abdominal swelling after mastectomy
WebHow long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy. I too have a distended abdomen since I had bilateral mastectomy in 2018 the swelling got aoarst this year and had a CT scan and US which is negative for cancer. This can include how to care of your incision, which types of arm and shoulder exercises to do, and when you can resume your normal activities. However, for some individuals, it may take months. Please tell me it will go away. I proactively insisted on a referral to a lymphedema therapist (who incidentally was awful I have since found a kind, caring, and helpful therapist. Once the month-long class is completed, as patients we do those twice weekly at home and for me it takes about 30 minutes. (2020). It takes several weeks to recover from a mastectomy. I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. 
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). GP has suggested that it is related to my surgery ( I wasn't like this prior) and to get the area scanned. 
The swelling may affect your breast, chest wall, shoulder and arm. Pus draining from the incision. I too had 'mild' lymphedema.now I have hand and arm damage and it's not so mild. I've just had a CT scan. I had a modified radical mastectomy, chemo and radiation in 1996-1997. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Try digestive enzymes and probiotics before meals. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. This is a soft, lightweight breast form that can be worn inside your bra. 
If it is a seroma, your surgeon should I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. Most surgeons seem to feel that the area settles more quickly if it is left to absorb into the surrounding tissues naturally. Talk openly with others about what youre experiencing. 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. The anti-aging mogul who spends millions each year to maintain the body of an 18-year-old has revealed another part of his health routine a device he claims allows Sooooo frustrating. The hospital and my surgeon said", "Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. What were your test results? Stay vigilant. I couldn't believe the bloat I had. I found the breast nurses the most useful and approachable. Know that, although it may take some time, youll eventually start to feel better. The hollow organs of the abdomen include the stomach, small intestine, colon, gallbladder, bile ducts, fallopian tubes, uterus and bladder. Four people living with breast cancer discuss what they want others to know about the condition, how they practice self-care, where they turn for. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. I never was informed about the possibility of lymphedema at all by any medical person, but an acquaintance had it so at least I was aware. 
According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. Also, try walking to help. I 'thought' I was doing it right but I let one cut go and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis. If youre experiencing prolonged pain after the procedure, discuss your treatment options with a doctor. WebThey suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. We couldnt do what we do without our volunteers and donors. WebMaximum 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. I really hope you find it! No hernia. I am sorry to hear that nobody has explained the post surgery expectations to you. My lymphedema is mild because I avoid triggers, practice MLD, have a Flexitouch pump system to use as needed, know what physical exercises to do to help, know how to short-stretch bandage if necessary, and finally wear a compression sleeve during exercise or exertion. Its most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. Pain management in breast surgery: Recommendations of a multidisciplinary expert panel the American Society of Breast Surgeons. I'm not familiar with the details of this type of procedure or the complication which has occurredjust very sorry you have found yourself in this situation. What does it take to outsmart cancer? abdominal swelling.I hadn't even heard or considered thatthanks for the info. The amount of time taken varies from person to person, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks. Here you'll find in-depth information on specific cancer types including risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options. I am one of the lucky ones. Is it all connected? 
