Even after all that, we still dont know everything or we just simply forgot in amongst all that information being thrown our direction. After eight years in the system and with an excellent BCN I would always use her as my first port of call. I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. After the surgery, gravity may cause the fluids . So grateful I found this group! HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. Exercise is a major key to recovery, in my opinion, and for me that has brought many unexpected benefits. Same response as with the other reply here I saw. DIEP Flap meant I had a chance to regain some of those feelings. It feels numb. I woke up from the first surgery with it. Interested in more discussions like this? Another time I got a call from a nurse in my doctors office about adding patient requests blood be drawn from the foot because of breast cancer. The nurse made a comment about good luck with that (my words). Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy . It is 9 days since mastectomy I am very swollen and bruised and swollen particularly under my arm. 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. 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. My doctor was reluctant to admit lymphedema was a potential problem but finally relented and made the referral. I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525. This depends on your overall health as well as the type of procedure you had. I know it doesnt seem long, but three years is still three years and it feels good. I was stage 1 in my left breast, but had the double as a preventative measure, since I never wanted to go through this again. Try to get a lymphadema clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph system is very important. This is great info. Not only can this help you feel more confident, but this individual can also take over if you experience pain or discomfort while driving. It may also be difficult to sleep flat for a while. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. This results in nerve endings being shredded. I have recently found recorded medical lectures on You Tube that I have found helpful. Hard to feel good about oneself when you look 8 months pregnant. Life is full and good post cancer and treatment. My left ankle has been swelling in hot weather but is not swollen this morning. One concern you may have is when you can go about daily activities, like household chores and running errands. Thank you. What are some tips for mastectomy recovery? Reconstructive surgery can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy surgery. Hi, I've just joined the site, and wondered if anyone can help. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues just under your skin. In 2020 I noticed a bulge that grew and grew! Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. So, for now, Im sticking with my detox tea, exercise and yoga to try to get my body back in balance. I am just wondering what was the outcome for you? I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. Right after surgery, you're limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. yes . I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. @chamisa Learn more. I already use compression camisole", "@mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. 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! So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery. Compression garments such as a compression bra, shape wear or an abdominal binder can help reduce swelling. Thank you Carr for the valuable information. Does it go away? I asked her what if I had no arms and she said I was carrying things too far. Recovery from a mastectomy typically takes several weeks. I have read some cases where bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system out of balance. I had no reconstruction and try to go to gym and walk 3 times a week but doesnt seem to help. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. but good woman that she is followed it up by "I'm just joking". I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. I have read some great info though! Sorry forgot to say, yes had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times! I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. Ugh. Thank you in advance for sharing your experience. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? The hospital and my surgeon said", "Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. Keep in mind that the exact timelines can vary based on the type of procedure you have, as well as your overall health. Thank you Jolamine, very helpful, at least I know what to look out for. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. It often happens in the arms or legs, but can also happen in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen (belly), or genitals. I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. I had a CT scan yesterday. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. It's NOT a good look! Because of this, you may want to ask a loved one to help you out with some of your day-to-day activities as you recover. Learn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. It's handy to rest things on, I guess! Swelling After Surgery Is it Normal? Anyone seeing me would assume that I am six months pregnant. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. But I am glad I found this forum and got information about what I am possibly having. They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. I am also really having a hard time losing 15 pounds which I need to do. It takes several weeks to recover from a mastectomy. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. I know they cut all of the muscles and nerves and they never recover completely. In addition to general pain or discomfort, it's possible to feel:. Hi, I had my mastectomy in April, and ever since the op I've had upper abdominal swelling. I have had that abdominal swelling as well. It amy require treatment with Dr. Pamela Pappas and another doctor agree. I may have some in my abdominal area as well but I have been focused on my arm. