Fluid buildup after surgery

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Sabbymama
Sabbymama Member Posts: 103
edited April 2020 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hello :). I had a mastectomy and 22 axillary lymph nodes removed on April 10,2020 and things have been manageable to this point. At my follow up with my BS and PS on Thursday, they both noticed a bit of fluid retention between the breast and armpit area, but since my drainage looked good and it was a minimal amount, neither felt the need to aspirate it. Last night before bed, I noticed some increased swelling under my arm and this morning there appears to be considerably more fluid around the breast/tissue spacer. The skin is not red or super warm to the touch, I have no fever (at least I don't think I do), and my drainage continues to be normal, but I feel like there is extra pressure and some discomfort due to the extra fluid. I have emailed my PS to ask for guidance, but wondered if anyone else had a similar experience. I am considering calling the hospital if it continues, but I am hoping to avoid a visit. I'm looking for suggestions for home treatment or advice from anyone who might have experienced this. Thanks in advance and have a great weekend!

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  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited April 2020

    sounds like a seroma. Heat and massage are often recommended. Proceed gently of course but heating pads or warm compresses and gentle massaging will help. If you google seroma heat massage there are reputable sites with instructions. So long as there's no signs of infection I think I'd wait to hear back from the PS rather than risking a hospital visit.

    Take pictures if you can & also consider drawing an outline of the swelling with a pen so you can keep track of the size of it...


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  • Sabbymama
    Sabbymama Member Posts: 103
    edited April 2020

    Thank you for replying Moth! I did hear back from my PS and she shared similar advice :). I will go see her on Monday to determine if it needs to be drained. I appreciate you taking the time to chime in and wish you a lovely evening!


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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited April 2020

    with 22 nodes removed, be sure you get a referral to a certified, train lymphadema PT.

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  • Sabbymama
    Sabbymama Member Posts: 103
    edited April 2020

    Thanks Minus Two ,I will definitely look into that. From what I'm now reading, this could be a problem for me :(.


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