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Tasneem's avatar
Tasneem
Member
8 years ago

Surgery after effects

Hi All, I had a mastectomy of my left breast on the 7th September. I also had a sentinel node biopsy which came out negative. My drain tubes were removed by the 15th September. I was initially relieved when the tubes came out, but I have been having a constant pain and a burning sensation in the arm area near the arm pit. The fluid seemed to be accumulating around my chest and arm pit causing a lot of discomfort. Last week I called the hospital and the breast care nurse told me to come to the hospital and the surgeon there drained it out. I have been avoiding pain killers, but today had to take a panadeine forte. Can someone tell me how long this discomfort will last and how long does recovery take? My next oncology appointment is on 17 October which is quite far off. Not sure what treatment options I will be offered.

7 Replies

  • Tasneem's avatar
    Tasneem
    Member
    8 years ago
    Sure will. Thankyou so much ladies. This support is really helpful. I am becoming quite pain tolerant and reach out for medication only if it is unbearable. Scared of after effects. Margie, the registrar mentioned that chemo would be offered but I could decide if I wanted. 
  • onemargie's avatar
    onemargie
    Member
    8 years ago
    I was naughty after my second mastectomy in November I was hanging Xmas lights on my front gutters with my drain bag over my shoulder which I put my cable ties and scissors in.... quite handy really as I was sick of sitting around!!! . Couldn't lift my arm past 90 degrees so was a good girl there so predominately used my left arm. I'm left handed anyway so that was fine. But as long as you have the seroma under control 2.to 4 weeks should be fine. Fingers crossed no chemo or rads for you too lovey. Talk to your gp oncol or surgeon about pain relief alternatives  ❤️Margie 
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    8 years ago
    I ended up on lyrica for about 4 weeks which enabled me to do gentle stroking and it desensitised the area. All good after a month. Meant I didn't need codeine and it was more effective. Did make me tired though. 
  • Tasneem's avatar
    Tasneem
    Member
    8 years ago
    Thankyou Margie, that's really helpful. I have a cold pack which I will use. I have oxycodone but it causes nausea so have been avoiding. The surgeon did mention that I may have to return for more drainage so I will go back soon. Just wondering how long it takes to get back to normalcy. Not sure about my treatment options but most likely harmone therapy.
  • onemargie's avatar
    onemargie
    Member
    8 years ago
    I hated that sensation it was bloody awful. If panadeine forte works for you then take it I went a bit further and took an endone just one at night which was awesome and lasted longer so I didn't need to take as many pain killers.  I didn't have a seroma in my left side which had the lymph nodes removed I had one in the right side which didn't funnily enough and I still think it was because the drain was taken out too soon. I ended up in hospital overnight with IVAntibiotics as no one wanted to listen to me when I said it was sore red and full of fluid , I was told it will dissipate on its own!! Which was bullshit as I had to have over 200mls drained from it.  And I'm a nurse so I had some idea! But after that it settled down and the discomfort decreased quite quickly after that. You could try a heat or cold pack but be careful with the temp of the heat pack due to the numbness If you get any more fluid build up or just don't feel right take yourself back to the hospital. I also found a warm bath helped too. Trust your gut on how you feel lovey. Margie ❤️


  • Tasneem's avatar
    Tasneem
    Member
    8 years ago
    Thankyou Primek. Yes I will take another Panadeine before going to bed. Don't have swelling or heat but probably nerve regeneration as you said - it's a burning sensation. Will call up the breast care nurse on Monday. Exercise that the physio prescribed and walking seems to be helping me.
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    8 years ago
    Call the breast care nurse again. The pain may be related to nerve regeneration where it becomes over sensitive to lightly touch it. A different type of medication can help with this. Sudden increase pain with swelling and heat could be infection. If unsure just go to nearest emergency dept and get checked out since it's the weekend. It is early days. I needed pain relief regularly until 6 weeks (I had reconstruction also) even swapping to pandeine or panadol on a really regular schedule might make the difference.