Seroma? What can I do?

Daphne77

Hi there everyone!

I had a mastectomy (left) with sentinel lymph node biopsy last Wednesday without recon and all went fine with the surgery. A week and a day later I had my post-op meeting with my BS,my drains were removed and I told him that I still had a boob (I have/had very small breasts). He said it was fluid building up and tried to drain it with a needle which wasn't possible, since the fluid had thickend. Then he said we should leave it for a week and try again to drain it, and that it would be absorbed eventually by my body. Well, ok I said and went home. Today I woke up and as the day progresses it seems to gets worse, not painful, but it feels like it streches a lot (the area is completly numb so I can't really say what I feel) and I also feel more pressure. It also looks like it has grown a little (more fluid build up?). I really don't know if this discomfort is because of the seroma or because of the mastectomy... has anybody had some experience with something similar out there? Should I be worried or call the doc?

Thanks!!!

MTwoman

Hi Daphne, I'd call the doctor and let them know. Too much pressure or build up could cause you issues healing.

mustlovepoodles

Well, since you were just there a day or so ago, and it's almost the end of day Friday, I'd suggest you just sit tight. It does sound like you might have a seroma in there (I had one after my LX & re-excision, and again after my BMX.) Seromas are not dangerous but they can be uncomfortable, and messy if they break open. If you spring a leak this weekend, just use some maxi-pads to mop up the mess. The fluid should look clear orangey-yellow and there could be a lot of it or a little. However, if you run a fever or the fluid is thick, cloudy, or stinky, you should call your surgeon or go to the ER right away. Those could be signs of a serious infection.

Daphne77

MTwoman and mustlovepoodles thank you so much for your responses! I actually called my BS later on and sent him even pictures (so weird, but effective!) and he eased my anxiety somewhat, allthough the swelling and pressure is really annoying and upsetting. It did somewhat stop increasing overnight, I hope it stops completely. So I am just watching it now for a few days, until I visit my doc again. He said he will try again draining it then, in order to avoid the development of a skin flap (dog ear he called it). Well we will see...! Thank you again!