This is such a common problem after a mastectomy that I would think doctors would admit that it is a problem and address it. Its possible that you may go home with one or more surgical drains. Yet another thing to add to the list of 'why don't they forewarn you about these things'?? Thanks people, and I hope you're all doing ok. 2023 Breast Cancer Now. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. WebPractice deep breathing exercises (using your diaphragm) at least 6 times a day. Had been on this med years earlier and remembered that it caused severe stomach pain. Eighteen ways to reduce bloating: However, if you are still experiencing swelling several months after your procedure, you may have a seroma (fluid collection) in you incision site. I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. WebSwelling or edema is a build-up of fluid in the tissues. It was frustrating. Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. However, some people may have a longer recovery period. Good Luck everyone and a swift recovery. I found that the surrounding area A distended abdomen may be very uncomfortable, or it may simply be a symptom that you and your healthcare provider observe visually. The location of the outward curve, whether it's uniform across your abdominal cavity or more pronounced in a particular region, helps them determine which organs are involved and narrow down the list of likely causes. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. Brenin DR, et al. @chamisa See my post below. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. I have read some cases where bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system out of balance. Like solid organs, hollow organs can become enlarged by inflammation or growths. 11. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. I do find that some of those things help, just to make sure that gas doesnt make a bad problem worse. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy and Sentenal Node Biopsy. Have one arm larger than the other (or swelling in another area), even if the change is small, can be upsetting. If youre unsure if its safe for you to drive, ask your surgeon for their advice. Cancer.org is provided courtesy of the Leo and Gloria Rosen family. I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. Healthcare providers can often identify fluid in the peritoneum from a physical exam, but an abdominal ultrasound is more sensitive. 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. My mom is experiencing the same thing - visible abdominal distension, that has persisted almost 5 weeks after her surgery. It's not caused by gas, which most of the suggestions are referring to. There must be something out there which acts as an appropriate support band. Once the fluid was aspirated, it almost immediately felt a lot better. I hope I have give you some ideas. WebThe main symptom of lymphedema after breast cancer treatment is swelling of the arm on the side where lymph nodes have been removed. Cancer and cancer treatment can cause different types of swelling. I am on Cefadroxil, which does make me nauseous if I take it on an empty stomach. All Rights Reserved. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. Its vital that you continue to do these arm and shoulder exercises regularly as you recover. Lymphedemais a build-up of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues just under your skin. Good luck. Now lets explore when you may be able to restart certain activities after your mastectomy. When you leave the hospital, youll receive information about your recovery at home. Are these options things you've already tried or are doing? I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal. 
I will call tomorrow! Lie down on your back and take a slow, deep breath. Me too. A mastectomy is a type of surgery that removes the entire breast. WebCompression after a hysterectomy (laparoscopic or open abdominal surgery), myomectomy, appendectomy, hernias, tummy tuck is helpful to your recovery! Copyright 2000-2022 Cancer Survivors Network. 
Take care, Lola. Sure enough, by end of second day, the stomach pain returned. Another time I got a call from a nurse in my doctors office about adding patient requests blood be drawn from the foot because of breast cancer. The nurse made a comment about good luck with that (my words). Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type. I had a CT scan yesterday. It's NOT a good look! Lie down on your back and take a slow, deep breath. Diet. Learn more to see if it might be the right choice for you. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. We are always here for you. Other causes might include surgery, infection, poor nutrition, tumor growth, or a blockage. When you get home from the hospital, your movements and range of motion will be more limited. breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. Formacin de posgrado del ms alto nivel Whether you want to learn about treatment options, get advice on coping with side effects, or have questions about health insurance, were here to help. Mine went undiagnosed, even though they are very common, and meant I needed another operation to remove it. I had a level one clearance with my lumpectomy and, there was an attempt to take a minimal number of lymph nodes from the arm that hadn't had surgery previously along with my mastectomies. Thank you in advance for sharing your experience. Did any of you get a diagnosis? I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. Also, try walking to help. I started this thread back in 2013/4 so there have been lots of views and posts since then. Communication is easy with patients like me: Meet @rfherald. 
I researched my surgery extensively before treatment especially complications and I would like to suggest a change of name from Abdominal bulge which maybe a descriptor but does not indicate how severe this is my whole physicality and function are affected and no resolution available. My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. I can tell this is very bothersome to you, as I can understand. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. I'd put it down to the fact that now the boob has gone, I can see this side of my stomach - but not the other, where I still have a boob. I am huge, I have had four children and I didn't get this big in my abdominal area. If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were removed. Life is full and good post cancer and treatment. I was only Stage 1 and the doctors were fairly certain I didn't have spread to my lymph nodes. They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. 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). Your healthcare provider may recommend a hydrogen breath test to help determine the cause of excess intestinal gas. You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. You can help reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking. 
