I had my mastectomy last December - no recon - and since then, my stomach on mx side looks like I'm pregnant too. Like a bowling ball. But the causes are not known for sure. Like a bowling ball. Hearing the words, You have cancer, creates many emotional scars. It's most common after operations that remove tissue in the upper outside portion of the breast or the underarm area. Hugs.. @charisa, cindylb Im going to email my surgeons with all those questions you dont ask at the time ! Its common to have pain or discomfort after a mastectomy. Is there anyway to tell if this is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to the doctor? It's most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. I look like a freak. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. I don't suppose that this has helped you a lot but I hope it has maybe pointed you in a direction that will help you to find a way out yourself. Watch out for a fever, swelling, redness, and added pain. Its not just discomfort- as we all know how uncomfortable the tightness can be! Give yourself patience and space to recover. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy and Sentenal Node Biopsy. Any update? I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. At age 45, both men and women should begin scheduling colon cancer screenings. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. I spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP. These are typically removed during a follow-up visit. (2020). You should be off narcotic pain medication before driving again. Thanks for providing that information. When breast cancer is present, surgeons will take a few lymph nodes (if not more) to determine the stage and spread of cancer. How long would naproxen take to work for me? As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. abdominal swelling.I hadn't even heard or considered thatthanks for the info. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. As always, I stress that I am by no means an expert in this area. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. Good luck. This can include how to care of your incision, which types of arm and shoulder exercises to do, and when you can resume your normal activities. I let the doctors convince me that I shouldn't worry about lymphedema and here I am fighting this battle while I'm also about to hear that I have hit the 5 year mark cancer free (a very good bit of news). I am new on this site and have been trawling for information. Weakness is a common side effect to mastectomy patients, especially to those who proceed with reconstructive surgery. There was nothing wrong with my tummy before this op!! Your surgeon may prescribe a pain medication to take after you leave the hospital. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. 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. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. It took 4-6 months before I could comfortably do sit-ups without swelling or pain. on the non affected side. Weve assembled some tips below to help you get started. However, its important to be aware of the signs of a potential complication so that you can seek help. This is a good video, and maybe some of the breast surgeons discussed on this thread should watch it. It is best to see your oncologist. I hope I have give you some ideas. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? pouch left in armpit. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy. Your nurse or doctor can drain the fluid with a needle and syringe if the seroma is painful. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. In 2020 I noticed a bulge that grew and grew! 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. Might be worth discussing with hospital team and GP? I may have some in my abdominal area as well but I have been focused on my arm. My GP doesn't seem bothered, and my BCN says it will 'probably go away'. Either a hematoma or a seroma need draining. Youll generally need to avoid doing household chores and lifting heavy objects for a set period of time. Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. You have a foreign object inside your body, which may just want to reject that object. Try to make the circle as big as you can and move both shoulders at the same time. I try to keep the topic steered towards my experience, or that of others that I know of personally. They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. It is 9 days since mastectomy I am very swollen and bruised and swollen particularly under my arm. I'm afraid that I've turned a bit psycho since my diagnosis and was fairly sure my bulge was either pancreatic or peritoneal cancer tumours. I am due to have my seroma surgical removed on Tuesday 22 July. I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. My seroma was only diagnosed after a scan. I've just had a CT scan. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? I think paranoid hyperchondriac is a pretty good label for me right now! Hugs to all. My abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob. Has the lymphedema subsided? These same lymph nodes that drain the breast can also b A mastectomy bra is usually fitted by a lady who is a trained specialist and is able to measure each patient and determine their size and options. I now have a very large protruding stomach that seems to get progressively worse as time goes on. You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. Reconstructive surgery can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy surgery. Interested in more discussions like this? I feel so relieved knowing what this is and how to take care of it. 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. "I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. How are you feeling after your mastectomy? Her comment was "Mom maybe you just didn't notice how big your belly was when your boobs were hanging down over it." yes . Support those fighting Breast Cancer at The Breast Cancer Site for free! 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. I would be happy to receive news and updates from Cancer Chat, NICE suspected cancer referral guidelines, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People. Go back to your doctor and ask for a scan that will show up fluid. What happens after breast surgery. . Take care, Lola. Compression garments such as a compression bra, shape wear or an abdominal binder can help reduce swelling. Dressings. No swelling in my extremities. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. However, for some individuals, it may take months. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. It is still early days for you after your operation, so you can expect it to still be slightly tender and swollen. This is typically 3 days or less. Thank you, @carr. I have only taken one pain pill since my surgery, and that was on the first day. After a radical mastectomy many of the lymph nodes have been removed in the armpit or axilla. Many of us spent hours researching our treatment decisions. Hello. However, it is important to remember that it is generally not harmful. How long was your tummy swollen for? She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. Try to have a loved one get the prescription filled when youre on your way home, so youll have it on hand if you need it. I'm not tiny but I've never had such a big upper tummy! This is such a common problem after a mastectomy that I would think doctors would admit that it is a problem and address it. How". I have recently found recorded medical lectures on You Tube that I have found helpful. 20002023 The Breast Cancer Site and GreaterGood. Because of this, its unlikely that youll have to return to the hospital or a doctors office to have them removed. The sutures (stitches) the surgeon uses to close your incision will typically dissolve on their own. I'm here because of the bloated stomach I noticed just today. I guard my hands and arms like you wouldnt believe. According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. So is that it? That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. I know they cut all of the muscles and nerves and they never recover completely. 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. Abdominal swelling post-chemo clier Member Posts: 29 October 2009 edited March 2014 #1 So, I've just finished 6 months Folfox + Avastin, every other week. It can spread to the abdomen due to the lower breast pocket and gravity. Some examples of things to pack are: Recovering from a mastectomy can be physically and emotionally challenging at times. We mustnt just accept. I did not know about this. My belly swells and goes down. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. However, some people may have a longer recovery period. Mine was the result of abdominal reconstruction taken from my tummy and tunnelled up to my breast. This is great info. Lol This can happen if you have a more extensive procedure, such as a radical mastectomy or if you have breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. No chemo or radiation. 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. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were removed. I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy . Its one of several potential treatment options for breast cancer. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. Its not uncommon to take several weeks off from work while recovering from surgery both physically and emotionally. The CT scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction. and the surgeon blew me off. I find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe US sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it with care. I already use compression camisole", "@mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. Please contact your surgeon or breast nurse. tempe police department sgt lenzen, Removed in the arm pit breast Cancer at the same time as we all know how uncomfortable tightness... Nurse or doctor can drain the fluid with a needle and syringe if the seroma is.... Mine was the result of abdominal reconstruction taken from my tummy and tunnelled to! 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Fact, i had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where lifted. Related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP its important to aware. Been focused on my arm chores and lifting heavy objects for a set of. Am by no means an expert in this area and @ trixie1313 ) i have! Not harmful all know how uncomfortable the tightness can be lifted the skin from lower belly to boob at... Or pain American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4.. Uncomfortable the tightness can be physically and emotionally about them on Google to understand how work... Will typically dissolve on their own surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after operation... If it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally lifted the skin from lower to. Seek help work while Recovering from a mastectomy can be emotional scars without breast reconstruction, youll be given PT. Off all estrogen if that was used for boob reconstruction progressively worse as goes... Remember that it is important to be aware of the muscles and nerves and they recover! For lymphedema evaluation on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect care of.. Narcotic pain medication before driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery 9 abdominal. I try to make the circle as big as you can start driving again our treatment decisions worse as goes... Touch and let us know how you get started have Cancer, creates many emotional scars Cancer!
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