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Erica_Shadiac's avatar
Erica_Shadiac
Member
13 years ago

Seroma

During the axillary clearance part of my surgery, lymph nodes were removed from my arm pit. Therefore fluid cannot drain away so easily anymore. I think I was told there is a 60% chance of the development of SEROMA after this surgery. That's me!

Since surgery under my left arm to the elbow has been numb and perhaps a little puffy. I also had a some puffiness above the 'breast' area by the arm pit. When I left hospital last Saturday just over a week ago I wore the lovely soft front opening bra with the 'pillow' boob in the pocket to make me look balanced!

By Thursday this had become unbearable to wear as it cut into this puffy area which was about handful size. I rang the breast care nurses at St Andrews but wasn't able to speak to them. I rang the receptionist at Dr Kollias' rooms and she took a message saying the doctor should see that after 4pm Friday.

By late Friday friends and family were concerned and I wasn't sure whether it was 'safe' to let this swelling sit until I saw Dr Kollias next - which isn't until next Monday. It was also inconvenient not being able to wear a bra with dentist appointments and coffee engagements!!

When I didn't hear back from Dr Kollias I decided to go to emergency at St Andrews which had been suggested by the receptionist at his rooms - if I was concerned.

So 8am yesterday (Saturday) Tim took me there and being the only 'customer' it was fabulous service. The doctor on duty explained that it was SEROMA and that it was very common and could re-occur several times over the next few months. He said if I could put up with it for as long as possible that was best because the fewer times I needed a jab with a needle to drain it the better - risk of infection each time.

So as I sit here now I have a tight puffy underarm that is reasonably bearable, bit restricting and awkward when walking around as I almost have to hold my arm out to the side - have needed to use girlfriends to rest my hand on their shoulders as we walk around!! Amazing how useful friends can be! haha

I will see Dr Kollias tomorrow night to determine what action may be appropriate.

5 Replies

  • Mich_x's avatar
    Mich_x
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hey Erica

    I also had a seroma at my surgery site after my surgery which was ongoing. Different practitioners had 3 attempts to remove the fluid with the last one being a female who was determined she would be the blokes and would make sure she got some fluid out. Well she tried every pocket over and over until things were uncomfortable for me and the poor nurse who was doing all the hard work with the syringe thing. Needless to say she didn't have any better success.

    It does sound like you have got it early and may have to have it drained a few times to keep it under control.

    Unfortunately my surgeon said it was nothing to worry about and that it would settle down but it didn't so by the time anyone decided to do something about it (my surgeons registrar) it had become more like scar tissue with no fluid to speak of. I now have a small egg size scar tissue area where my scar is. It is not uncomfortable but is there and seems to cause concern every time I have an ultrasound of which I have had a few of recently.

    So my advice is to have it drained when necessary and ensure they take every precaution required to stop infection occurring.

    Best of luck with this, lots of love, Mich xoxo

  • Erica_Shadiac's avatar
    Erica_Shadiac
    Member
    13 years ago

    Thanks, Bel. My surgeon gave me the book "Early Guide for women with Early Beast Cancer" and in there I saw this website and then from that I saw the 'My Journey Kit" and ordered it straight away. Then while I was in hospital for surgery I received another kit - which I returned. I have also been using this site for resources. Finding I need to reread sections as they become relevant. Info overload.... But I like that. Knowledge is power and I like to be in control even when things seem out of control!! :)

  • Erica_Shadiac's avatar
    Erica_Shadiac
    Member
    13 years ago

    Thanks, Tonya. I have resorted to singlet tops with the pillow boob pinned to it topped by a cotton jacket, or 3/4 sleeve top under a sleeveless one! All so I don't have to wear a bra but can still go out!

  • NaturalBel's avatar
    NaturalBel
    Member
    13 years ago

    Were you given a My Journey kit?  Lots of subjects are covered in there, but this is a great website for help.  I too have been plagued with "Friday problems"  as all my medical team, including my GP, have Fridays off.  I have had all of my questions on a Friday and luckily, when I phoned the hospital I go to for help,  they got intouch with my Oncologist, and he rang me, on his day off!  Top right hand corner START YOUR SEARCH HERE, is a great way to search for answers and there is a lot of info you can download from this site that comes in the Kit too.  I learnt a lot yesterday at the Ongoing Journey Seminar about preventing Lymphodaema that my Physio hadnt discussed with me, so if one is held in S.A. soon, go to that too!  I hope your Seroma is ok by now, and no doubt, you have been able to speak to medical staff about it,   good luck we are here to support you, all the way~!  XX Bel

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    13 years ago

    A seroma is really uncomfortable and after my mastectomy I had one on my scarline like a tennis ball.I needed it drained twice a week for 5 weeks and then it stopped.Sometimes a bra will constrict the armpit area and fluid builds up.I used to wear a singlet and a loose shirt for a few weeks post op.Hope it gets sorted out for you tomorrow.

                                                       Tonya xx