abdominal swelling after 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. Also how can I tell if I have a seroma or just post surgical swelling. 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. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. Reconstructive surgery can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy surgery. So, for now, Im sticking with my detox tea, exercise and yoga to try to get my body back in balance. Once the month-long class is completed, as patients we do those twice weekly at home and for me it takes about 30 minutes. Thank you! I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. Many of us spent hours researching our treatment decisions. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Heres what to expect. Same response as with the other reply here I saw. I just spoke to a wonderful woman on the support line ( hey I made a pun!) I am so thankful you found a therapist who has helped you. This is a soft, lightweight breast form that can be worn inside your bra. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. I saw this video yesterday on youtube explaining swelling after surgery by Dr. William Miami. Conclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. 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. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. Your tissue has been injured due to the stretching and cutting during surgery. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. This was my second bout of cancer, as I had a lumpectomy the previous year. Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain. Hi, I've just joined the site, and wondered if anyone can help. X. Coral 5 months ago in reply to LizzieMillie. It's handy to rest things on, I guess! Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last. After age 65, both men and women will be screened for osteoporosis and fall risk and begin having . Any ideas? @kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. It can spread to the abdomen due to the lower breast pocket and gravity. Thanks, I am going to email my consultants and see if they have recommendations for Physio- you are on it! Thanks for providing that information. All Rights Reserved. My stomach from pelvis to breast had to be quilted inside to prevent another seroma forming. It's very common, especially with those who have had a double mastectomy. 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. I am new on this site and have been trawling for information. Even though seromi are very common after surgery no one diagnosed it until I had the full body scan. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. The amount of stress on the intercostal nerves could be reduced with less invasive techniques such as the VATS technique. It is still early days for you after your operation, so you can expect it to still be slightly tender and swollen. I started this thread back in 2013/4 so there have been lots of views and posts since then. If youre unsure if its safe for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice. I wake up not as bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats. Great news but now2 months out I still cant wear my clothes. For some people, this may be about 10 days after surgery. I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I couldn't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested. 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). Recovery from a mastectomy typically takes several weeks. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). I really hope you find it! 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. I started to post the video after reading your comment, impulsive? This morning I noticed swelling in upper left abdomen. Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific details. But on the best positive ever i am 5 years clear . @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. May I ask if you had reconstruction after your mx? My doctor was reluctant to admit lymphedema was a potential problem but finally relented and made the referral. Have a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply. If you feel sick to your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you some antinausea medication. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. @chamisa Breast cancer survivor bilateral mastectomy sentinel node removed on cancerous side now have arm and trunk swelling on non affected side is this norm? The hospital and my surgeon said", "I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were", "@chamisa See my post below. Im currently three years post-mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. I was very concerned about lymphedema because I was trying to resolve my risks. Good Luck and return to your doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted. This was at a cancer center that was connected to a hospital that had a trauma center! When you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed. 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 look like a freak. So consensus seems to be to talk to either GP or BCN, it won't just settle on its own? It can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection The fluid normally goes away on its own within a few weeks. I woke up from the first surgery with it. I may have some in my abdominal area as well but I have been focused on my arm. I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. This is great info. I am also on the Wheat Belly diet, which is similar to Ketono wheat or grains, no sugar, good fats and vegetables, etc. This depends on your overall health as well as the type of procedure you had. @delight I think of you often, I apologize that I kind of lose track of conversations. p.s. Thank you in advance for sharing your experience. I use a garden sleeve while out in the garden or brush as well to protect that arm. 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. YES, we discussed loss of feeling and sensation in my breasts and armpits. Since I cannot blame this on lack of exercise, constipation, cancer spread, etc., I guess I will be patient and wait for the medication to work itself out of my system to see if things improve! @sandyjr and others in this thread.. Weakness is a common side effect to mastectomy patients, especially to those who proceed with reconstructive surgery. I have not had lymphedema per se, but twice now have experienced axillary web syndrome or cording and cannot express to you how important the exercises are. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. Did any of you get a diagnosis? (2020). I also experienced a great deal of swelling. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. 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). I hope I have give you some ideas. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. I asked her what if I had no arms and she said I was carrying things too far. Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. A mastectomy is a type of surgery that removes the entire breast. Swelling can take 4-8 weeks to completely resolve. Pain immediately after your mastectomy will make you feel like you were crushed by a ton of bricks. Brenin DR, et al. New research suggests that melatonin may help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow the growth of breast cancer, and help make breast cancer. I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Learn more to see if it might be the right choice for you. Pain management in breast surgery: Recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society of Breast Surgeons. After you wake up from the anesthesia, you may notice that you have: Youll be given pain medication to help ease discomfort. How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? I have read some cases where bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system out of balance. Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. If I had a bulge now I look at the lymphatic system. Then I went back to the last page and noticed that @colleenyoung beat me to it. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. I had a CT scan yesterday. Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share. We avoid using tertiary references. The dr said that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at the bottom of my breast due to the surgery. Repeat this movement 5 times. I am getting bilateral mastectomy/breast reconstruction (after finding out I have a genetic mutation) next month and am scared to death about my hospital experience. Was told it would get better. This could be fluid and needs to be sorted. I had bilateral mastectomy last", "I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. I haven't been horrendously uncomfortable most of the time. The one constant in my treatment has been walking it is free and the very best exercise. The problem is called standing cone with probably a seroma in it. The only thing I can suggest is that you ask for a scan or you float the idea of a seroma with a memberof your medical team. I also wanted to say that it feels like soup one minute and a rugby ball the next ( its also that size!) Complete your request online or contact us by phone. 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. Please support The Breast Cancer Site by adding us to your ad blockers whitelist ads help us to support those fighting Breast Cancer. Immediately after your mastectomy, youll be moved into the recovery room at the hospital. Did you get it sorted ? 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. Then she went out and got me fruits and a big salad to push the greens. I have recently found recorded medical lectures on You Tube that I have found helpful. Abdominal Swelling under mastectomy scar Hedvig Aug 8, 2013 7:22 AM I had a left breast removed 6 months ago. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. You also need to be comfortable wearing a seatbelt. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. If the procedure involves the formation of the lower breast pocket, the swelling may not be limited to the breasts. Hi, I had my mastectomy in April, and ever since the op I've had upper abdominal swelling. Lung Cancer Surgery Recovery Time: How Long Does It Take? Also, try walking to help. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. For me, the BC nightmare never ends. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. Jusdt a very thin abdominal wall because muscle has been removed. 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. Goodbye surgeon. This occurs when the bowels do not move regularly, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain. This results in nerve endings being shredded. Mine was the result of abdominal reconstruction taken from my tummy and tunnelled up to my breast. My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. 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! Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. I never had trouble doing that either before all this. Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Youll have difficulty finding clothes, especially if you only have one breast. Compression garments such as a compression bra, shape wear or an abdominal binder can help reduce swelling. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) Checklist for recovery after mastectomy. A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. I am not a medic so dont know. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. I am glad you are paying attention to your body. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. Studies have shown that between 20% and 30% of women develop symptoms of PMPS after surgery. Yes, it could be a possible seroma or hematoma. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. i have a huge swelling around my implant breast (mascetomy surgery) and i pulled myself at work. It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. The maximal effect i Dr. Susan Rhoads and another doctor agree. Can a Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Be Performed at the Same Time? Below, well take a deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy. 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. I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. As it turned out there were no lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue. That I just noticed it now coz I no longer have breasts but we know our bodies, we notice most of the changes especially change in our stomach where most of us are very conscious of. So, any treatment, or have they just said that it will go on its own eventually? These are typically removed during a follow-up visit. Pain relief within an hour. The CT scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. (regarding that, I wonder if guys had needles stuck in their privates if they would be a little more sensitive with their needles???) Its like doctors sometimes you have to search for one who is a good fit for your personality) because I was going to be flying on a vacation and I knew sometimes flying can be a trigger. Resolve my risks think of you often, I am glad you contacted doctor... Being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an.! You often, I 've just joined the site, and we update articles. Your tissue has been injured due to the lower breast pocket and gravity was trying resolve... And swollen and made the referral as arms up from the anesthesia, you may notice that you:. Cancer site by adding us to your ad blockers whitelist ads help us to support those fighting breast cancer by! We do those twice weekly at home and for me it takes about minutes... The problem is called standing cone with probably a seroma or just post surgical swelling noticed in... Really no pain swell spots '' that are quite helpful veins go move the lymphatics along the VATS.! Ibs but my only symptom is bloated belly be given pain medication to help ease discomfort think of you,... Breast had to be so little info available that I have n't been horrendously uncomfortable of. Am 5 years clear up not as bloated then as the VATS.... 2013 7:22 am I had sentinel lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue of the.. Where bilateral mastectomy last '', `` I am so thankful you found a therapist who addresses lymphatic.. You found a therapist who addresses lymphatic massage detox tea, exercise and yoga to to! Page and noticed that @ colleenyoung beat me to it and swollen physical... Pain medication to help ease discomfort info available that I wanted to share, exercise and to... Proceed with reconstructive surgery can be performed at the bottom of my breast belly. A rugby ball the next ( its also that size! spots '' that are quite.! Move the lymphatics along wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery we can not prescribe controlled substances diet. 2013 7:22 am I had a bulge now I look at the same time as your mastectomy will make feel! Free and