my breast is swollen and sore 5 weeks after mastectomy

donnajean

I had a mastectomy of my left breast 5 weeks ago on August 20th 2014, When I first came out of surgery and for the first couple of weeks my chest was flat with a bandage across where the stitches were. I had come home with 2 draining tubes but they were taken out 14 days after the surgery. I also had lymph nodes removed which came back cancer free as well as the outside of the tumor . However on the left side where  my breast had been  and above the breast line I have been experiencing a lot of pain and swelling. I guess this is normal as the body  is trying to heal where the lymph nodes were taken out. My main concern is that my breast is so swollen it looks like it has grown back. I know this isn't what's happening but am concerned about whether this is normal or not and worried that it may no go back to normal on its own. I tried to call the surgeon today but she is away for another week Just wondering if this is normal . I was thinking it may be a build up of fluid and am hoping the body will absorb it on it's own, as I am not up to any more surgery at this time

glennie19

You might have a seroma,, which is a build up of fluid.  Doesn't your surgeon have anyone covering for her?  I would call the office back tomorrow and ask if there is someone you can see. If it is a seroma, it can be drained and you will feel much better. Yes, the body can absorb it on its own,, but it sounds like you have a lot,, and it might be best if it gets drained.

Kicks

Could be a seroma or an infection.  Call your Dr's office. Tomorrow and ask for whoever is covering her practice.

Only a Dr who actually sees you can DX or TX you.

Binney4

Donnajean, hello! And welcome to breastcancer.org. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this issue, but one way or another it really is solvable. I hear you about not wanting any more surgery, but draining a seroma doesn't involve anything like that. It's done with a syringe in your doctor's office, and because your chest is numb it rarely causes discomfort when it's drained. It sounds a whole lot worse than it is. 

And on the other hand, you're right that it could be lymphedema. Here's information about breast/chest lymphedema:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunck...

If it's lymphedema, then getting a prompt referral to a well-trained lymphedema therapist will help you gain control and keep it that way.

Please do let us know what you discover. Gentle hugs,
Binney