Post-Lumpectomy Massive Fluid Leakage!

Daisey4522

In January I had 2 large masses near my nipple removed. My breast filled up with an enormous amount of fluid and then on Saturday it started pouring (literally!) out of the incision site. It was the most traumatizing thing I have ever experienced! I was convinced I would have to be rushed to the ER, but I called my Doctor and he returned my call quickly from his home. He told me that it would be okay and to just use gauze to soak up the fluid, then call back on Monday. I called today and they are having me come in tomorrow morning since there is still some fluid left. Luckily, it does not look infected, but they mentioned that they might drain it. I really don't want to have it drained because in my case, they removed 2 very large masses right next to each other (5.6 cm & 4 cm). I was told by another surgeon that I would lose 2 cup sizes and another said I'd lose 40% of my breast. I did a lot of research finding the best Breast Surgeon and the Breast Surgeon I went with told me that since I'm only 29 yrs old he thought I would be completely fine (and so far he seems to be right, my size looks the same!). He said that fluid would fill the cavity and then turn into scar tissue, and so essentially "fluid is our friend", thus why I am skeptical to let them drain the fluid. The appointment is with a nurse tomorrow, not with my Surgeon.

Have you ever had fluid aspirated/drained from your breast? I hear it is very painful, but I will do better if I understand the process and prepare myself so any information you can provide is greatly appreciated!

Jen987

I had to have mine aspirated twice and it was a little painful. But nothing I couldn't handle. The site where my lymph nodes were removed was also drained because it had swollen to the size of a golf ball and I could barely put my arm down. Not to scare you but my doctor just put a syringe in and pulled the liquid out without any numbing agent. She got a few syringes full.

Daisey4522

Thank you so much Jen! I was already expecting for it to be painful, especially since mine is right near my nipple... I do much better when I'm mentally prepared!

Thanks so much for sharing your experience

Daisey4522

I was seen by a nurse on Tuesday. I could tell that I had a lot of fluid still left inside of me but the incision site looked good and I was no longer leaking, so the nurse did not see reason to aspirate the fluid or prescribe antibiotics.

The next day I noticed a yellowish/white cloudy fluid becoming visible between the incision site (on the other side where it had not drained). I called my Doctor's office and told them I really thought I would need antibiotics. The area was swollen, red, painful, and warm to touch. They prescribed antibiotics and I started them Wednesday night. The next morning massive amounts of pussy fluid started streaming out of my breast at the incision site. I stood in the bathtub helpless for over an hour trying to get it to stop. The flow was so fast and of such a large amount. Once the flow started to slow down I packed my bra with gauze (continually changing it) and called my doctor.

My doctor said that since it was pouring out on it's own, they did not want to aspirate. If they did try to drain it I would be left with very pour cosmetic results since the fluid is what was supposed to help keep me the same cup size.

I could not sleep at all last night, if I turned on my side more fluid would pour out of the incision site. I encouraged some of the fluid out but I can still feel there is a ton of fluid deeper within my breast tissue. So far all seems to be completely infected (yellow/whitish cloudy fluid).

(1) Are the antibiotics going to be enough to get rid of this infection? When I look online it seems that the consensus is that it has to be cut and drained. I really do not want to have to go in and be drained, but I don't want this infection to get worse. H
(2) How can I tell if the antibiotics are working? This evening will be 48 hours of antibiotics. I still have pain, there is still a lot of puss filled fluid inside my breast, but I do not have a fever.
(3) How much longer should I expect to see the puss before I should become concerned?

I am very concerned because they asked me to give an update on Monday, which means I will have to get through the weekend (they do have an emergency line I will use if necessary but I wanted to ask my questions now). I have a note out to my doctor so I am sure they will call me by the end of the day.

Has anyone ever had infected fluid after surgery? If so, did your doctor drain the area or treat with just antibiotics?