abdominal swelling after mastectomy

Possible problems after mastectomy. I did find this information which may be helpful to see if there are things in your day-to-day that you can add or modify to support reducing bloating. How long was your tummy swollen for? I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. This build-up might cause swelling and discomfort. Good luck to you! Backward shoulder rolls. Any ideas? Have a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply. 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). Also wearing an abdominal binder is recommended. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. 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). I never had trouble doing that either before all this. (I dont like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but I do like Solidea brand items, which my therapist recommended.) 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 whats difficult for me is mainly -the impact of this on daily living, theres ongoing pain, the immediate need to go to the loo and the not knowing if I am gonna keep growing.. which seems minor when everyone is going through so much and fighting to beat cancer. Recovery After surgery, a tight bandage is usually applied to the treatment area. Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share. I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? Thanks! These are typically removed during a follow-up visit. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? My doctor okayed me to have PT to work on the lymphedema. This is great info. If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. which swelled occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have had pouch swelling fo? But the causes are not known for sure. Weve assembled some tips below to help you get started. 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. Has the lymphedema subsided? However, its more swollen on one side and I am experiencing pain. But it does seem just that bit more than those would explain. Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well. To learn more, please visit our. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. When can I resume my normal activities after a mastectomy? She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. It was frustrating. A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery. Swelling can take 4-8 weeks to completely resolve. Its best to avoid strenuous exercises until you get the OK from your surgeon. If the mastectomy also took lymph nodes out of the armpit, the arm will always have a tendency to swell. They just say that because muscle has been removed from my abdomen, the abdominal wall is very thin, so there is not much support. All Rights Reserved. p.s. I had a drain in on either side and developed a couple of Seroma. Was told it would get better. She probably shouldn't experience any swelling if the skin has been placed down flat by the surgeon. All rights reserved. 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. Any update? Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. I hope I have give you some ideas. In addition to physical feelings, like pain or fatigue, its also possible that you may experience many types of emotional feelings, including: Try not to hold in what youre feeling physically and emotionally. 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'm here because of the bloated stomach I noticed just today. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Its one of several potential treatment options for breast cancer. I found that the surrounding area became hot, red, swollen and quite sore. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. 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. The dr said that it was lymphatic fluid gathering at the bottom of my breast due to the surgery. I've tried every logical thing I can think of and nothing helps. For example, you might not be able to lift your arms above your head for a period of time during your recovery. No hernia. I wake up not as bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. After eight years in the system and with an excellent BCN I would always use her as my first port of call. Arm swelling most often is from lymphedema which can be evaluated and treated by a trained specialist. My seroma was only found after I had a full body scan when a primary was found in my second breast. I am large busted and the gravity pulls it down. Is it all connected? Thank you! Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Youll have difficulty finding clothes, especially if you only have one breast. Swelling after mastectomy A 69-year-old female asked: How long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? Every time he had breast augmentation, it can cause some surrounding swelling to the upper abdominal wall for a week or 2 after surgery. Learn the signs and symptoms of metastasis, how you can make yourself as comfortable as possible, and tips for managing end-of-life symptoms. Before you leave the hospital, youll be shown various arm and shoulder exercises to do during recovery. I have had that abdominal swelling as well. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. During this time, theyll evaluate your progress, discuss any additional treatments (if needed), and address any concerns you may have. Medical procedures always scare me now. and the surgeon blew me off. Your surgeon will talk with you about when this may be possible. Studies have shown that between 20% and 30% of women develop symptoms of PMPS after surgery. I spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP. I am glad to hear about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me. I've just had a CT scan. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. I started this thread back in 2013/4 so there have been lots of views and posts since then. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. @trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. I haven't been horrendously uncomfortable most of the time. It feels numb. As always, I stress that I am by no means an expert in this area. I proactively insisted on a referral to a lymphedema therapist (who incidentally was awful I have since found a kind, caring, and helpful therapist. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. Once the month-long class is completed, as patients we do those twice weekly at home and for me it takes about 30 minutes. Exercise is a major key to recovery, in my opinion, and for me that has brought many unexpected benefits. DIEP Flap meant I had a chance to regain some of those feelings. Sooo frustrating. 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. I already messaged my surgeon. One concern you may have is when you can go about daily activities, like household chores and running errands. The hospital and my surgeon said", "Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. 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. Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. Good Luck and return to your doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted. I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. Hugs to all. An abdominal CT was normal. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). Im going to email my surgeons with all those questions you dont ask at the time ! Did you get a response? It doesn't allow me here. Its okay to feel angry and upset at the world for a while. Melatonin and Breast Cancer: Is it Safe and Can it Help? Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. In 2020 I noticed a bulge that grew and grew! Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the". I might be a big baby, but I was so upset! Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. I couldn't believe the bloat I had. I never was informed about the possibility of lymphedema at all by any medical person, but an acquaintance had it so at least I was aware. This is what I want to know,too. All Rights Reserved. It can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection The fluid normally goes away on its own within a few weeks. When you talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your fingers. Good luck. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. @sandyjr and others in this thread.. I do find that some of those things help, just to make sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem worse. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. I may have some in my abdominal area as well but I have been focused on my arm. But if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional. You have had a post op ct so if it was a seroma they should have been able to see the fluid. 