Forum Discussion
Hard lump in breast after second surgery
I recently had to have a second surgery after my initial lumpectomy (wide excision with a Perforator flap, removal of DCIS and malignant tumor in left breast) to remove a margin of tumor left behind. After the first surgery, everything was healing and going well. The second surgery however has not gone as smooth. My breast has been very heavy, red and swollen and I ended up in emergency, an ultrasound was performed and 2 pockets of fluid have formed under the skin. I have had both of these drained this week, but I still feel that there is a hard lump and some pressure pushing around the area. It has now been 2 days since the fluid was drained.
Has anyone had this happen to them? Does it take time for the pressure to go away? Is this all part of the healing process? Thanks :-)
3 Replies
Sorry to see you joining us here MichPf and that you've had to go thru 2 procedures and the seroma/fluid buildup xx. Was there also infection in the breast that needed Antibiotics?
Have you raised this paraticular issue with your surgeon yet? Do you have access to a Breast Care Nurse? You could put it past them too, as it is a medical matter! It 'could be' a lot of things - but it really needs to be assessed by your team , in person (with Ultrasound, and/or other scans)
It Could just be the fluid building up again - or even a lymph node reacting to the possible infection (they are the first lines of defence and often swell with infections!). Have you checked your neck glands? They can also swell with infections, as they try to fight it too.
If you can't see your surgeon - make an appt with your GP asap & get checked out.
Take care & all the best xxHi arpie, thank you for your reply :-)
There was a small infection in the breast, and I have been on antibiotics since last Thursday. I am seeing my surgeon next week and have had ultrasounds and seen the GP also. Thanks also for the information on the Lymph nodes, I have checked them and they seem to be ok. How do I get in contact with a Breast Care Nurse?
Thanks again for the reply, really appreciate the response :-)
That's great that you are seeing your surgeon next week MichPf and wishing you all the best .... Keep a notebook handy & write down all the things you've mentioned & anything else you notice between now & then xx. It may even just be some internal stitches that haven't dissolved yet .....
Also, consider recording your appointments from now on - as it is hard to remember EVERYTHING that is said at the time - you can go over them again in the comfort of home! .... Another tip is to take a trusted friend or relative with you, as a 2nd set of ears - and also physical & emotional support!
IF you get concerned about other developments (as happened after your 2nd surgery) go to emergency again xx. You don't want an infection to turn into cellulitis.
Re the Breast Care Nurse - you can go to this site & put your postcode in & it will bring up the BC Nurses in your area. You should be able to make contact with one. https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/get-support/find-a-nurse/
Take care & all the best xx