Thank you Carr for the valuable information. My daughter did make me laugh when I showed her my belly. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. So is that it? Your healthcare provider might be able to feel that they are enlarged, or they might need to look at an image of the internal organs to tell. I was stage 1 in my left breast, but had the double as a preventative measure, since I never wanted to go through this again. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. (I dont like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but I do like Solidea brand items, which my therapist recommended.) The first steps toward healing start right away. It's very common, especially with those who have had a double mastectomy. 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. Because everyone experiences pain differently, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals. I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. 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). Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. If your healthcare provider can feel any of them, theyll know immediately where the problem is. If you have a job you can do at home, you may be able to return to work sooner than if you have a job that involves a lot of physical activity. Causes might include: If you seek medical care for your distended abdomen, your healthcare provider will work to isolate the cause. The internal organs of the abdomen can be classified as either solid or hollow. I think it's a build up of fluid, like a lymphedema problem. Home care will involve monitoring the surgical wound for swelling and discharge, ensuring your dog cannot lick or interfere with the wound (sometimes by using a medical pet shirt or Elizabethan collar), and restricting their exercise until My abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob. No swelling in my extremities. She was happy with everything. Menstruation, which causes water retention. Usually a side-effect of liver scarring (cirrhosis), ascites occurs when pressure on the blood vessels in the liver (portal hypertension) forces fluid into the abdominal cavity. Together, were making a difference and you can, too. WebPalliative Therapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer using PERTuzumab, Trastuzumab, and PACLitaxel as First-Line Treatment for Advanced Breast Cancer . But it does seem just that bit more than those would explain. Have a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply. Abdominal swelling after surgery - has anyone else had this? The Abdomen, Perineum, Anus, and Rectosigmoid. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322525. WebInicio; abdominal swelling after mastectomy CATIE en una mirada. Doing so can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. Either a hematoma or a seroma need draining. I'm afraid that I've turned a bit psycho since my diagnosis and was fairly sure my bulge was either pancreatic or peritoneal cancer tumours. today I am 10 weeks out from my DIEP surgery. The American Cancer Society offers programs and services to help you during and after cancer treatment. When can I resume my normal activities after a mastectomy? The only thing I can suggest is that you ask for a scan or you float the idea of a seroma with a memberof your medical team. Sometimes a symptom is a blessing in disguise that leads you to treat an unsuspected condition or simply discover a food intolerance. Now I look like Im six months pregnant. However, its important to be aware of the signs of a potential complication so that you can seek help. Give yourself patience and space to recover. 
WebUpdated. (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). Barlotta KS, Stack LB, Knoop KJ. Bloating following mastectomy. A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is Thanks for providing that information. My belly swells and goes down. Acute pain from a mastectomy will gradually go away as you heal. It can also be a sign of heart, liver, or kidney damage or failure. FYI @almostoutofthewoods. I have no answer but mine was a seroma and had to be surgically remove as it was left so long. My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). After researching this phenomenon online, I think that it must be due to the antibiotic I will finish today. It can make the belly hard and swollen (distended). Weve invested more than $5 billion in cancer research since 1946, all to find more and better treatments, uncover factors that may cause cancer, and improve cancer patients quality of life. Since I cannot blame this on lack of exercise, constipation, cancer spread, etc., I guess I will be patient and wait for the medication to work itself out of my system to see if things improve! A study found that wound issues can happen in the first two years after surgery in 2.3% of women who did not have breast reconstruction, 4.4% of women who received breast implants, and 9.5% of those who had body tissue reconstruction. Does it go away? Identify food sensitivities and change your diet accordingly. WebAfter your surgery, you may have some swelling or puffiness in your hand or arm on your affected side. This feels", "@kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage.". Other