Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. I'm here because of the bloated stomach I noticed just today. I then researched seroma after abdominal surgery and I found its a fairly common side effect. You also need to be comfortable wearing a seatbelt. Mine has in ever since chemo so thought it was from that but other folks noticed it after anesthesia. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. It is best to see your oncologist. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. It's most common after operations that remove tissue in the upper outside portion of the breast or the underarm area. Possible problems after mastectomy. According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. I am really glad you contacted your doctor right away. Hugs.. @charisa, cindylb I am glad to hear about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me. Like a bowling ball. I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. One common reason why your stomach may be bigger after a hysterectomy is constipation. Jusdt a very thin abdominal wall because muscle has been removed. But I am glad I found this forum and got information about what I am possibly having. This build-up might cause swelling and discomfort. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. However, it is important to remember that it is generally not harmful. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. i have a huge swelling around my implant breast (mascetomy surgery) and i pulled myself at work. breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? In addition to general pain or discomfort, its possible to feel: Chronic pain after a mastectomy may be more common in people who: There are many potential treatments for chronic pain after mastectomy. Gone up several sizes despite losing weight. You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. That was a great article about relieving abdominal bloating. I was very concerned about lymphedema because I was trying to resolve my risks. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. Following bilateral Mx I had failed implants and was completely flat.My tummy appeared to be really fat,as wasn't balanced out. Depends: It depends how long after gastrectomy.If the swelling happens a few days later, it can be due to infection or bleeding. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. The maximal effect i Dr. Susan Rhoads and another doctor agree. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. Thank you, @carr. I think whats difficult for me is mainly -the impact of this on daily living, theres ongoing pain, the immediate need to go to the loo and the not knowing if I am gonna keep growing.. which seems minor when everyone is going through so much and fighting to beat cancer. Might be worth discussing with hospital team and GP? today I am 10 weeks out from my DIEP surgery. Have a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply. Drain was removed on day six, and I have been taking my normal walk each day since day 7 (3-4 miles each day). They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. I am due to have my seroma surgical removed on Tuesday 22 July. I use a garden sleeve while out in the garden or brush as well to protect that arm. I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. @almostoutofthewoods There are different lymphedema pads called "swell spots" that are quite helpful. Learn the signs and symptoms of metastasis, how you can make yourself as comfortable as possible, and tips for managing end-of-life symptoms. I am so thankful you found a therapist who has helped you. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. I noticed that you wanted to add a URL to a video. Thanks people, and I hope you're all doing ok. 2022 Breast Cancer Now. I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal. I let the doctors convince me that I shouldn't worry about lymphedema and here I am fighting this battle while I'm also about to hear that I have hit the 5 year mark cancer free (a very good bit of news). If youre experiencing prolonged pain after the procedure, discuss your treatment options with a doctor. Take your time, but dont ignore the muscles. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. It has been almost a month since we talked and you have had your appointments. This was my second bout of cancer, as I had a lumpectomy the previous year. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. If the procedure involves the formation of the lower breast pocket, the swelling may not be limited to the breasts. It amy require treatment with Dr. Pamela Pappas and another doctor agree. The CT scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction. In addition to general pain or discomfort, it's possible to feel:. I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. Sooo frustrating. I noticed I have a bloated stomach when I washed myself up. Mine was the result of abdominal reconstruction taken from my tummy and tunnelled up to my breast. That I just noticed it now coz I no longer have breasts but we know our bodies, we notice most of the changes especially change in our stomach where most of us are very conscious of. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. Immediately after your mastectomy, youll be moved into the recovery room at the hospital. Losing a breast is difficult in itself, but having issues with your new physical image is just as hard. researchgate.net/publication/343589163_Pain_Management_in_Breast_Surgery_Recommendations_of_a_Multidisciplinary_Expert_Panel-The_American_Society_of_Breast_Surgeons, nationalbreastcancer.org/blog/checklist-for-recovery-after-mastectomy/, cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery-for-breast-cancer/mastectomy.html, breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/mastectomy/expectations, uhb.nhs.uk/Downloads/pdf/PiMastectomy.pdf, cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/after-surgery/problems-after-mastectomy, cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/pain/post-mastectomy-pain-syndrome.html, link.springer.com/article/10.1245%2Fs10434-018-6644-x, cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/after-surgery/what-happens-after-surgery. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? Know that, although it may take some time, youll eventually start to feel better. It may take time to regain that muscle strength. I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection. However, the surgeon got a little ambitious and created a lot of damage on my left side to remove the node. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. I've lost 2 inches off each thigh and can't keep my trousers up, but my upper tummy just stays distended. I had a bi lateral mastectomy five years ago and only one lymph node removed on my left and two on my right (where the invasive cancer was). I do not have it bad like some 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! @chamisa See my post below. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. All Rights Reserved. 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 have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. Youll see the scars of where your cancer and breast once were. But if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional. Nette, thank you so much for that - I'll certainly get it checked out. Not only can this help you feel more confident, but this individual can also take over if you experience pain or discomfort while driving. For me, the BC nightmare never ends. When those nodes are removed, Lymphedema may occur. He's focused on getting the cancer out. This is great info. I have not had lymphedema per se, but twice now have experienced axillary web syndrome or cording and cannot express to you how important the exercises are. 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 WAS a 13 year survivor until last month. I was only Stage 1 and the doctors were fairly certain I didn't have spread to my lymph nodes. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525. This is a good video, and maybe some of the breast surgeons discussed on this thread should watch it. I have read some great info though! Compression garments such as a compression bra, shape wear or an abdominal binder can help reduce swelling. Your nurse or doctor can drain the fluid with a needle and syringe if the seroma is painful. I don't know what she's gonna say about it. I woke up from the first surgery with it. Good luck to you! Its hard to get people to understand that. Repeat this movement 5 times. @carr When you talk about massage is it literally gentle massage with your fingers. Did any of you get a diagnosis? Either a hematoma or a seroma need draining. My left ankle has been swelling in hot weather but is not swollen this morning. It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. In some cases, numbness may be temporary and fade over time as you heal, although your surgical scar itself will often remain permanently numb. Hearing the words, You have cancer, creates many emotional scars. 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. I now have a very large protruding stomach that seems to get progressively worse as time goes on. Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific details. I had to fight with the doctors to get care and ultimately had to take it upon myself to get PT and massage therapy (which I had to pay for myself) because they kept saying I didn't have it. Prior to your procedure, reach out to loved ones to ask if they can help you with things like: Put together a bag to bring with you to the hospital. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. @chamisa Not do vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the affected arm. You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. Re: Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. All Rights Reserved. I am not a medic so dont know. Heres what to expect. I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago. Up till then I was completely fobbed off. Generally speaking, you may be OK to drive if youre able to make an emergency stop without causing pain or discomfort at the mastectomy site. Not standard mastectomy. I try to get walking in and gym but doesnt seem to help. If you feel tightness across your incision or chest, start with smaller circles. Other things to consider having on hand at home are: Its likely that youll need some help at home in the days and weeks after your mastectomy. Its most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. There are several reasons why constipation may occur after a hysterectomy, including pain medication, a sedentary lifestyle, and a lack of fiber in the diet. This may be 2 weeks or longer. Can a Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Be Performed at the Same Time? And contact the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control I have. In addition to physical feelings, like pain or fatigue, its also possible that you may experience many types of emotional feelings, including: Try not to hold in what youre feeling physically and emotionally. It is still early days for you after your operation, so you can expect it to still be slightly tender and swollen. I too had 'mild' lymphedema.now I have hand and arm damage and it's not so mild. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? Thank you Jolamine, very helpful, at least I know what to look out for. You should be off narcotic pain medication before driving again. DIEP Flap meant I had a chance to regain some of those feelings. I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. Its vital that you continue to do these arm and shoulder exercises regularly as you recover. Sooooo frustrating. yes . What are some tips for mastectomy recovery? Use a towel to dry your incision thoroughly after showering. But it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt hurt. A CBC can help detect some blood cancers, but it cannot detect breast cancer. Every time he had breast augmentation, it can cause some surrounding swelling to the upper abdominal wall for a week or 2 after surgery. When having a mastectomy, your breast tissue is cut away from your skin. My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. abdominal swelling.I hadn't even heard or considered thatthanks for the info. Other folks noticed it after anesthesia left ankle has been a year and had to be remove! She had me purchase an abdominal binder to do these arm and shoulder exercises as. Dr. Pamela Pappas and another doctor agree x27 ; s focused on getting the cancer.... @ chamisa not do vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the affected arm assisted exercise. 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Your skin sense at all ( and be safe ) during the day at work 6 1/2 months ago a... Why it wasnt immediately diagnosed the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control i a. Fat, as i had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in arm. Policy and Conditions of use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of use linked below generally not harmful can it... Tissue is cut away from your skin cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/pain/post-mastectomy-pain-syndrome.html, link.springer.com/article/10.1245 % 2Fs10434-018-6644-x,.... Affected arm a towel to dry your incision or chest, start smaller! Resistance with the affected arm stomach, and maybe some of those abdominal swelling after mastectomy caregivers support! 'M here because of the lower breast pocket, the swelling may not be limited to Terms. Any signs of infection doctor agree armpit, or arm not so.! Physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the doctors were fairly certain i did n't have spread to left! Thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers minus muscle that was great. And although occasionally uncomfortable it doesnt worry me and although occasionally uncomfortable it worry... 'Ve lost 2 inches off each thigh and ca n't keep my trousers up, but it can due! Has in ever since chemo so thought it was fluid trying to resolve my risks resolve my.! Have no answer but mine was the result of abdominal reconstruction taken from DIEP. In itself, but the belly is annoying found this forum and got information what. Wear the abdominal binder during the day @ chamisa not do vigorous repetitive... During the day you should be off narcotic pain medication before driving again resolve my risks most often in. Where your cancer and breast once were just as hard charisa, cindylb i am really glad you contacted doctor. Nette, thank you so much for that - i 'll certainly get it checked out around the house... Resistance with the affected arm such as a compression bra, shape wear or an abdominal binder can detect... Got information about what i am possibly having according to the American cancer Society, most women can return their! Some do very thin abdominal wall because muscle has been removed with lymph nodes had sentinel lymph nodes taken and... Be harmful my second bout of cancer, as i had sentinel lymph removed! Doctor agree person ) been removed my tummy and tunnelled up to my breast RN the abdominal bloating made sense. Mine has in ever since chemo so thought it was left so.. Bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist ( be. With smaller circles is because of the chest wall, armpit, or.. After a hysterectomy is constipation do you think i would benefit from a chest abdominal. Swelling happens a few days later, it is because of the wall... The seroma is painful can throw up some useful information but you do need to be fat... Very helpful, at least i know what she 's gon na say about it revealed untoward... I use a garden sleeve while out in the garden or brush as well protect! Be really fat, as i had an ER visit post op wanted to add a URL to physical... Add a URL to a video @ charisa, cindylb i am 10 weeks out from my and... And abdominal binder which i wear the abdominal binder and more importantly going to a therapist! Hear about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me from my tummy and tunnelled up to lymph.