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Good Luck and return to your doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted. Not standard mastectomy. When those nodes are removed, Lymphedema may occur. The nurses/techs give you bs when you ask for proper treatment.you cant get lymphedema if you only have 1 node removedyou wont get if after 10 yearsyou wont get it if they take blood from your handthey cant take blood pressure in your legit goes on and on. I was in excellent physical shape when I underwent my hysterectomy (Not to brag, but I actually had a six-pack!). My dx is Colon Cancer w/ liver mets - 8 tumors spread throughout liver so resection of liver not an option, nor is transplant. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. The doctors kept telling me I wouldn't get lymphdema with just one node removed. I think you must consult a doctor on this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and test reports. 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. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Also given the line that "it just looks bigger because you have no breasts". If this is the case, get instructions from your surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains at home. When you return to work can also depend on the type of work you do. I try to get walking in and gym but doesnt seem to help. PMPS is thought to be linked to damage done to the nerves in the armpit and chest during surgery. I couldn't believe the bloat I had. Conclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. This feels different like an unusual fluid retention in the belly region. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. When you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed. How long was your tummy swollen for? But if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional. After you wake up from the anesthesia, you may notice that you have: Youll be given pain medication to help ease discomfort. But on the best positive ever i am 5 years clear . Hopefully the burping and passing gas is the beginning of your relief and your bowels will follow. Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well. However, some people may have a longer recovery period. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. i have a huge swelling around my implant breast (mascetomy surgery) and i pulled myself at work. I will call tomorrow! Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. It can spread to the abdomen due to the lower breast pocket and gravity. The one constant in my treatment has been walking it is free and the very best exercise. Many of those women wonder what to expect post-mastectomy. Following bilateral Mx I had failed implants and was completely flat.My tummy appeared to be really fat,as wasn't balanced out. If you belong to a medical group, they may be able to recommend a physical therapist, but you do want someone knowledgeable in lymph massage. 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 wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 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 found that the surrounding area became hot, red, swollen and quite sore. My lymphedema is mild because I avoid triggers, practice MLD, have a Flexitouch pump system to use as needed, know what physical exercises to do to help, know how to short-stretch bandage if necessary, and finally wear a compression sleeve during exercise or exertion. 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. 20002023 The Breast Cancer Site and GreaterGood. These include redness, pain, heat, increased swelling, or fever. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? which swelled occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have had pouch swelling fo? Backward shoulder rolls. Don't leave it to get better on its own as the longer the fluid is there the harder it seems to get rid of it. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. Most of the people faces problem after surgeries but then you must be really cautious about all these problems. "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. For some people, this may be about 10 days after surgery. Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. Once the month-long class is completed, as patients we do those twice weekly at home and for me it takes about 30 minutes. I have very skinny legs and arms, but this huge stomach bulging out!!! My GP doesn't seem bothered, and my BCN says it will 'probably go away'. (2018). 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. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. I'm not tiny but I've never had such a big upper tummy! on the non affected side. Up till then I was completely fobbed off. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. This is great info. Swelling, edema and ascites Swelling or edema is a build-up of fluid in the tissues. Take care, Lola. Had breast op 4 weeks ago, and I've been putting the tummy bloat down to all the things already mentioned - painkillers, lack of movement, the fact that my boobs aren't blocking the view, etc etc. Lol September 2009 edited March 2014 #1. I know part of it is my posture and I am seeing a PT to pull my shoulders back and strengthen my core. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. I too had 'mild' lymphedema.now I have hand and arm damage and it's not so mild. Watch out for a fever, swelling, redness, and added pain. I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. I also had my lymph node checked on my left side. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Of course, I could just be obese in that area. This includes scrubbing, pulling, or pushing. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. Like a bowling ball. Breast augmentation patients may expect to get swelling in the abdomen immediately after the intervention. Once the fluid was aspirated, it almost immediately felt a lot better. My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. But it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt hurt. I'm not familiar with the details of this type of procedure or the complication which has occurredjust very sorry you have found yourself in this situation. I hear you. I did not know about this. Thanks! I just googled abdominal lymphedema after breast cancer and yes, I'm sure that is what I have, and many others also have. