You are such a trooper. I didn't have any children and watching women deal with engorgment and other tender breastfeeding issues always bought tears to my eyes - it must be so painful. I am picturing you hugging your pillow at the squash game. I had to remind myself when I was out that maybe it wasn't OK to be massaging my chest constantly which I would do unconsciously. It's interesting to see what becomes your new normal isn't it. None of us ever imagine seromas, aspirations and clots would become part of routine conversation. May I ask - will you need any further surgeries (tissue expanders etc) or are you done with everything?
Holy cow Susan, you're such an over acheiver having seromas and a hematoma!!! Everything must be feeling so tense and sore. Do you just have to wait for the hematoma to resolve. When I had my surgery I was told bleeding is possible. Sometimes a blood vessel spasms and dislodges the clot that has formed as bleeds. Are you still wearing a binder or support bra? Sounds like your doctors are on top of everything though. Sorry you're having to go through all this.
Anna
Hi Susan,
After my first mastectomy in mid September I experienced a build up of fluid two days after coming home. It looked like my breast was growing back and was quite uncomfortable. I was really stressed and contacted my doctor immediately. He was very reassuring and seemed completely unfazed. I arranged to see him the following day in between his surgeries. I was really anxious about the idea of having it drained. It was over and done with in about 2 minutes and I did not feel any pain at all - much to my complete surprise and I was much more comfortable afterwards . When I went back to see him for my post-op check up the fluid had built up again - it looked like a waterbed on my chest. It was drained again and after that I was fine.
According to my doctor it is a relatively common experience and can be dealt with easily. It does settle down eventually.
Good luck with your continued recovery
Karen
Susan,
I'm sure you've had a grueling 10 days. I am going to assume the fluid that has built up is serrous not lymphatic - at least this is what I was told was the case when this happened to me. After my double mastectomy and the drains had been removed I had multiple seromas over about 3 weeks that needed to be drained. I was devastated as I was sure it was all lymphactic fluid and I was going to end up with severe lymphoedema. Usually your body eventually finds ways to absorb this fluid and they will no longer be a problem. Here I am though 12 months after my surgery and have had no more problems. Thankfully no lymphoedema even after radiation has left me with practically no functioning lymph nodes on the right side. It is so frustrating to have this happen - I'm a nurse and I had no knowledge of post op seromas. So let yourself have a 'this really sucks' day - things will improve.
AnnaB
