Distended abdomen/chest after mastectomy?

itfinallyhitme

I'm about 3-1/2 weeks post BMX.

My abdomen (area just under my breasts, above belly really) seems to be getting bigger and bigger. I thought at first it was an optical illusion because the breasts are not there, but then my clothes got tighter and now don't fit, and today I am kind of shocked that it looks almost like my breasts are still there, just dropped down some inches. I'm having no serious signs of digestive issues, and not eating much. I did have constipation from hydrocodone, but that resolved a couple of weeks ago. Thinking about it, I can't remember passing any gas in weeks (sorry if tmi) but I never did that often. Ive been told by a friend it could be fluid. I don't know what to think or if it's at all common. I plan to ask my surgeon next week but he often brushes aside my concerns as if I'm imagining them (a couple of times I've gotten weird rashes or this or that they can't explain, so they act as if it's not there, but these are real physical changes).

Any ideas? Or is this common?

Kicks

I can only say what I think I'd do (based on what you wrote) and that is demand answers. IF I didn't get ones that made sense - I'd be seeing my PCP/GP for answers. Surgeons are that - they cut.but not that versed in other areas.

No one here can possibly tell (DX) you with what is going on as we are not Drs actually seeing you.

Perhaps it's just swelling from the surgery but there are other possibilities.

Find out!.

itfinallyhitme

Thank you!

I had an appt today, but as it turns out, the swelling is very noticeably down. My pants are fitting almost the same as before. I feel fine too. So for now I'll see what happens, I guess, I go back in a week. I hope I'm not ignoring some possibility I'm unaware of that. Could be a problem, since it seems to be resolving

Thank you for the reply. And I have a wonderful PCP. I should definitely ask her for anything not addressed by the others.

itfinallyhitme

just posting an update here in case anyone reads this from a search later.

I'm in treatment for lymphedema now, mostly one upper arm/shoulder, somewhat the other arm, and also my trunk. My incision started on my back, went completely across the front, and onto the back on the other side. I have swelling that varies usually above but sometimes below the scar line. My surgeon thought at first that I was imagining it and that my belly seems larger to me because I don't have breasts now. But my belly is actually smaller than it was - however I do have swelling that comes and goes in my trunk and abdomen. The lymphedema therapist found it was caused by adhesions long the scar line I just wanted to update this in case anyone reads it later, having similar question.it might be worth having a lymphedema therapist have a look in case of swelling.