Is It Lymphedema?

SSheehan54

Is It Lymphedema?

SSheehan54

It has been four and a half weeks since I had both breasts surgically removed. Subsequently I was hospitalized two weeks later to drain a large hematoma and receive an emergency blood transfusion. Over the past few days, the chest area on both sides has begun to swell. I see my reconstruction surgeon tomorrow, but am wondering if there is anything I can do today to quell the pain.

Kicks

Call your Dr.  It is possible that you are having more issues that require medical intervention.  Does not sound (to me but I am NOT a Dr) like LE (lymphedema) at this time.

SSheehan54

Thanks Kicks! I see my Reconstruction Surgeon tomorrow, so hopefully that will be soon enough. I need to be well so that I can drive 700 :-)

SSheehan54

I saw my Surgeon yesterday who calmed my fears. It is not Lymphedema, but rather normal fluid retention at the surgical sites. He drained a large quantity of fluid, which relieved much of the pressure and pain I was experiencing! I feel so much better now :-)

Kicks

How long after surgery were your drains removed and how long after they were removed did you start having problems with the seroma?  As much of a nuisance they are, it's a lot better to deal with them than having them out too soon and dealing with the resulting seroma.  My first drain was removed at 2 weeks post surgery with no problem but at 4 weeks the other was still drainingmore than ideal to remove but surgeon thought that it was probably causing irritation so took it out.  Within days it had there - big and 'uncomfortable'.  Went to him and he driained several hundred cc of fluid.  Haaad to be drained several times before it was no long causing issues and I no9 l0nger felt it.  2 1/2 months later, my Rads Dr wanted a new CAT before starting rads so on the last day of Taxol and a week before starting rads I had a new CAT.   Though I was totally unaware of it still being there - it was still there and about 6 cms.

SSheehan54

Hi Kicks. When you say it was still there, what do you mean? The tumor? What is a RADS doctor?

My drains were removed four weeks post-surgery, and the swelling did not start until I started packing boxes and lifting them in order to move. It seemed that lifting exacerbated the situation. When I saw my Surgeon yesterday he pulled out several hundred cc's of fluid, much like you. The relief was immediate. There has since been no further fluid retention.

Kicks

"IT" that was still there was the Serona.  The neoadjuvant chemo (before surgery) had done it's job and gotten the IBC to form a lump (IBC does not present as a 'lump' but rather as a 'nest' or 'bands') so the surgeon has a chance of 'getting' it.  It worked so surgeon was able to get good/clean margins on 'everything'.  Then did adjuvant (after surgery) chemo.  

Basically, a seroma is a 'pocket' that forms in tissue that has had a traumatic injury (a hard hit of some kind) or after surgery when the layers do not 'stick' back together.  The lifting you did may very well have caused it to form.  Do not be surprized if it doesn't need draining a few more times before it is totally healed.

"Rads Dr" - just another way of writing RO or Radiation Onclolgist.  The Dr responsible for your radiation.

Keep in mind that many Drs and RNs are not versed in what LE (lymphedema) is.  I was very fortunate with mine - 2 of them noticed it before I did and got me in to see my Certified Lymphedema Therapist quickly.  It is a good idea to get a referral to a CLET after any breast surgery so that you can be evaluated and get education about what it really is, what to look for.  IF you should develope it, the sooner you get to TX the better.  If you do go to one be sure that it is a CERTIFIED Lymphedema Therapist - not some PT who claims to "know all about LE".  Some PTs are also CLETs but not all.  My CLET Guy is an OT.

Don't be suprized if you don't have to go and be drained a few more times.