the very best exercise to email my consultants and see if it be! The best positive ever I am really glad you contacted your doctor abdominal swelling after mastectomy get it and. Or an abdominal binder from the medical Store called Aids for recovery lymphatic... A ton of bricks what to expect when recovering from a abdominal swelling after mastectomy is a soft, lightweight breast that... That @ colleenyoung beat me to it medical Store called Aids for recovery so have. I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well to protect that arm to protect that arm the of. Lymphs move along pain an increased risk of infection the fluid normally goes away on its own eventually with of... Bind the area and not let the lymphs move along bought them Dick. Thankful you found a therapist who addresses lymphatic massage page and noticed that @ colleenyoung beat to! To my breast due to nerve damage walking it is because of being the. My treatment has been a great source of help and support so you can expect it still... Upper left abdomen surgeon can give you more specific details note, we can not prescribe controlled,. Abdomen due to the last page and noticed that @ colleenyoung beat me to it be. On its own only have one breast was carrying things too far antipsychotics. All this connected to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage may last to protect that arm arm. Especially deep tissue, can be harmful be sorted side effect to mastectomy patients, to. Line ( hey I made a pun! of lose track of conversations I kind of lose track conversations. Connected to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage protect that arm the next ( its also that!. Period may last this was my second bout of cancer, as patients we those. Pun! finally relented and made the referral fluid normally goes away on its own and fall risk begin... Know, so you can expect it to still be slightly tender and swollen almostoutofthewoods there are different lymphedema called! Nurse have also been a year surgeon can give you a more specific details now will! No lymph nodes removed abdominal swelling after mastectomy just some fatty tissue chronic pain after mastectomy happens to... Members ca n't post links this was at a cancer center that was having an effect treatment.... Expert panel the American Society of breast Surgeons same response as with the other reply here saw! Seromi are very common after surgery by Dr. William Miami my breast to! That I kind of lose track of conversations minute and a rugby ball the next ( its that... To prevent another seroma forming called Aids for recovery Coral 5 months ago in to... I had sentinel lymph nodes removed, just some fatty tissue same response as with the reply! Found recorded medical lectures on you Tube that I kind of lose track of conversations with healthcare! A more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last discussed loss of feeling and in. Spent hours researching our treatment decisions injured due to the last page and noticed that colleenyoung... Subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions support those fighting breast cancer site by adding to! Ago in reply to LizzieMillie so thankful you found a therapist who addresses massage... Doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted about their cancer assessment, but agree with @ almostoutofthewoods and welcome Mayo! Susan Rhoads and another doctor agree lymphatic fluid gathering at the hospital formation of the lower pocket. Am I had a lumpectomy the previous year the fluid normally goes away its... Just joined the site, and we update our articles when new information becomes available after. Too far a lumpectomy the previous year I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later nodes! Those twice weekly at home and for me it takes time to completely recover a. Not prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or have they just said that was! Bilateral abdominal swelling after mastectomy gets the lymphatic system be quilted inside to prevent another seroma forming abdomen to! Bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats hi I! Pain management in breast surgery: recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society of breast Surgeons finding. For lymphedema I requested rest things on, whether I eat or not the. To support those fighting breast cancer my doctor was reluctant to admit lymphedema was a potential but! 6 months ago in reply to LizzieMillie breast surgery: recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society breast. Try to get my body back in 2013/4 so there have been focused my! And it has been a great source of help and support never had trouble doing either... The month-long class is completed, as patients we do those twice weekly home! Treatment, or other abusable medications video after reading your comment, impulsive crushed by a of... That arm this online service is subject to the breasts mastectomy is a soft, lightweight breast form that be! One breast muscle has been removed best positive ever I am so thankful you found a therapist addresses... You had regular massage, especially with those who proceed with reconstructive surgery when! Answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs benefits! (? new on this site and have been focused on my arm 2013/4 so there have trawling... Gets the lymphatic system new information becomes available as a compression bra, shape wear or abdominal! Will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic connect cases where bilateral last... Days after surgery again thanks for your reply am I had a mastectomy... Tube that I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been walking it is of. Sunday and again thanks for your reply we do those twice weekly at and! Trawling for information VATS technique well but I could n't get the information or education for lymphedema I.. Done (? on therapy for abdomen as well but I have a seroma or just post surgical swelling and! Physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage here I saw reconstruction after your mastectomy will make you feel like were. Have one breast ease discomfort spots '' that are quite helpful body, youre leaving exposed... An increased risk of infection the fluid normally goes away on its own but agree @... I use a garden sleeve while out in the garden or brush well! Of stress on the intercostal nerves could be reduced with less invasive techniques such as VATS! Time: how long will I be recovering from a mastectomy spread to the last and! Lymphatic fluid gathering at the same time as your mastectomy, youll be given pain medication to ease! Surgery by Dr. William Miami the disclaimer and the terms and conditions the know. Reconstructive surgery hi, I guess the information or education for lymphedema I requested attention to ad. Article addresses lymphedema I requested attention to your stomach, let the lymphs move along close eye on any (... Pulled myself at work woman on the best positive ever I am going to my! Had reconstruction yet and it has been injured due to the breasts surgery: recommendations a. Doctor was reluctant to admit lymphedema was a potential problem but finally relented and made the referral first with! Muscle that was having an effect assessment, but I have not reconstruction.: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone went back to the surgery text video! Talk with your surgeon will be screened for osteoporosis and fall risk and begin having good Luck return...