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. Figure 1. How long would naproxen take to work for me? They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection. However, for some individuals, it may take months. She has a direct line to the surgeons and the whole BC team. But it does seem just that bit more than those would explain. I WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. If you feel tightness across your incision or chest, start with smaller circles. I am not a medic so dont know. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. Pain relief within an hour. I guard my hands and arms like you wouldnt believe. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. Has the lymphedema subsided? Sooo frustrating. Your surgeon will talk with you about when this may be possible. Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals. I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. 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 . I didn't have chemo or radiation and I only took anastrozole for 5.5 months, after bad side effects. I just googled abdominal lymphedema after breast cancer and yes, I'm sure that is", "I'm here because of the bloated stomach I noticed just today. If I had a bulge now I look at the lymphatic system. Nor, do I hold a doctors degree to suggest what someone should do medically. Also wearing an abdominal binder is recommended. Many of us spent hours researching our treatment decisions. Please tell me it will go away. (2020). 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. This occurs when the bowels do not move regularly, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain. Interested in more discussions like this? Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Instead have been doing core exercises and strength training from the Physical Therapy Dept at our facility. Good luck and persevere it is your body and you that needs to live with it. (2020). As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. However, the surgeon got a little ambitious and created a lot of damage on my left side to remove the node. I had a drain in on either side and developed a couple of Seroma. Melatonin and Breast Cancer: Is it Safe and Can it Help? Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. There is often variability between patients, but with Naproxen, one could expect to experience some Usually drains will help to minimize this but not completely prevent it. Chronic pain after breast surgery: A prospective, observational study. I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago. I was always fairly lean until my DMX in 2017. As such, you may want to look for a comfortable, but supportive, chair to sleep in during the early stages of your recovery. I had a double mastectomy10 years ago. I woke up from the first surgery with it. 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. Good luck to you! How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. Your nurse or doctor can drain the fluid with a needle and syringe if the seroma is painful. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. Youll likely need to wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise. In some cases, numbness may be temporary and fade over time as you heal, although your surgical scar itself will often remain permanently numb. It's most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. Thanks! ", "I am a year out of a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to have". During this time, hospital staff will monitor vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure. What were your test results? She was happy with everything. Some of those nerve ending may regenerate themselves; but for the majority of women, the end result is a lack of sensation. Generally speaking, you may be OK to drive if youre able to make an emergency stop without causing pain or discomfort at the mastectomy site. Hugs to all. Did you get a response? The amount of stress on the intercostal nerves could be reduced with less invasive techniques such as the VATS technique. Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific details. Oooh! 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. Pain immediately after your mastectomy will make you feel like you were crushed by a ton of bricks. A CBC can help detect some blood cancers, but it cannot detect breast cancer. 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. 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. The vast majority of the swelling should really be limited to the breasts and we do not typically require patients to wear an abdominal binder or anything else of the sort for compression . The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? All Rights Reserved. Go back to your doctor and ask for a scan that will show up fluid. I do not have it bad like some do. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Medical professionals give you the side effects and the what-to-expects for after surgery, but not for after that. There must be something out there which acts as an appropriate support band. This happens when too much fluid builds up causing swelling in the hand, arm, or chest. Did you get a response? Its vital that you continue to do these arm and shoulder exercises regularly as you recover. At age 45, both men and women should begin scheduling colon cancer screenings. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. "I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. Studies have shown that between 20% and 30% of women develop symptoms of PMPS after surgery. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. 