Bruising after Lumpectomy

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Veeder14
Veeder14 Member Posts: 880
edited February 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

This is day 4 - starting last night I noticed more bruising with more even today. I wonder if this is normal? It's mostly on the underneath part and the nipple is the most bruised.

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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited January 2018

    Hi Veeder. Yep, bruising is normal, and may increase for awhile. Some people think anica helps but I just waited it out. Hope you feel better soon.

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  • Veeder14
    Veeder14 Member Posts: 880
    edited January 2018

    Thanks Georgia1. I guess the swelling will go down too. I've been using ice in my arm pit but not the breast.

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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited January 2018

    Yes, delayed bruising definitely is normal!! It may take a very long time to go away. And over time gravity might pull the bruise down to the bottom of your breast. That was my experience and they told me it was normal!

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  • CGG
    CGG Member Posts: 18
    edited February 2018

    I had a similar experience with bruising post lumpectomy, that's normal and to be expected. I developed a large lump/hematoma in the surgery area which bothered me more but I felt better once my doctor told me that it was totally normal for that to develop. The bruise and the lump all went away in good time. If you get a lump/hematoma, massage it everyday and it will go away in a few weeks. Good luck!

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  • Veeder14
    Veeder14 Member Posts: 880
    edited February 2018

    The bruising I had is going away quickly. I'm surprised how fast. However, I'm sure I have a seroma and it's large and above the incision where the lymph nodes were taken out. I'll show the surgeon on Thursday at my appointment. The doctors know seromas form even if you have drains (which I didn't) however don't warn patients. (I already knew from having melanoma surgery) and don't know how to prevent it or treat it. Very frustrated.

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  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited February 2018

    Veeder, I had a seroma by my lymph node incision too. I got conflicting info about using hot or cold compresses. Ended up using gel ice packs just because they actually felt the nicest. I also massaged the area gently several times a day. It resolved after about 7-10 days. I did notice my seroma seemed to improve overnight (I did have the gel ice pack tucked in my sport bra when I went to bed but of course it didn't stay cold very long & I didn't replace it overnight) and got a bit worse during the day & esp with activity - but I kept on being active anyway & just used the icepacks in mini breaks.

    hope you find something that works for yours!

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  • Veeder14
    Veeder14 Member Posts: 880
    edited February 2018

    Hi Moth,

    Wow, that's record time to get rid of a seroma, and glad ice worked for you. I noticed mine is the same size even after sleeping all night. I hope to get some answers soon. I have used ice during the day but may try at night also. Not sure about heat either.

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