Forum Discussion

Cahu's avatar
Cahu
Member
10 years ago

Swelling after surgery

hi all

had my mastectomy on April 1, went home the next day, had the drain for 8 days but had swelling under my arm before drain removed. Went to surgeon on the 11April who told me the great news nothing showing in the sentinel node results. So going on a tablet, the surgeon drained 60mls of fluid from my under arm while I was there. I am going back on the 19 for him to check again. Spoke to my BC nurse who told me swelling was normal. But I look like my boob is trying to grow back, some swelling above and below the scar and today my under arm started swelling again. It's a little red, warm but not hot to touch, no temp and I have just taken my last antibiotic. Scar itself looks ok, I have had an allergic reaction to the tape and that is what most of the pain is and needless to say no tape on me at all. Is this normal? My poor sister keeps wanting to rush me to emergency.

cheers

Cheryl

ps why is it at night we worry more?

surgery

3 Replies

  • Cahu's avatar
    Cahu
    Member
    10 years ago

    OMG. Hope you get it sorted. Thank you I am seeing him tomorrow.

    Cheryl

  • GeorginaMary's avatar
    GeorginaMary
    Member
    10 years ago

    Cheryl, I would ring my breast care nurse immediately in your situation or your breast surgeon.  Onr week ago I came in to my hospital's wound clinic to get my transplanted/relocated nipple on the reduced breast looked at, and after examining me, the nurses immediately rang my plastic surgeon.  He took one look at both breasts, examined the mastectomy one, and said that I had a major infection.  I had thought that the warmth and swelling were just part of the healing.  

    He admitted me straight away, put me on powerful antibiotics which I am still on, and operated the next day on the infected breast, washing out the breast.  Two days ago he concluded that the transplanted nipple on the other breast couldn't be saved, and I am currently fasting for an operation in thee hours to remove it.  In two days comes another operation to place a skin graft over the hole where it was.

    in other words, if the breast seems wrong, go immediately and get it looked it.  Tonight will be my fifth operation since 12th February!

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Morning Cheryl at night when everything is quiet our minds start to wander. If you still feel uncomfortable ring your breast care nurse or head off to your GP. Fantastic news that your nodes are clear. Hope it all settls down xx