Mastectomy bulges under arms

Options
24

Comments

  • Lovegolf
    Lovegolf Member Posts: 513
    edited November 2009

    I had drains for 2 days..no problem.  It was been a week and I look and feel so much better.  Chest and underarms are so much better.  I am so glad I did this

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2009

       I have that bulge on my mastectomy side and it has nothing to do with being heavy, although I have noticed that is more pronounced in latter years now that I am heavier.  My PS always said he was going to go back and correct it, but never did and he is since deceased.  It got worse after I had a reaction to the polyeurethane covering on the implant which was supposed to dissolve, but did not and caused me to have lumps all along the incision line.  When they went in and removed the offending implant and cleaned everything up, I had to have a drain for about a week and then the swollen area under my arm got even larger than it was.  I think it is because they took the lymph nodes out there when I had my mastectomy  and they have a trail they follow and that was lost when they took them out and it wasn't reconnected so it's lymph that just sort of collects there.( my english teacher is up in heaven shaking her head at all my run-on sentences.)  No one has told me that for a fact, but it makes sense to me.  I quit wearing sleeveless things a long time ago because I have fat arms and now have that skin that just sort of hangs there than older women seem to be cursed with.  If I don't wear things that are too fitted, it is not noticable to anyone except me. 

    Linda, I think that is great you had something positive happen. Do not know how I would have delt walking hunched over for two weeks though. 

  • BShoemaker
    BShoemaker Member Posts: 78
    edited November 2009

    Janet-from-PA - my Plastic Surgeon said this is absolutely a revision surgery due to breast cancer and is covered...not cosmetic.  Maybe see another plastic surgeon and get a 2nd opinion if you want to have it done?  Just a suggestion.

    Lovegolf - thanks so much for posting your experience.  I think I will move forward in scheduling this after my treatment is complete.  Looks like I still need to go through Radiation so I've got at least 2 more months before I can get it.  The thing for me is I can't sleep or lay on my side or chest and it's driving me NUTS!  I would give anything to just curl up on my side.  Never thought that would be so important to me.  Sleeping on my back is for the birds!  :)

  • Lovegolf
    Lovegolf Member Posts: 513
    edited November 2009

    Yeah the not sleeping was bad and I did not want pills forever.  Best of luck...if you any question just PM me

  • Wonderland
    Wonderland Member Posts: 3,288
    edited November 2009

    I also had a dog ear after my left mastectomy 3 years ago. Like all of you, I hated it!

    My surgeon didn't tell me about the bulge before the surgery. I didn't know what it was. The wonderful woman who fitted me for my prosthesis told me I had a little dog ear. I had never heard that expression before but was thankful that now I knew what that ball of fat was.

    My prosthesis was an excellent match for me and clothes looked good from the front. Then I would use a mirror to view the back of me and see that ugly bulge!

    I wore a bra that was cut low under the arms so nothing would touch the dog ear. Luckily the bra worked well and did not cut into it.

    This September I had delayed DIEP surgery, and guess what: no more dog ear! Clothes look good from the back again.

    Good luck with everyone deciding what to do about your dog ear!

  • dng2210
    dng2210 Member Posts: 6
    edited November 2009

    My GP called them dog tails.  I had a double and have them on both sides.  The PA at the Onco. Sug office said they were because there is no weight from a breast to pull the muscle forward.  That makes sense.  The PS said if they lipo that it doesn't last.  I had immediate reconstruction and if has been a bad experience.  One high one low can't find a bra to help both.  I was considering getting a Lat flap as the right side had radiation and is still changing (stopped rad in Aug) but now I am thinking about having the implants removed and having no breasts and just bras.  It is so hard to know what to do and this process is so long. Sorry to go on and on.

  • Footsox6
    Footsox6 Member Posts: 102
    edited December 2009

    I have dog ears on both sides.  I attribute it to a poor surgeon.  I specificaly told the surgeon that I would not be having reconstruction.  I guess I didn't emphasize it enough, because in my follow up visit to the surgeon, he said "Oh that will all pull forward when you have reconstruction."  I was appalled!  I told him again I was not going to have any reconstruction.  he said to me, that I would probably change my mind.  He is a chauvenist!  I think he is a non-caring man who can't fathom a woman not wanting to have breasts.  I hate him.  I also have lymphedema so I am very nervous about having any "revisions" done by a plastic surgeon.  I did go to a plastic surgeon for an opinion and she said it would be no problem to fix one of them.   The other one is different and has a large indent where it appears the cancer surgeon removed too much tissue.  I am interested in talking to people who have lymphedema and also have had revisions for dog ears.  The lymphedema is horrible and will never go away.  The dog ears are horrible as well.  It really depresses me sometimes and there doesn't seem to be an answer for me....  If I ever get revisions done, I will probably go to 10 plastic surgeons for advice before I do it.