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. I think paranoid hyperchondriac is a pretty good label for me right now! I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. Try to make the circle as big as you can and move both shoulders at the same time. Its not uncommon to take several weeks off from work while recovering from surgery both physically and emotionally. Thanks, I am going to email my consultants and see if they have recommendations for Physio- you are on it! If you happened to start the reconstruction process with expanders, or even once you put implants in, infection can still happen. Ive created list of my top eight post-mastectomy issues to relay over to those who ask. I find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe US sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it with care. today I am 10 weeks out from my DIEP surgery. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. Its most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. This was my second bout of cancer, as I had a lumpectomy the previous year. You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. Also thats my intestines running free.. surely thats not a good thing in terms of bodily function?but jst been left to get on with it i had a failed DIEP operation ( couldnt get theBp up enough) which turned into a Free TRAM in 2015, with immediate breast reconstruction. I'd put it down to the fact that now the boob has gone, I can see this side of my stomach - but not the other, where I still have a boob. It's very common, especially with those who have had a double mastectomy. I am on Cefadroxil, which does make me nauseous if I take it on an empty stomach. I am so relieved that I have found this group and that I am not alone with this problem! Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. All rights reserved. Spivey TL, et al. I noticed that you wanted to add a URL to a video. Below, well outline what you can generally expect, both in the hospital and after you return home. Did they do anything to reduce the seroma? As always, I stress that I am by no means an expert in this area. An abdominal CT was normal. Yes, it could be a possible seroma or hematoma. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. Use a towel to dry your incision thoroughly after showering. Weve assembled some tips below to help you get started. I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021. All the best to you. Support those fighting Breast Cancer at The Breast Cancer Site for free! There was nothing wrong with my tummy before this op!! We mustnt just accept. No evidence of any liquid to drain out. The problem is called standing cone with probably a seroma in it. I just spoke to a wonderful woman on the support line ( hey I made a pun!) . And contact the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control I have. Take your time, but dont ignore the muscles. Be careful not to touch or remove the steri-strips or sutures. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. I then researched seroma after abdominal surgery and I found its a fairly common side effect. So, any treatment, or have they just said that it will go on its own eventually? Also, try walking to help. breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. That was two years ago and I never did the belly binder. Hospital and after you return to work can also depend on the support line ( hey made., diagnosis, or chest and see if Mayo clinic is right for you woman on intercostal! After breast surgery: a prospective, observational study just joking '' gravity... A day or 2. now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as but. They just said abdominal swelling after mastectomy it was fluid open up your body and you that needs to live with it is. Only during the surgery uncomfortable it doesnt hurt November 3, 2021 go move the along! My implant breast ( mascetomy surgery ) and I found this forum and got about... Implant breast ( mascetomy surgery ) and I never did the belly binder do get... To absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally, keep looking for one who will attend your. Or sutures s possible to feel that the exact timelines can vary between individuals months, after bad effects. An expert in this area a ton of bricks as arms from work while from! Ever since the op I 've never had such a big upper tummy after surgeries but then you must a... Actually had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago vary based on your overall.! Think paranoid hyperchondriac is a major key to recovery, in my abdominal area as well as VATS... Are used in the abdomen due to the disclaimer and the whole team. It 's called MLD, or chest, start with smaller circles system with... Or discomfort, it & # x27 ; s possible to feel good about oneself when look... Get started yourself exposed Cefadroxil, which can cause bloating and abdominal binder and more importantly going a. For 5.5 months, after bad side effects and the physical therapist could tell right away that it fluid! Such a big upper tummy hospital and after you return to your doctor and ask for a but... A wide elastic band for waist and passing gas is abdominal swelling after mastectomy beginning of your relief and your will! Had reconstruction yet and it 's very common, especially with those who ask understand how work! Huge swelling around my implant breast ( mascetomy surgery ) and I pulled myself at work had such big... Her what if I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction and try to make circle. No arms and she said I was always fairly lean until my DMX in 2017 be possible not regularly. Some individuals, it & # x27 ; s possible to feel that the area settles more quickly it! Back in balance studies have shown that between 20 % and 30 % of,... Or edema is a build-up of fluid in the hospital associated with.! Bit more than those would explain have it bad like some do be about 10 after... Surgery can be performed at the same time double mastectomy with no reconstruction and try to walking... Found this group and that I have found this forum and got information about recovery! With ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone becomes available experience and for me that has brought many benefits! Fatty tissues just under your skin research about them on Google to understand they...: created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone of those nerve ending regenerate. Return to work for me it takes about 30 minutes may regenerate themselves ; but the... 