Seroma vs. Lymphedema, radiation effects

cbaird99

It has been three weeks since my lumpectomy. I had a sentinel node biopsy in which 11 nodes were removed. About a week after the surgery, I developed a seroma at the armpit incision site. I have had it drained twice so far, 350cc the first time and 70 cc today. Is this lymphedema, or does it make it more likely that I will get it? I am also concerned that radiation will make the drainage situation worse, not sure if I can prevent that or reduce likelihood. I am also going nuts as I am used to exercising 6 days a week and am having to hold off on it for now. Any input?

Jennie93

A seroma is not the same thing as lymphedema, not at all. I have never heard anything about seromas raising your risk for LE. Radiation unfortunately does raise the risk of it though. Take good care of yourself during treatment, rest a lot, stay hydrated, and all that. There are good articles here and on http://www.stepup-speakout.org about things you can do to lower your risk as much as possible.

Moderators

Hi Cbaird99-

First, we want to welcome you to our community here at BCO. We hope you find it to be a supportive, informative place!

Like Jennie said, we haven't heard of a seroma at an incision site increasing your chances of developing lymphedema, but radiation can raise the risk. There are steps you can take pre- and post-surgery, to help alleviate your chances of developing it, and some things you can do to manage it and prevent flare-ups. You can find that information on our main site: http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/lymphedema/r....

We also sympathize with the change to your physical activity. You want to give your body a chance to recover after surgery, but you also want to be in the best shape you can be as you start on your treatment journey. There are some modified exercises you can do to stay active, until you're close to 100%. As with anything related to your healing, you'll want to discuss this with your doctor to make sure you're cleared for physical activity. Also, asking for a referral to a physical therapist with experience with breast cancer patients might be a good place to start! In the mean time, some information on exercising after surgery: http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/exercise/treatment/surgery

Please let us know if you have any questions, or if you need assistance in any way.

The Mods

cbaird99

Thank you very much for your replies and the links to more help. I feel a bit better about this darn edema and hopefully it will subside soon. I have been reading about this thing called cording and I definitely have it, have been wondering what it was. I will get a referral to a LE therapist so I can learn how to get rid of that. I get the results of my onco dx test next Tuesday so that will determine the next step I guess, hopefully it will be low:)