     Yolanda

  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited December 2009

    Hi Yolanda,

    Have you posted your question about whether or not revisions are okay with lymphedema on the Lymphedema discussion board? I've seen similar questions there; the women on that board are very knowledgeable and should have some good advice. Generally, I think that a minor procedure shouldn't present too much of a risk. In fact, in some cases, removing extra tissue and clearing out scar tissue may even make lymph drainage easier; at least I've heard that on these boards.

    It depresses me that your breast surgeon so completely failed to listen to you. And it certainly won't hurt to seek a lot of PS opinions before you do anything. Good luck!

    Barbara

    BreastFree.org

  • Lovegolf
    Lovegolf Member Posts: 513
    edited December 2009

    Fox

    I had bad dog ears and a tigger point that was so painful after my Mx.  Had Bital Mx 5/1 with no reconstruction.  On 10/28 I did have the dog ear and the trigger point repaired. I am so happy with the results.  The "fix" did expand the incision, but it took out skin flap..... I now sleep better and am not in pain.  I would talk to PS to see if you can one who has done this work before.  Best of luck. If you have questions I will be glad to share more info.

  • lilacplane68
    lilacplane68 Member Posts: 25
    edited December 2009

    I just want to thank all of you for sharing your experiences.  I get my drains out tomorrow. no more cancer!! what a relief. I agree that the drains are very uncomfortable. Will I have dog ears? I don't know yet, but if I do I will certainly explore my options. I am not having reconstruction.  I gained a lot of wt. on the steroids after my lumpectomy in 2006 so I am looking forward to losing it now.  I will continue to read the blogs herein and search for information. We are all survivors. What price Life?

  • Gayleebug
    Gayleebug Member Posts: 166
    edited December 2009

    I'm not heavy and had a good-sized (and very prominent) dog ear at my mast site.  The surgeon thought he was being funny/cute when he told me not to worry about it -- 'the plastic surgeon will like it that I've left him (actually, her) the extra tissue to work with.'  Needless to say, I was not amused.  However, the PS did integrate the dog ear seamlessly into my new DIEP breast, so I guess I should get over the BS's comment now.  Grrrrr.

  • AussieSheila
    AussieSheila Member Posts: 647
    edited December 2009

    You ladies are so lucky!

    Fifteen years ago (May '95) when I had my RB mx, it was done by a general surgeon at a local hospital.  There was no dialogue re dogs ears, plastic surgeons etc,.

    When I questioned the surgeon about the grapefruit sized lump under my arm, I was told that he did that so that the lymphatic fluid could drain away.  I spent 8 days in hospital with 2 drains, one of them being removed on the 7th day by a nurse whose middle name was 'torture' she nearly had me screaming but my pride wouldn't give her the satisfaction.

    The drainage fell below 40mls in the following 24 hrs so the 2nd drain was removed by a nurse whose middle name was 'Angel' she did it so painlessly and earned herself a slave for life.

    Apart from the medical personnel involved in my treatment since, I have never mentioned the 'lump' to another soul, as I was afraid if I told other women about it, they would put off getting mammograms done or getting breast lumps checked out.

    It was only this year, after being dxed w/mets, when I started reading about BC and, by default, 'dogs ears' that I put 2 + 2 together!

    Imagine that, how dumb can a woman be? Mind you, there was no 'net back then either.

    Fingers crossed, I did NOT get lymphedema, but when I had the damm thing blow up like a football in the first week out of hospital, why didn't anyone tell me what it was for then?  Nobody ever mentioned reconstruction or plastic surgeons either. 

    One intern Dr at the hospital tried to drain it with the smallest needle ever made and couldn't get one drop out of it; she said there was no fluid there. I had to wait another 6 days for my surgeon to come back from wherever, who used a large knitting needle type of syringe, to drain 500mls out of it.

    Maybe this is why I am slightly paranoid about the Drs I deal with in this current 'go round.'

    Sheila.