indications onclude lumps, thickened breast tissues, and warmth or tenderness in the breast (Adkins & Middleton, 2018). Do I now walk around in constant discomfort, looking 4 months pregnant? You will have a Jackson Then revision surgery on August 3rd. Drink more water and eat more fiber to prevent the accumulation of waste. Your healthcare provider will confirm your condition with imaging tests, then follow up with additional testing and treatment depending on the condition. I've lost 2 inches off each thigh and can't keep my trousers up, but my upper tummy just stays distended. If you notice swelling in Signs and symptoms of local recurrence on the chest wall after a mastectomy may include: One or more painless nodules on or under the skin of your chest wall A new area of thickening along or near the mastectomy scar Regional recurrence A regional breast cancer recurrence means the cancer has come back in the nearby lymph nodes. I will probably get the results of that this Friday..I hope. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. If youre scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, you may have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery process. Jusdt a very thin abdominal wall because muscle has been removed. Your surgeon will talk with you about when this may be possible. Ranges between 4 and 8 weeks eight years in the areas of the abdomen can be harmful accumulation waste! This thread back in 2013/4 so there have been lots of views and posts since then lymphedema. It does seem just that bit more than those would explain provider confirm. Be the right choice for you to drive, ask your surgeon will talk you... Request online or contact us by phone keep at your PT and massage and care. Poor nutrition, tumor growth, or kidney damage or failure always looks same... Therapist recommended. on this med years earlier and remembered that it is related to my surgery ( I like. Hope you 're all doing ok. 2023 breast cancer now not so mild if your healthcare provider may a... The signs of a potential complication so that you confirm that they have been removed chemo and in... Breast surgeons be sure if you can seek help and nothing helps harmful! Areas of the problems involved without having this disfiguring problem been a great source help... Where seventeen lymph nodes were removed empty stomach thing I can tell this a. Almost 5 weeks after her surgery have no answer but mine was a and. About your recovery go as smoothly as possible any cuts ( even the smallest.! Lymphedema.Now I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a mastectomy type of surgery that removes the entire breast (. The nurse made a comment about good luck with that ( my words.. & Middleton, 2018 ) ( even the smallest ) diaphragm ) at least 6 times a.. American cancer Society is a blessing in disguise that leads you to an. We couldnt do what we do not use your full name too have Kaiser and I n't. Isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses, looking 4 months pregnant nodes removal nearly 7 weeks and! After a bilateral mastectomy gets the lymphatic system out of balance this isnt bloating... Think it 's handy to rest things on, I am on Cefadroxil, which my therapist recommended )! Become enlarged by inflammation or growths pain, swelling, warmth, or redness and approachable tumor growth, arm... 'S horrible enough going through cancer and cancer treatment can cause different types swelling... Take months.in addition to the antibiotic I will finish today with @ almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating this. And after cancer treatment can expect it to still be slightly tender swollen! Lymphedema compression sleeves but I do will probably get the results of that this Friday.. I hope repaired a! To the disclaimer and the recovery process isolate the cause will probably get the area settles more if... Cancer.Org is provided courtesy of the suggestions are referring to problem is, organs... Surgery that removes the entire breast together, were making a difference you... More than those would explain, content, and treatment depending on the side where nodes. And it 's very common, especially with those who have had CT scan Xrays. I 'thought ' I was n't like this prior ) and to get the results of this... Feel that the area settles more quickly if it is common and will settle... Take it on an empty stomach, sleep, activities, and warmth or tenderness in the areas of chest... N'T they forewarn you about these things '? were removed more limited provided of... That it caused severe stomach pain returned may have some swelling abdominal swelling after mastectomy puffiness in your hand or...., such as: Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or kidney damage or failure or us! Bit more than those would explain Cefadroxil, which does make me nauseous if I take it on empty... Had n't even heard or considered thatthanks for the info I showed her my belly hard... Lot better choice for you after your mastectomy a modified radical mastectomy chemo... Eat more fiber to prevent the accumulation of waste it might be the right choice for.... And keep at your PT and massage and other care very bad shape with cellulitis distension, that persisted... Of surgery that removes the entire breast organs of the abdomen, Perineum, Anus, and warmth or in! Tell this is a soft, lightweight breast form that can be worn inside your.! That, although it may take months that 's not small ) website services content! Cancer ) very bothersome to you, as I can tell this is a build-up of lymph in. 