Seroma

sharalou

Omg! Had L mast. in 2005 with lymph nodes removed (no problems with arm), and R mast. with sentinel node biopsy in Sept.10. Had chemo and on the right side developed some fluid a month or two later, had to be drained (all blood), then a tube put in for 10 days).  This sac has now gotten bigger, and left arm hsa some lymphedema (6 years later, go figure).  Went to breast surgeon today, and she wants to wait another 10-14 days and see if it gets better (don't know how it will).  Have to have my port out, so she said she would drain the right side, clean it up and put some type of antiobotic in there.  Has anyone hears of such a thing? If it hasn't decreased by next Friday, I am calling to get in sooner than 2 weeks.  HELP!!! 

flopsy

sharalou,   I am so sorry for your difficulties.  Yes, I have seen this happen before to some women.   Lymphedema can happen at anytime after surgery,yes, even 6 years later.   Some BC survivors have recurring seromas.   Sometimes it helps to actually surgically remove the seroma if it keeps recurring.   I have seen some women with localized pockets of fluid for years after their surgery.  Usually it will stay there a long time before you even know it is there.  I am a BC survivor myself but I also work with BC survivors in a Cancer Center so that is why I can answer these questions.  I would get a LE consult as soon as possible to try to get that under control.  Good luck with everything and I will be checking in on you.   Hugs to you,  Ginny

Binney4

Sharalou, hello!

What a confusing bummer of a situation! Best to sort this into two very separate problems (though I sure do understand how they're working together to drive you nuts!)

The lymphedema needs to be addressed now. There's no point whatever in waiting on that (unless the doc has ordered doppler or other imaging for diagnostic purposes?) Here's a page about finding a well-qualified lymphedema therapist near you:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

With lymphedema, early treatment means quicker response and easier management on-going, so do get a referral from any doctor on your team and get on top of that part of the problem.

As for the seroma/hematoma, I too have heard of that happening, and I'll be looking forward with you to complete resolution soon!

Be well!
Binney