  • Sophiee
    Sophiee Member Posts: 32
    edited October 2016

    I am scheduled to have my dog ears removed Oct 21. Was there tightness under your arms like after a mastectomy? Was there a lot of pain and discomfort? How long was recovery?

  • beeve
    beeve Member Posts: 71
    edited October 2016

    I had my "dog ears" removed this July, and an eyelid lift at the same time. I called them side boobs because that's what they were, in a tank top they would pop out... I'm very happy with the results although wearing the iron maidenform (super tight compression bra) nearly drove me nuts. The worst pain would happen while asleep because I'd move without care, but it was really only about two weeks of pain.

    I'm very pleased with the results, the only con is that my chest is down to the bone, no fat blanket and yet the rest of me still has a layer. I've been working towards having an actual waistline with a number lower than my chest, which post mastectomy were the same number. The good news is that I've lost over thirty pounds and an inch and a half around my waist. The bad news? The surgery removed three inches from my old measurement. Keep on walking, keep losing weight or deal with being built like a hot dog.

  • Sophiee
    Sophiee Member Posts: 32
    edited October 2016

    I'm not sure I want to go through more surgery! Two weeks is a long time to be in pain. You must of had to sleep on your back, right? That was really hard for me after the mastectomy. I was thinking of having a tummy tuck at the same time but scratched that idea. It seems like losing weight is a lost cause for me! Congrats on losing 30 lbs, thats great!

  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited October 2016

    I don't have dog ears, I have dog HEADS.  These lumps are enormous.  It feels like I have a puppy under each arm.  Of course, I am a heavy girl, so maybe this was all fat, but all I know is that it wasn't there before my BMX.  My PS blew it off entirely (only one reason why I am retiring her.)  I just sent in my information to another PS regarding potential DIEP reconstruction.  Hopefully, they will be able to do that and fix these dog heads.

  • Sophiee
    Sophiee Member Posts: 32
    edited October 2016

    I am having my dog ears removed tomorrow!

  • GingerChi
    GingerChi Member Posts: 252
    edited November 2016

    Sophiee, I hope all went well with you surgery. I'd be very interested in hearing your about your experience! I had a consult today with a plastic surgeon to have mine removed...just have to wait for insurance approval which may take 30 days.

  • Sophiee
    Sophiee Member Posts: 32
    edited November 2016

    GingerChi its been just over 2 weeks since I had them removed. I was quite sore for about a week and a half with bruising. All in all it wasn't that bad. I stop the pain meds the same night as my surgery because they made me soooo sick, I took ibuprofen the 2nd day then nothing and I was fine. I slept on my side the 1st night, I was so glad I could as I am not a back sleeper at all! I had to wear a surgical bra for 2 weeks and I feel so much better with it on that I am still wearing it, I have tightness when I don't. I think some of the tightness is from my BMX, its hard to tell if its from that or the dog ears. My BMX was only 8 months ago. I had to get the dog ears removed before the end of the year cuz I met my out of pocket max so it was totally free. I didn't have drains, my doctor says he doesn't like them and I wasn't going to argue because I hate them as we all do. I didn't have really big dog ears maybe because I didn't have really big boobs! On Nov 28th my husband is having open heart surgery to repair a hole in his heart that he has had since birth and was never detected. 2016 has been a real crappy year for us!!! It can only get better right! Hope this helps you...let me know how it goes if you have the surgery.

  • Beatmon
    Beatmon Member Posts: 1,562
    edited November 2016

    My plastic surgeon explained to me that the ears or lumps left under our arms were there all along, but the weight of the natural breast pulls it forward so that it is not a lump before we have mastectomy. Makes very good sense. Also she never is comfortable doing all at the same surgery because you are at the edge of the sterile fields during that part of the surgery after the big 2-3,hour removing all the breast tissue...increasing a chance for infection. I would like to get rid of mine, but being a McFattie anyway....I can't stand the thought of drains again. Brenda

  • Sophiee
    Sophiee Member Posts: 32
    edited November 2016

    Beatmon I had mine removed 2 weeks ago and did not have drains. Not all doctors use them.


  • ravzari
    ravzari Member Posts: 277
    edited November 2016

    Beatmon ,they don't usually use drains after excising a dog ear. In most cases, it's done with local anesthetic right in the PS' office, you're given dissolvable stitches, and they heal up in about 2 weeks.

  • Beatmon
    Beatmon Member Posts: 1,562
    edited November 2016

    Thank you for the information

  • Sophiee
    Sophiee Member Posts: 32
    edited November 2016

    I had mine removed in the hospital, can't imagine having it done in the office. I never heard of that.