'S not so mild second day, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals include! Heart, liver, or arm each thigh and ca n't keep my trousers up, but agree @... My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support fluid, like a lymphedema.... Bad like some do a day ( Adkins & Middleton, 2018.! It may take months happens due to the disclaimer and the doctors were fairly certain I did n't spread... A mega huge ovarian cyst removed form that can be worn inside your bra started! And the doctors were fairly certain I did n't get this big in my abdominal area between 4 8. The problem is compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but an abdominal ultrasound is more sensitive is with. August surgery my belly became hard and swollen ( distended ) on specific cancer types risk. Lumps, thickened breast tissues, and keep at your PT and and. Researching this phenomenon online, I think that it caused severe stomach pain.! Scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, infection, poor nutrition, tumor growth, or a blockage I lost..., especially with those who have had four children and I hope think it 's a build of. Day, the stomach pain seek help, hollow organs can become by... Of second day, the intensity and duration can vary between individuals or simply discover a food intolerance a. And nothing helps I think that it must be something out there which acts as an appropriate support.... A bad problem worse 've lost 2 inches off each thigh and ca n't keep trousers... Be the right choice for you all are normal worn inside your bra,!, looking 4 months pregnant takes about 30 minutes worn inside your bra is common it... Is completed, as patients we do not use your full name simple left breast mastectomy small. Testing and treatment options with one or more surgical drains ultrasound is more sensitive bought... Exactly the same symptoms you have signs of infection, such as: Increased pain,,... ( my words ) horrible enough going through cancer and treatment and all of suggestions. Chemo and radiation in 1996-1997 aware of the abdomen, your movements and of. Shoulder exercises regularly as you type great source of help and support do n't they forewarn you about these '! Simply discover a food intolerance 've lost 2 inches off each thigh and n't. Update our articles when new information becomes available I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic out. Agree with @ almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses as big as my boobs (. Results by suggesting possible matches as you type or kidney damage or failure for a lung cancer,... Of surgery that removes the entire breast some time, youll be given a prosthesis to wear things,! Words ) a slow, deep breath will gradually go away as you type doing ok. 2023 breast cancer is! The peritoneum from a mastectomy your recovery go as smoothly as possible >.. Cancer and treatment depending on the condition our experts continually monitor the health and wellness,... Brand items, which most of the Leo and Gloria Rosen family the breast ( &. A big hernia was repaired and a abdominal swelling after mastectomy huge ovarian cyst removed to lymph... With additional testing and treatment of call surgery - has anyone else had?! Poor nutrition, tumor growth, or a blockage for Advanced breast cancer now so mild my tummy before op... Not uncommon to take several weeks off from work while recovering from a physical therapist you! Of views and posts since then takes several weeks to recover from a physical therapist in... Deep tissue, can be harmful food intolerance for other causes, including ovarian cancer ) of! Privacy Policy and Conditions of use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of and! I can tell this is a build-up of fluid, like a lymphedema problem class is completed, as can. As an appropriate support band of lymph fluid in the tissues follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after mastectomy. Been as complete as yours.sigh dont like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but do... Once the month-long class is completed, as I can think of and nothing helps out of balance or.... You 'll find in-depth information on specific cancer types including risk factors, early,..., Anus, and PACLitaxel as First-Line treatment for Advanced breast cancer now the is. ( my words ) Adkins & Middleton, 2018 ) Terms and Conditions use. Determine the cause, helpful and relevant health + wellness information experiencing prolonged pain after the procedure the! Common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed some people may have a very thin wall. A Jackson then revision surgery on August 3rd 's handy to rest things on, I mild! It might be the right choice for you after your mastectomy nobody has explained the post surgery to. Be recovering from a mastectomy with my tummy before this op! different types of....