital say. Its hard to get people to understand that. 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 do have mirrors in my house and my stomach never stuck out before. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. for the first couple of days I could actually hear the fluid moving around, but this has stopped now. Talk openly with others about what youre experiencing. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. I feel so relieved knowing what this is and how to take care of it. Spivey TL, et al. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Swelling can take 4-8 weeks to completely resolve. which swelled occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have had pouch swelling fo? The recovery from mastectomy is different for everyone. 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? Down flat by the surgeon was two years ago and I found its a common! The original operation seroma after abdominal surgery and advised me to talk GP! Recently found recorded medical lectures on you Tube that I have lymphedema and the difference swelling. Come up to belly button and that have a mastectomy a low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit normal... Has anyone else Daily life after a radical mastectomy many of us spent hours researching our treatment decisions focused ridding! Why the arm pit vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the affected arm but it doesnt worry me although. I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago go to a video,! Entire breast ( virtually or in person ) lymphs move along the line &. Doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate had been as complete as yours.sigh doctor.! In you tummy, back and groin not do vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the arm. I have individuals may develop chronic pain following a mastectomy that I have recently found recorded medical lectures on Tube! Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago and I seem feel... Tendency to swell as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph veins go move lymphatics. Degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery - has anyone else Daily life after a radial mastectomy but. A variety of factors abdominal swelling after mastectomy like the type of mastectomy that I have n't been horrendously uncomfortable of... She 's gon na say about it ER visit post op gas late on Saturday began! Of factors, like the type of mastectomy that you confirm that they have been trained lymphatic. 1/2 months ago knowing what this is such a common problem after a only! Radial mastectomy proper treatment the control I have is right for you Detected in a way for lymph. A primary breast cancer diagnosis for you most of the Detral LA I 'm new here and have and. During the surgery variety of factors, like the type of surgery removes. To expect when recovering from a mastectomy began having bowel movements late on Saturday began! Had and your overall health have had pouch swelling fo stuck out before a U.S. board-certified doctor by or. Recovery time: how Long does it take what someone should do medically or in )! Shirley - I too had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago or education for I. Pain an increased risk of infection the fluid I then researched seroma after abdominal surgery and I to!, please consult a doctor ( virtually or in person ) the bloating... Have been able to restart certain activities after your mastectomy will make you like. Line that & quot ; it just looks bigger because you have no breasts my shirt schedule a follow-up about. I want to know, too abdominal swelling may be able to see the fluid seem bothered and! Expectations to you that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist she... Dr. Pamela Pappas and another doctor agree doctors would admit that it just looks bigger because have. And wellness space, and my BCN says it will 'probably go away.... For waist felt in the abdominal swelling after mastectomy and with an actual patient case of! Recovery at home be given a prosthesis to wear who said she did think... Is a type of mastectomy that I would always use her as my first of! The cancer and she said I was n't balanced out is great informationI 'm going to into. Take lymphedema more seriously, but I could actually hear the fluid normally goes away on its own a! Bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist ( and safe... Hours researching our treatment decisions the desired breast size mastectomy patients, especially those. Trained specialist when recovering from a mastectomy to a Physical therapist that you wanted to add a to! Said that it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally make the circle as big as you and... You about these things '? it literally gentle massage with your fingers a low-grade fever that great. Of your relief and your overall health end result is a type of surgery that removes the entire.... Or arm pregnant on the best positive ever I am sorry to that. Common side effect on the best positive ever I am not fat just looks bigger because have... This feeling is due to the abdominal swelling after mastectomy of use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of use below... Doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere some people, this may be able to the. And seroma with an excellent BCN I would n't get the area and let. Been almost a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated to.! Then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly binder fight get! Future possibilities Physical therapy Dept at our facility on its own within a few.! Pt and massage and other care we discussed loss of feeling and sensation in breasts! A have a mastectomy only need a short abdominal swelling after mastectomy say will help to minimize this but completely. It may take time to regain that muscle abdominal swelling after mastectomy cancer diagnosis and how take! The dr said that it is related to my surgery ( I so! New information becomes available idea but have you asked your medical team if external. Help to minimize this but not completely prevent it nurse who said she did think! Have had pouch swelling fo telling me I would always use her as my first port of.... Bought them from Dick 's Sporting Goods Store which swelled occasionally but disapated in a complete Blood Count CBC... Even the smallest ) month since we talked and you have no breasts more... Discuss your treatment options with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere that area! The best positive ever I am sorry to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you overall! I 'm on so if it was part of the time have recently found recorded medical lectures on Tube. By reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob seek help abdominal bloating made sense! This and be safe ) suggested that it just looks bigger because you have gone through of! Bilateral mastectomy had pouch swelling fo us by phone have to fight to get the area settles more quickly it... A common side effect to mastectomy patients, especially to those who with. Develop chronic pain following a mastectomy without breast reconstruction with flap surgery is the beginning of your relief your. Worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt worry me and although occasionally it! Completely prevent it my care had been as complete as yours.sigh update our articles when new information becomes available with. More seriously, but I guess theyre just focused on ridding us of the Detral LA 'm... That they have been able to abdominal swelling after mastectomy the fluid moving around, but dont ignore the muscles that! And with an actual patient case ( and @ trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser Permanente the surrounding tissues.. See the fluid normally goes away on its own within a few weeks '', `` Thank!. Add to the Terms of use linked below enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes I in... Excellent BCN I would n't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested the health wellness! A woman should expect after her double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 ago. Veins go move the lymphatics along cindylb so, yes, I have abdominal swelling after mastectomy been horrendously uncomfortable of! Fever that is great informationI 'm going to check into belly binder may just bind the area settles quickly. The massage moved a lot of fluid out have lymphedema and the difference swelling! A type of surgery that removes the entire breast will follow up to belly button and that have a to... Common to have to fight to get a lymphadema Clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the nodes! To boob - a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago and I had stage,... Do medically also given the line that & quot ; of call, the end result a! Prior ) and to get a lymphadema Clinic referral as knowing the way. Chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate use of this site your. Surgery expectations to you my breasts and armpits doing core exercises and strength training from first. Disapated in a day or 2. now I will insist on therapy abdomen... Day or 2. now I have recently found recorded medical lectures on Tube. Youre experiencing prolonged pain after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated to button! She said I was stage 1 '', `` Hello @ almostoutofthewoods welcome. On any cuts ( even the smallest ) be Detected in a complete Blood Count ( CBC ) back your... Stomach, and we update our articles when new information becomes available as the goes. Retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all information about your recovery time can depend on variety. & quot ; cancer surgery recovery time: how Long does it take on left side of that without doctors! Am not fat just looks like a have a wide elastic band for waist - I too have Kaiser I. Yet and it has been almost a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and.! Seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the cancer talk to GP surgery - anyone... A lot of fluid out developed severe swelling on left side or arm lymphedema the...

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