  • ravzari
    ravzari Member Posts: 277
    edited November 2016

    Sophiee I imagine it would depend on how large the dog ears are; my PS removes "minor" dog ears right in the office under local.

    I'm not sure what she does with larger dog ears or dog ears that are so big they physically get in the way, as I don't have those (the one I have is super small, I just want it flattened as I plan to tattoo over the area next year) and didn't bother asking due to that.

    I would guess, if someone had very large dog ears, it might be a more involved procedure done in the surgical center.

  • Heidibird
    Heidibird Member Posts: 213
    edited November 2016

    My UMX was 11 days ago and the only real discomfort is under the arm...mainly the dog ear. Oh my goodness, that thing will need to go. It feels like someone wadded up a rough washcloth and stuck it there, My poor DH just doesn't get it when I try to explain so it is good to hear what others have done, I don't think we even have a PS in our town but that won't stop me. My next post op I will ask the BS what she has heard from her patients who have had them removed and where they went. I just can't imagine dealing with this irritating blob forever,

  • GingerChi
    GingerChi Member Posts: 252
    edited January 2017

    I finally had my dog ears removed Dec 16th. It was same day surgery, done in a surgery center under general anesthesia. I had no drains. It really hasn't been a bad recovery. Some soreness and bruising, especially the first week. My incisions are long but are healing well with no issues. I had a follow up with the PS a week afterwards to have the few external stitches removed, and no further follow ups unless they're needed. I was told no hard exercise for 6 weeks, since that can lead to fluid buildup at the surgery site....if that happens they'd have to drain it off. When I asked about my other restrictions, he said basically use common sense and don't do aggressive stretching overhead or jumping jacks. lol I'm happy with the results, one side is better than the other, but I'm glad to see improvement. I've noticed that my ROM has decreased with the decreased activity and lack of stretching. I'll be glad when I can resume my exercise class in a few weeks!

    I consulted with two different PS about this, one said he'd do it with a local, but at the hospital...but that's not the Dr. I chose.

  • Tracey6434
    Tracey6434 Member Posts: 1
    edited January 2017

    Although many of these posts are outdated, i think i will ads to this in hopes someone will read it and also post i had my double mastectomy in January and I still have those bulges under my arms. The one under the left has always hurt and STILL hurts. The aurgwon said it was not lympodemeia just left over feom surgery. Well, I wish I could figure out a solution to make it stop hurting. Sometimes you find out that even as long as my time removed, a year later, the pain is still there. My surgeon also told me that this pain and the incision pain may be aa good as it gets for me. I refuse to believe this. I hope it is just the nerves repairing themselves.

  • Fearless59
    Fearless59 Member Posts: 74
    edited February 2017

    Hi, Tracy,

    Sorry you are having so much discomfort.

    I had left side mastectomy 1/12/17. Seam under my armpit has a hard spot where scar ends, skin overlap where seam is, I guess. A tender lump. It is the only thing that really bothers me three weeks out, all else is fine. And it is REALLY annoying, with or without a bra. Actually feels better with a bra on.

    So a year later, still bad for you, ugh. Lots of ladies are going to plastic surgeons, according to some of the posts I have read, to trim up leftovers under their arms. Maybe that would be a solution?

    Mine is just flesh, sticking out and my arm movement rubs, I will try to lose some weight and hope that will help, first. But mine is still pretty fresh after surgery.

    Good luck and do not be afraid to consult with a plastic surgeon. Let them look at it. I think insurance would cover it.

    Good luck!!

    Fearless

  • ravzari
    ravzari Member Posts: 277
    edited February 2017

    Tracey6434,

    The solution is likely going to be to have the dog ears excised (removed); this does involve lengthening the scar/old incision line; the amount depends on how large the dog ear actually is. Dog ears can be tender/painful even if they're not huge, and the solution is still to have them removed so they're not constantly being irritated by being rubbed/pinched with normal movement. Really, the only way to deal with a dog ear that's painful or tender is to have the dog ear removed; it generally won't get any better as long as the extra skin/flesh is left there.

    If your plastic surgeon refuses to remove them, in all honestly, find a different plastic surgeon; it's weird to think of a PS refusing to deal with dog ears (or even left over bra rolls) if the patient has asked that they be removed. It's generally covered by insurance (in the US anyway) as a revision of the original surgery.

Categories