Help for edema post double mastectomy

MsP

Bonjour from France and OUF! This gets old really quickly, doesn't it?

I'm 11 days post-op after both breasts were removed (sentinel nodes only removed on the right side as the tumours on the left remained in situ) and muscle expanders were placed under my pectoral muscles for the future reconstruction.

I'm having a lot of trouble finding helpful information about dealing with horrible, roaming, painful, hideous edema on and around my chest. My hands, feet, and face went back to normal while still in hospital and I had all of my drains removed before returning home as they were no longer draining off much fluid in a 24hr period.

We generally have the most wonderful systems in place of volunteers and loads of other resources to help during health crisis here, but due to Covid, there's nowhere to go and I have to remain isolated for the time being with the exception of a chosen few carers. The nurse that changes my bandages daily has said that time is the only thing. She did say that I was maybe trying to do a little too much to early (a friend took me to the grocery store yesterday--ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch, and ouch!).

Icepacks feel good, but change nothing. Resting a lot goes without question. Making a nest out of pillows helps with sleep.

Is there anything else I could or should be doing? Are there perhaps things I'm doing that is, unwittingly, making it worse?

All advice and wisdom is most welcome.

Bon Dimanche!

sylviaexmouthuk

Bonjour Msp,

What you have sounds like lymphoedema. This is damage to the lymph system after breast cancer surgery. It is very common. Talk to your consultant or nurse about this. There are exercices you need to be taught to do.

Amicalement,

Sylvia.

MsP

Hi Sylvia,

Definitely not lymphoedema. Just really bad, bog standard, edema.

As mentioned, my nurse has offered no advice other than it will heal in time.

Cheers,

P