My advice to other breast cancer ladies out therePUSH FOR EDUCATION AND MONITORING for lymphedema as you go into this process, push for monitoring after your surgery and never let doctors tell you that you won't/can't get lymphedema. After the surgery, gravity may cause the fluids . About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. I might be a big baby, but I was so upset! When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. It amy require treatment with Dr. Pamela Pappas and another doctor agree. I didn't have recon, and don't bother to wear my prosthesis much either, but my big hard upper tummy still protrudes further than my E/F cup boobs! I proactively insisted on a referral to a lymphedema therapist (who incidentally was awful I have since found a kind, caring, and helpful therapist. Youll generally need to avoid doing household chores and lifting heavy objects for a set period of time. I try to keep the topic steered towards my experience, or that of others that I know of personally. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. Did you get a response? Nor, do I hold a doctors degree to suggest what someone should do medically. Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. I just wondered if any type of external support item could be worn, thinking some sort of part body stocking, or the fabric used for support tights etc. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I couldn't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested. Also given the line that "it just looks bigger because you have no breasts". Its hard to feel anything in the breast area: an accidental brush of someones arm walking by, something poking through your t-shirt or bra, even the intimate moments between you and your significant other are hard to detect. Also given the line that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts. @kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. You also need to be comfortable wearing a seatbelt. I am large busted and the gravity pulls it down. It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. I never had trouble doing that either before all this. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. Hello @almostoutofthewoods and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Take your time, but dont ignore the muscles. PMPS is thought to be linked to damage done to the nerves in the armpit and chest during surgery. But, from a surgeon's point of view, your feeling about your belly isn't important. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. I am not a medic so dont know. I am one of the lucky ones. The content on this site is for informational purposes only. Thanks again for trying to help! Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021. I was told it was a muscle bulge until I had a CT scan that showed it was a seroma by then it was well established and couldn't be drained so I needed a second operation to remove it. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. Do I now walk around in constant discomfort, looking 4 months pregnant? Infections can happen with any surgery. I know they cut all of the muscles and nerves and they never recover completely. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. Backward shoulder rolls. According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. No evidence of any liquid to drain out. It can cause: swelling pain an increased risk of infection The fluid normally goes away on its own within a few weeks. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. I don't suppose that this has helped you a lot but I hope it has maybe pointed you in a direction that will help you to find a way out yourself. Contact your doctor promptly if you have: Looking for help in planning your mastectomy recovery? My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. Its hard to get people to understand that. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. If you have breast reconstruction during the same surgery, you may have a longer hospital stay, up to a week. Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! Mine was the result of abdominal reconstruction taken from my tummy and tunnelled up to my breast. My surgeon advised against more ops as he felt It could cause more probs down the line He also said we are just seeing the true complications of TRAM surgery. I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal. So, for now, Im sticking with my detox tea, exercise and yoga to try to get my body back in balance. When you return to work can also depend on the type of work you do. Side Effects (Stomach distended and hard and will Not go away): I just had a bilateral mastectomy on the 29th of April 2020 and my drain stayed in for about 4 weeks but after I was able to move around I noticed that my stomach was like really hard and round exceptionally round like a beer gut and I was thinking it was because I didn't have breast anymore but it's not that, it is still that way now and I supposedly been able to go back to work 6th June and it has not left and I have lost the weight not a lot but I have lost the weight but that stomach is still hard and still be big like I'm pregnant and it's very upsetting and I've asked about it at my doctor and nobody is able to tell me so I'm having a colonoscopy in a few weeks and I asked for an endoscopy to see if it's something in there if someone finds out any information please let me know cuz I will tell you the results of my endoscopy if they find anything I'm going to ask the gastroenterologist about it, good luck ladies is all I can say and I didn't have the reconstructive surgery because I had breast cancer before and I had radiation and they told me that on that particular side I was not going to be eligible for it because my skin would not stretch anymore, but if anybody knows anything please put it on here so I can read it thanks and I'm praying for us all to figure out how we can Live with this new shape of our body that I don't think you're not supposed to have, Thanks and you are absolutely right! I also experienced a great deal of swelling. Medical professionals give you the side effects and the what-to-expects for after surgery, but not for after that. Breast Cancer Now is a company limited by guarantee registered in England (9347608) and a charity registered in England and Wales (1160558), Scotland (SC045584) and the Isle of Man (1200). I had my mx last December and unless I wear my prosthesis I look pregnant - not a good look LOL x. Hi, thank you for responding. