hematoma and radiation question

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zha-an
zha-an Member Posts: 31
edited October 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

hi everyone  

I'm scheduled for my simulation this Wednesday morning but seriously don't think my poor breast tissue can take anymore insult right now. I had a severe inflammatory reaction to the methylene blue dye used during my sentinel node biopsy. It caused large swelling and immediate formation of a large hard lump that extends from the nipple out about 3". It is about 1/2" deep maybe more. The area around it is still very painful 4wks out and I still need pain meds most days and at night to try and get a bit of sleep. My surgeon has never seen anything like it and my RO has never heard of such a thing happening! Additionally I have a sizeable hematoma that formed 9 days post op. It is now hard as a rock. Between the 2 lumps half my breast is involved. I see my surgeon tomorrow and will insist on an US of both to see just how deep the dye reaction is. He did one on hematoma 2wks ago but just stared at the dye reaction in horror! I have been using moist heat, castor oil packs and massage (ouch) to try and break up this mess with little reduction in size. Has anyone else started radiation while dealing with hematomas? I just don't think I can do this right now....any advice appreciated!

I continue to hold the image of our perfect healing...zha-an

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited October 2014

    I didn't have any hematomas but my seroma, from UMX, was still showing on the Contrast CT as 6+ cm one week before starting Rads.  That was 15 weeks after UMX - 12 weekly Taxol which started 3 weeks after UMX.  It had been present throughout Taxol during those weeks.  That's just my experiences which we each have different ones.

    Have you asked about using Sound Therapy (not the exact term but can't remember right now) which is used to 'break up' 'hard masses/stones'?

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  • zha-an
    zha-an Member Posts: 31
    edited October 2014

    thanks kicks! Just got back from surgeon so a plan is in place...we postponed simulation until Nov 19th to allow swelling, inflammation and pain to settle down. The US showed that the hard area is a 1/2" thickened dermal area surrounded by diffuse tissue swelling but no pockets that can be drained to speed things along. Fortunately there was no sign of necrosis. he recommended that I continue the castor oil packs and actually expand the treated area to increase lymphatic circulation and hopefully reduce swelling (and pain!) the surgeon has never seen the reaction that I had to the 3cc of methylene blue dye...also couldn't find anything similar in the literature...leave it to me! If there is an odd or scary reaction that can happen...I'll be the one in a million that has it! My poor doctors....my hematoma is smaller and doesn't really hurt like the other mess...hvnt slept thru nite in 4 wks from pain...ridiculous! Oh well, this too shall pass! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience! Zha-an

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited October 2014

    Have you seen a LymphEdema Therapist yet?  (Not just a PT who claims to 'know all about LE' but actually has LE education.)  They will teach you to do MLD (Mannual Lymphatic Drainage), evaluate where you are now and educate you about the potentials (what to watch for, how to manage, etc.).  

    Unfortunately, many Drs are very ignorant about LE.  You did say your Dr suggested you " expand the treated area to increase lymphatic circulation".  That sounds, to me at least, that he is at least thinking that it could be compromosed.  ANY surgery can result in issues, especially when nodes (even none or 1) are removed. 

    Not trying to scare you, but there should be evaluation before LE raises it's ugly head which can happen even years later.  You might want to,come to the LE Forum.

    We have to be our own best advocate!  (

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  • zha-an
    zha-an Member Posts: 31
    edited October 2014

    kicks...specifically asked surgeon if swelling could be LE related and he said no since no axillary node disection..just 1 sentinel removed. I was concerned because I had noticed that swelling increases when I'm up and about or use my arm much and it extends around side to back, although not a lot. I live in a rural area 63 miles from specialized care but will chk w local PT to see if he's had specialized LE training. Would my PCP be able to do the referral or does it need to be from a specialist? Everything caught up with me and I have been really overwhelmed especially today so think I'll wait to look at LE section. ...doing my ostrich impression for a couple of days to try and find my center once again. I don't have family support but have reached out here and to my treatment team members so trust that this feeling will pass. Because of the complications from both surgeries I have been in constant pain since 9/12....so not sleeping very well. It's taking it's toll....thank you for reaching out to me..it helps! Zha-an

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