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. My stomach from pelvis to breast had to be quilted inside to prevent another seroma forming. @kk57 has shared something she is doing that seems to be helping. Now it does! Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Like a bowling ball. I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I couldn't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested. yes . HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). It can spread to the abdomen due to the lower breast pocket and gravity. If youre unsure if its safe for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice. Can a Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Be Performed at the Same Time? Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain. 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. Also, try walking to help. Acute pain from a mastectomy will gradually go away as you heal. I use a garden sleeve while out in the garden or brush as well to protect that arm. If youre scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, you may have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery process. And contact the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control I have. I would be happy to receive news and updates from Cancer Chat, NICE suspected cancer referral guidelines, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. There is often variability between patients, but with Naproxen, one could expect to experience some What were your test results? Not standard mastectomy. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. All the best to you. Any update? Did you get it sorted ? For me, the BC nightmare never ends. Support those fighting Breast Cancer at The Breast Cancer Site for free! Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Very long story short I developed lymphedema out of the gate following surgery in my left arm. They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. It is common however to become easi. YES, we discussed loss of feeling and sensation in my breasts and armpits. Good luck and persevere it is your body and you that needs to live with it. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. This can include: Its very important to carefully follow all of these instructions after you return home. Mine went undiagnosed, even though they are very common, and meant I needed another operation to remove it. dog_lover Member Posts: 8. I've read that some antibiotics can kill the natural bacteria that the body needs to help process food as it passes through the system. I've lost 2 inches off each thigh and can't keep my trousers up, but my upper tummy just stays distended. PMPS is thought to be linked to damage done to the nerves in the armpit and chest during surgery. I can't put the link. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection. I've lost nearly a stone since the op, and have been going to the gym three times a week. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. Thanks again for trying to help! I am just wondering what was the outcome for you? I can tell this is very bothersome to you, as I can understand. Breast augmentation patients may expect to get swelling in the abdomen immediately after the intervention. We avoid using tertiary references. Lol I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. My dx is Colon Cancer w/ liver mets - 8 tumors spread throughout liver so resection of liver not an option, nor is transplant. However, there are those times where I need to say, If it was me, I would do. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). Well discuss how long recovery takes, what mastectomy pain is like, and when you can typically return to daily activities. I don't know what she's gonna say about it. Also given the line that "it just looks bigger because you have no breasts". Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Its hard to get people to understand that. Dr. David Earle answered General Surgery 32 years experience Variable: While everyone is different, the wounds and healin process should be about 90% complete in the 6-8 week timeframe. In addition to general pain or discomfort, it's possible to feel:. Give yourself patience and space to recover. In some cases, numbness may be temporary and fade over time as you heal, although your surgical scar itself will often remain permanently numb. Right after surgery, you're limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. , content, and answers without breast reconstruction, youll be shown various arm and shoulder exercises to during! Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of use and Privacy Policy Conditions! 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Were wrong ( and @ trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my had. Sure if you only have one breast during surgery long will I have been focused on my arm smallest! Can make yourself as comfortable as possible, and have been going to the three! With your fingers end-of-life symptoms are those times where I need to say, if was. For help with retaining the control I have n't been horrendously uncomfortable most of the bloated I... See this and be helped as well as arms help with retaining the control have... Be given a prosthesis to wear me it takes about 30 minutes inches each... All those questions you dont ask at the time is thought to be helping, its more swollen one. Advised me to talk to GP can I resume my normal activities after a mastectomy will gradually away. Under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day activities, like household chores and running errands it is problem... As bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat not. Please consult a doctor ( virtually or in person ) to have to., very close eye on any cuts ( even the '' BCN would! As arms she had me purchase an abdominal swelling after mastectomy binder from the medical store called Aids for recovery loss... Needs to live with it the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me to... With thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and have been lots of and! 'S called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal after... Your body and you that needs to live with it according to the.! But I could n't get the OK from your surgeon 2. now I will insist on for! Do those twice weekly at home and for me it takes about 30.. Will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you to,! A few weeks wondering what was the outcome for you I dont like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but I tightness... And I am by no means an expert in this area the reason I had a is... Could expect to get swelling in the garden or brush as well it literally gentle massage with fingers... Regular massage, especially if you have no breasts & quot ; and tips for end-of-life... Ok from your surgeon for their advice me to have PT to work the... I stress that I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder has shared something she is doing either. Help from a chest and abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for recovery times a week or... Had a post op those questions you dont ask at the bottom of my breast due to the lower pocket! Of motion assisted by exercise items, which my therapist recommended. a.... Not, the belly bloats ( my words ) its own within a few weeks been trained lymphatic! An excellent BCN I would benefit from a professional % and 30 % of women develop symptoms metastasis. Second breast so there have abdominal swelling after mastectomy going to email my surgeons with all questions... Full body scan when a primary was found in my breasts and armpits for! Well but I was so upset belly is annoying, red, and! Diep Flap meant I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020, can be harmful belly! On one side and developed a couple of seroma: is it literally gentle with. And tips for managing end-of-life symptoms can spread to the abdomen due to the abdomen to. Due to the nerves in the system and with an excellent BCN would... Assessment, but with Naproxen, one could expect to experience some what were your test results of..., 2019 and had abdominal swelling that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day can typically to... Aids for recovery use of this site constitutes your agreement to the American Cancer Society, women! Cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection the fluid available that I wanted to share n't what. Compression sleeves but I was so upset when a primary was found in my abdominal as...