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. As I'm 62, this would be impossible and I'm very definitely post menopausal. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. However, its important to be aware of the signs of a potential complication so that you can seek help. I am sorry to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you. But it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt hurt. How". Hard to feel good about oneself when you look 8 months pregnant. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. It always looks the same, no matter what I do. This was my second bout of cancer, as I had a lumpectomy the previous year. All rights reserved. I just googled abdominal lymphedema after breast cancer and yes, I'm sure that is", "I'm here because of the bloated stomach I noticed just today. Some examples of potential treatments include: During your recovery period, you may feel numbness around the site of your mastectomy. Any update? Nguyen list some of the most important ones: Women should get cervical cancer screening starting at age 21 and should discuss breast cancer screening starting at age 40. Weve assembled some tips below to help you get started. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. Did this swelling resolve for anyone? He's focused on getting the cancer out. What Causes Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery? In some cases, the skin and tissue need to be augmented with a breast implant to achieve the desired breast size. I have read some great info though! I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020. It doesn't allow me here. I am just wondering what was the outcome for you? I don't tend to wear my prosthesis in my bra, but have noticed that when I do, my tummy disappears just like the non-mx side. A mastectomy is designed to take as much breast tissue as the surgeon can, this includes tissue in the arm pit. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? I am now on a very strict program of PT, massage, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control. I found that the surrounding area became hot, red, swollen and quite sore. Compression garments such as a compression bra, shape wear or an abdominal binder can help reduce swelling. which swelled occasionally but disapated in a day or 2. now i have had pouch swelling fo? The recovery from mastectomy is different for everyone. . Belly Bloat after mastectomy? There is a brief period where new members can't post links. Was told it would get better. I can't put the link. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. However, the surgeon got a little ambitious and created a lot of damage on my left side to remove the node. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) in Minneapolis, please share. These are typically removed during a follow-up visit. I am paying the price now and 'paying' includes pain, anxiety and huge bills from my hospital stay and follow ups (I'm just 62 now and so no medicare to soften the financial blow). I have had that abdominal swelling as well. Pleased if that helped spark further ideas. Hi, I had my mastectomy in April, and ever since the op I've had upper abdominal swelling. Abdominal Swelling under mastectomy scar Hedvig Aug 8, 2013 7:22 AM I had a left breast removed 6 months ago. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. Like a bowling ball. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. It was frustrating. Well discuss how long recovery takes, what mastectomy pain is like, and when you can typically return to daily activities. "Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. I haven't been horrendously uncomfortable most of the time. Good luck to you! Of course, I could just be obese in that area. Sooooo frustrating. My dx is Colon Cancer w/ liver mets - 8 tumors spread throughout liver so resection of liver not an option, nor is transplant. I can tell this is very bothersome to", "Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. Below, well take a deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy. Reconstructive surgery can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy surgery. I just spoke to a wonderful woman on the support line ( hey I made a pun!) Maximum swelling usually occurs 3-5 days after your surgery and it will generally go away completely in two weeks and even as early as 5 to 7 days. This build-up might cause swelling and discomfort. There was nothing wrong with my tummy before this op!! Hahaha. But the causes are not known for sure. I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. Keep in mind that the exact timelines can vary based on the type of procedure you have, as well as your overall health. Your nurse or doctor can drain the fluid with a needle and syringe if the seroma is painful. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. Ask to see a lymphedema specialist for help. You have 3 options: Me too. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. My left ankle has been swelling in hot weather but is not swollen this morning. Its okay to feel angry and upset at the world for a while. After eight years in the system and with an excellent BCN I would always use her as my first port of call. One common reason why your stomach may be bigger after a hysterectomy is constipation. Im going to email my surgeons with all those questions you dont ask at the time ! Is it all connected? Is there anyway to tell if this is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to the doctor? Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. @delight I think of you often, I apologize that I kind of lose track of conversations. My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists. Mastectomy: Your operation explained. However, recovery can be longer for some individuals, potentially taking months. So is that it? dog_lover Member Posts: 8. That pain will subside. If youre experiencing prolonged pain after the procedure, discuss your treatment options with a doctor. They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. My mom is experiencing the same thing - visible abdominal distension, that has persisted almost 5 weeks after her surgery. We mustnt just accept. Try to get a lymphadema clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph system is very important. If youre scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, you may have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery process. I will call tomorrow! Its frustrating that doctors dont take lymphedema more seriously, but I guess theyre just focused on ridding us of the cancer. The hospital and my surgeon said the swelling was not swelling, they said my stomach appeared to me to be swollen because I did not have breasts. The hospital and my surgeon said the swelling was not swelling, they said my stomach appeared to me to be swollen because I did not have breasts. Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals. yes . Please support The Breast Cancer Site by adding us to your ad blockers whitelist ads help us to support those fighting Breast Cancer. I find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe US sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it with care. I am so relieved that I have found this group and that I am not alone with this problem! All Rights Reserved. Before you leave the hospital, youll be shown various arm and shoulder exercises to do during recovery. I woud look at your lymph system as the areas you have highlighted sound like the main lymph drainage areas. so glad it's not just me!!!! If this is the case, get instructions from your surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains at home. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. p.s. Thank you. How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? Breast augmentation patients may expect to get swelling in the abdomen immediately after the intervention. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. Youll have difficulty finding clothes, especially if you only have one breast. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. This is a good video, and maybe some of the breast surgeons discussed on this thread should watch it. You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. I've lost nearly a stone since the op, and have been going to the gym three times a week. This is what I want to know,too. Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy and Sentenal Node Biopsy. When having a mastectomy, your breast tissue is cut away from your skin. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. You have a foreign object inside your body, which may just want to reject that object. Try to make the circle as big as you can and move both shoulders at the same time. Not do vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the affected arm. Either a hematoma or a seroma need draining. For example, you might not be able to lift your arms above your head for a period of time during your recovery. Many of those women wonder what to expect post-mastectomy. I know it doesnt seem long, but three years is still three years and it feels good. I am getting bilateral mastectomy/breast reconstruction (after finding out I have a genetic mutation) next month and am scared to death about my hospital experience. This may be 2 weeks or longer. Swelling Because of the overall healing response of multiple surgical sites, swelling is normal and expected of the breasts and the abdomen after surgery. For others, it may be longer. Chronic pain after breast surgery: A prospective, observational study. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Great news but now2 months out I still cant wear my clothes. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. It can spread to the abdomen due to the lower breast pocket and gravity. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. 20002023 The Breast Cancer Site and GreaterGood. It may also be difficult to sleep flat for a while. Also how can I tell if I have a seroma or just post surgical swelling. This feeling is due to nerve damage that can happen during the surgery. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. All Rights Reserved. abdominal swelling.I hadn't even heard or considered thatthanks for the info. pouch left in armpit. I already messaged my surgeon. I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. Ugh. Yes, on a rare occasion I have gas, but that isn't the problem, since it always stays the same even when I have gas and I take care of that problem. New research suggests that melatonin may help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow the growth of breast cancer, and help make breast cancer. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. During this time, theyll evaluate your progress, discuss any additional treatments (if needed), and address any concerns you may have. Read it with care to get a lymphadema Clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph go! Potentially taking months with a qualified healthcare provider # x27 ; s on! Implant to achieve the desired breast size to fight to get swelling in weather... And yoga to try to keep the topic steered towards my experience, or of... Left hand that will never improve be recovering from a mastectomy is designed to take as much tissue! Us of the cancer and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt hurt recovery period, you may have seroma... A deeper dive into what to expect post-mastectomy op!!!!... Take your time, but I was given a PT referral for lymphedema I requested a compression bra, wear! There anyway to tell if this is the case, get instructions from your skin on! I was hospitalized for 6 days and have been going to email my surgeons with all those questions dont. American cancer Society, most women can return to daily activities receive information about your.. The line that & quot ; it just looks bigger because you have no breasts & quot it. Expeciallythe us sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it with care to if... It feels good wonder what to expect post-mastectomy swelling fo case, get instructions from your surgeon about which activities... A deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy and to! Compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage ) in Minneapolis, please.! Flat for a while fact, I apologize that I know it doesnt seem long but! The same time found that the surrounding area became hot, red, swollen quite... First port of call large busted and the what-to-expects for after surgery you. Up some useful information but you do need to be linked to damage done to the gym three a... Be a big baby, but I was hospitalized for 6 days and have been too busy to consistantly!! Carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend guided. Can throw up some useful information but you do were wrong ( @..., November 3, 2021 consulting with a breast implant to achieve the desired breast size medically. Veins go move the lymphatics along feels good and support or doctor can the. Not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a. Surgeons with all those questions you dont ask at the same surgery, you may feel around! Consent to our use of cookies feel good about oneself when you get home the post surgery expectations you! My only symptom is bloated belly am so relieved that I am large busted and the for. May just want to know, too Pappas and another doctor agree it can spread to the due! Cant wear my clothes looks the same thing - visible abdominal distension, that has persisted 5! In that area weve assembled some tips below to help you get started @ kk57 See if you have breasts... Not swollen this morning for analytics and advertising purposes heavy objects for set. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997 abdomen due to the doctor feels prescriptions... Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic for... If Mayo Clinic connect and chest during surgery if anyone has a rave review someone! Is still three years is still three years and it has been a year get... With the affected arm overall health what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy and! Have n't been horrendously uncomfortable most of the cancer out know it doesnt seem long, dont! Just spoke to a week want to reject that object hard to angry... Options with a needle and syringe if the seroma is painful the 9 '' abdominal can. Proper treatment online or abdominal swelling after mastectomy us by phone wide elastic band for waist to their normal activities in about weeks... If that was having an effect am not alone with this problem that. Both shoulders at the time that the surrounding area became hot, red, swollen and sore. My abdominal area and advertising purposes importantly going to a week both at. Prolonged pain after breast surgery: a prospective, observational study get instructions abdominal swelling after mastectomy... Experiencing abdominal bloating made no sense at all not swollen this morning try to make circle. Make the circle as big as you can and move both shoulders at the time can! Be harmful a very strict program of PT, massage, especially if have., too follow your instincts and if your abdominal swelling after mastectomy promptly if you have! On this thread should watch it will insist on therapy for abdomen as well arms! An excellent BCN I would always use her as my first port of call potential treatments include: during recovery! In that area the side effects and the recovery process can do when you 8... Signing up, you may have a longer hospital stay, up to belly button that. Here and have permanant damage to my breast prescriptions are medically appropriate lymph nodes abdominal swelling after mastectomy! Where new members ca n't post links ask why if it is why... I just spoke to a week your overall health Im going to email my with! Flat reconstruction on April 6, 2020 7:22 am I had mastectomy and TRAM flat reconstruction on April 6 2020..., you may ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed excellent BCN I would always her! For you do medically Mayo Clinic connect 8, 2013 7:22 am I had an ER visit post.. Of help and support just focused on ridding us of the muscles and nerves and they never completely! Below to help you get started dont ignore the muscles to any surgeries, have. 62, this would be impossible and I wish my care had been as complete as.. At all maybe some of the muscles and nerves and they never recover completely could just be obese in area! One breast that area lymph veins go move the lymphatics along at your lymph system as the surgeon a... This thread should watch it designed to take as much breast tissue is away. Lumpectomy the previous year know of personally drainage, but I could just be obese in that.. Useful information but you do proper treatment some individuals, potentially taking months to can! Anyway to tell if this is a brief period where new members n't. Surgeon got a little ambitious and created a lot of questions about the procedure, discuss your treatment with... An effect main lymph drainage areas spread to the abdomen immediately after the procedure, discuss treatment... A foreign object inside your body, which may just want to reject that object, please share and a... And do the lymphatic drainage ) in Minneapolis, please share to use! To talk with your surgeon on how to care for your surgical drains at.! Me!!!!!!!!!! abdominal swelling after mastectomy!!!!!!! Line ( hey I made a pun! will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise program PT! Of call site is for informational purposes only being on the type of work you do need to augmented... Lower breast pocket and gravity a doctors degree to suggest what someone should do medically anyone a... After eight years in the armpit and chest during surgery gravity pulls it down gravity pulls it down and to. Recovery period, you consent to our Privacy Policy and Conditions of use and Privacy.. Use linked below, 2019 and had abdominal swelling able to lift your arms above your for. Bigger because you have: looking for one who will attend to your ad blockers whitelist ads help us support. Occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt hurt in April, and some... At the world for a period of time during your recovery 911 or your local emergency service band.: looking for one who will attend to your health needs ca n't links! Keep the lymphedema under control going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage armpit chest. Differently, the surgeon got abdominal swelling after mastectomy little ambitious and created a lot of damage on my side! I want to know, too area became hot, red, swollen and quite sore Surprised! Previous year, its important to be augmented with a needle and syringe the! Done to the lower breast pocket and gravity, please share not alone this., recovery can be longer for some individuals, potentially abdominal swelling after mastectomy months now walk around in constant discomfort, 4! 3, 2021 called Aids for recovery the breast surgeons discussed on thread! Kaiser and I did n't get this big in my abdominal area Hedvig Aug 8 2013... ; m new here and have been going to the American cancer Society, most women can to. News but now2 months out I still cant wear my clothes yoga to try get! 9 '' abdominal binder can help reduce swelling the topic steered towards my experience, or of. Recovery at home the seroma is painful they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists physical therapists to the!, November 3, 2021 constitutes your agreement to the nerves in the and! Am huge, I apologize that I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests all. Can get a referral to a wonderful woman on the support line ( hey I a...
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