Bilateral Mastectomy

Sewtailored

Does anyone know whether cancer can reoccur in the tissue after a total mastectomy.  Both sides are filled with fluid.  One side a seratoma the other just seroma.  On the side that had the cancer there is a thickening in the scar developing and is getting quite sore.   They cannot treat my cancer due to comorbidity issues.  Please do not send me emails regarding the issue of comorbidity.   I cant have chemo or radiation.  Hormone therapy is not an option that would benefit me.  Because of the type of cancer and not every woman has the same it is at present untreatable.  They will be doing genetic testing to find out more.  If the cancer comes back it still cant be treated other than surgical removal of the affected area.

wallycat

Cancer can recur at any time and anywhere, sadly and unfortunately. A good surgeon will remove as much breast tissue as is possible but no surgeon can remove 100% of the tissue. Depending on the pathology of your cancer, many women who opt for mastectomy don't require radiation (it is the reason I elected to have bmx).

Post surgery, most docs will put in drains to drain the fluids that are normally created in the healing and redistribution of fluids/lymph in that area. This slows and stops and drains are removed after 6-14 days, depending on how much fluid your body produces.

As for chemo, you could have an OncotypeDX test done to reassure yourself that no chemo is your optimal choice; even if it shows you should have chemo, no one can make you do any treatments you don't wish to have.

Many of us hope vaccines or antibody treatments will some day prove to be a "cure." We wait.

Best to you.

Sewtailored

ty for the clarification.  My drains did not work right for either surgery.  On the second they pulled the drain and the fluid went gush into my chest wall.  I have had hives and shingles since.  The doctor says this will leave on its own.  Been sick since.  I cant have chemo because I have other things wrong that would cause the chemo to be counter productive on my healing processes.  The side where the cancer was is getting quite sore which is why I asked. 

Lula73

it could be the pressure from the fluid build up causing the soreness and the thickening could be just inflammatory response. Have they mentioned going in and draining it either surgically or just a needle? Drains not working once I could buy. Not working twice? Was it the same surgeon each time? It might be time for a second opinion. I hope you get relief soon.