Wound

Tracyc1966

I had a lumpectomy in November of 2010.  I thought everything would be fine.  I was diagnosed with DCIS.  Caught early no problem.  I went through 5 weeks of radiation and had to cut a few days short because of the skin reactions.  After the surgery we noticed I had developed a hematoma which I know is common.  On 12/31/10 a week before my radiation was complete I started bleeding heavily through the nipple.  I figured that is what is was but the ER did a ultrasoud to comfirm.  The surgeon had aspirated at the incision site 2x's to relieve the pressure and was fine with knowing that my body would absorb all this over time.  A few weeks after radiation I started bleeding out of the sites that he aspirated.  It is now a clear liquid but I am still leaking alot.  Does not come out of nipple as much as it used to.  I am very sore in the area and this is getting very upsetting.  It closed up 2x's only to swell and then burst open.  The surgeon has said this is normal and it is taking along time because of the radiation.  My question is:  Has anyone else had this issue and when is it time to get a second opinion.  I can't get a followup mamagram until this is resolved.  Which worries me.  Thanks.

LindaLS

HI Tracy,

Something similiar to what you are going through happened to my Mother who was diagnosed with DCIS some months after I was. This was over three years ago. She is in her 70's. She also had a lumpectomy and radiation. I think some blood came out of her nipples and I remember her telling me that a lot of clear liquid was also coming out. It lasted for a few weeks as far as I can recall. She also had a hematoma that was very large but the Dr. did not want to aspirate it as he told her it would be ok and just to leave it alone. He indicated as you mentioned the body would absorb it over time. It took a few months for it all to resolve and it did get better. The fluid in the hemotoma did resolve on its own.I know each situaton is different but wanted to share with you the experience my Mother had. If you don't feel comfortable with the surgeon's answers about it, I would get a second opinion. It never hurts to get a second opinion anyway just so it puts your mind at ease. I hope it helps you to know that although it may not happen to a lot of womem it does happen. I  know it can be upsetting but it will get better. Hang in There!