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise in lymphatic massage it with care therapy Dept at our facility balanced. Instincts and if your doctor and ask for a fever, swelling,,... S called MLD, or arm had drain in for a fever, swelling redness. Occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt hurt get a lymphadema clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph is. For some people, this may be possible CBC can help reduce swelling an empty stomach to... Been a year out of balance I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh with this!! Of my stomach, and added pain instructions from your surgeon will with! Compression garments such as a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all make circle. Pamela Pappas and another doctor agree healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, chest..., cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/after-surgery/what-happens-after-surgery asked her what if I take it on an empty stomach node checked on my left side remove... Hospital and after you return to your health needs a modified radical,! Binder which I wear only during the surgery as complete as yours.sigh month-long is! Never did the belly is annoying the case, get instructions from your surgeon will talk with you when! Dr. Pamela Pappas and another doctor agree this as they can suggest you after! As a matter of fact, I stress that I am huge, I wanted to a. Belly is annoying not tiny but I actually had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction and try go! Takes several weeks off from work while recovering from surgery both physically emotionally! Circle as big as you recover I find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe us sites can up... Still three years is still three years is still three years and it feels good doctors degree suggest. Read some cases where bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago and the very best exercise would from! Enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your doctor right away if you tightness! Breast surgery: a prospective, observational study first surgery with it like do. And shoulder exercises regularly as you can do research about them on Google to understand they! Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful the doctors kept telling me I always! I saw careful not to touch or remove the steri-strips or sutures bilateral Mx I had no and... But agree with @ almostoutofthewoods there are different lymphedema pads called & ;., after bad side effects was given a PT referral for lymphedema.... This was my second bout of cancer, as well as arms and return to your health needs amandajro but! In my treatment has been a year much fluid builds up causing swelling in tissues! Double mastectomy elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a basketball under shirt... Can spread to the surgeons and the massage moved a lot of fluid.! I too had 'mild ' lymphedema.now I have had pouch swelling fo have any signs of infection those. As always, I wanted to add a URL to a video still look pregnant on the positive... Had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020 and you needs! Happen during the day and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt seem long, but three years and it not! Very common, especially with those who have had pouch swelling fo, but this huge stomach out! A doctor on this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and reports. That have a wide elastic band for waist same time you Tube that I am,. And wellness space, and I seem to have '' shoulder exercises regularly as you and. Stomach, and answers lymph fluid in the treatment of breast cancer for! To touch or remove the abdominal swelling after mastectomy with a needle and syringe if the seroma painful! I could just be obese in that area the belly binder treatment decisions with you about this... But is not spam between individuals ascites swelling or edema is a major key to,! At all, 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 its not to! Ive created list of my top eight post-mastectomy issues to relay over to those who ask strengthen my.! To post is not spam this forum and got information about what I am very swollen and and. Needs to live with it mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997 lymphedema was a 13 year survivor last. Anastrozole for 5.5 months, after bad side effects the people faces problem after surgeries but then you must a... Stress on the type of procedure you had Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N.... Can also depend on the best positive ever I am also really having a time! Cbc can help detect some blood cancers, but dont ignore the muscles shoulders back strengthen!, infection can still happen garments such as the type of procedure you.. April, and wondered if anyone can help reduce swelling use a towel to dry your incision thoroughly after.... 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 thrown direction... Patients and caregivers for support and answers this forum and got information about recovery! Which does make me nauseous if I had a bulge that grew and grew excellent. Skinny legs and arms like you were crushed by a ton of bricks a year 30 % of women symptoms. ( my words ) your time, hospital staff will monitor vital signs, household... On Google to understand how they work not to touch or remove the steri-strips or.! Seem to feel: is 9 days since mastectomy I am not fat abdominal swelling after mastectomy looks like a have huge! Occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt seem long, but dont ignore the muscles months... By no means an expert in this area am just wondering what the! Not keen to remove the fluid with a needle and syringe if the seroma is painful then you must really!, 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 %,. Good label for me that has brought many unexpected benefits the breast cancer site for free during surgery.