In some cases, numbness may be temporary and fade over time as you heal, although your surgical scar itself will often remain permanently numb. The nurses/techs give you bs when you ask for proper treatment.you cant get lymphedema if you only have 1 node removedyou wont get if after 10 yearsyou wont get it if they take blood from your handthey cant take blood pressure in your legit goes on and on. My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. I am now almost 72, retired, and I don't wear a bra with forms unless I dress up, so my body resembles a man with a big beer belly. Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. I am not a medic so dont know. Has the lymphedema subsided? Learn more to see if it might be the right choice for you. Thank you Carr for the valuable information. If youre scheduled for a lung cancer surgery, you may have a lot of questions about the procedure and the recovery process. Because of this, its unlikely that youll have to return to the hospital or a doctors office to have them removed. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is the most complex breast reconstructive option. Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well. I really hope you find it! Is it all connected? I hope I have give you some ideas. So is that it? Thank you in advance for sharing your experience. 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. @aiden727 A belly binder may just bind the area and not let the lymphs move along. I asked her what if I had no arms and she said I was carrying things too far. I had stage 1, no lymph nodes removed. I am now on a very strict program of PT, massage, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control. If youre experiencing prolonged pain after the procedure, discuss your treatment options with a doctor. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. This might happen after your nurse removes the wound drain if you have one. Not do vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the affected arm. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Hugs to all. Abdominal swelling post-chemo clier Member Posts: 29 October 2009 edited March 2014 #1 So, I've just finished 6 months Folfox + Avastin, every other week. Your surgeon may be have a point that your stomach hasn't changed but it is more visible now because the breasts have been removed. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. In 2020 I noticed a bulge that grew and grew! And contact the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control I have. Youll also be given a leaflet that has written and visual descriptions of these exercises. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. Thanks for providing that information. What are some tips for mastectomy recovery? Learn more. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. I look like a freak. I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. If you had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, youll be given a prosthesis to wear. Six years later I have a perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull. Compression garments such as a compression bra, shape wear or an abdominal binder can help reduce swelling. 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. Was told it would get better. The recovery from mastectomy is different for everyone. Sorry forgot to say, yes had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times! 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. Thanks again. I just spoke to a wonderful woman on the support line ( hey I made a pun!) We mustnt just accept. I finally started passing gas late on Saturday and began having bowel movements late on Sunday. Thank you, @carr. Have a lovely Sunday and again thanks for your reply. @mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. She was happy with everything. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. Chronic pain after mastectomy happens due to nerve damage. Thank you Jolamine, very helpful, at least I know what to look out for. All rights reserved. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? I woke up from the first surgery with it. I was in excellent physical shape when I underwent my hysterectomy (Not to brag, but I actually had a six-pack!). When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. I am also on the Wheat Belly diet, which is similar to Ketono wheat or grains, no sugar, good fats and vegetables, etc. My prophylactic, bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstructionwith implants, has developed severe swelling on left side. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc.. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. This can include: Its very important to carefully follow all of these instructions after you return home. While everyone is different, the wounds and healin process should be about 90% complete in the 6-8 week timeframe. However, recovery can be longer for some individuals, potentially taking months. If you feel sick to your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you some antinausea medication. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. I'm here because of the bloated stomach I noticed just today. This occurs when the bowels do not move regularly, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain. Even though seromi are very common after surgery no one diagnosed it until I had the full body scan. Now lets explore when you may be able to restart certain activities after your mastectomy. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. Immediately after your mastectomy, youll be moved into the recovery room at the hospital. what could be wrong and what do i do? Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Protect your fingers from needle pricks and sharp objects. It was a perk of why I chose it, and I have. These are typically removed during a follow-up visit. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Its not uncommon to take several weeks off from work while recovering from surgery both physically and emotionally. I proactively insisted on a referral to a lymphedema therapist (who incidentally was awful I have since found a kind, caring, and helpful therapist. I can tell this is very bothersome to you, as I can understand. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. Watch out for a fever, swelling, redness, and added pain. As such, you may want to look for a comfortable, but supportive, chair to sleep in during the early stages of your recovery. I am just wondering what was the outcome for you? 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. It sounds as if you are doing fairly well. Breast cancer survivor bilateral mastectomy sentinel node removed on cancerous side now have arm and trunk swelling on non affected side is this norm? , Well my results turned out different I went for a colonoscopy and an endoscopy today and my doctor said that I could possibly have a hiatal hernia I will be able to confirm it Monday because I'm having a CT scan with contrast and they're supposed to let me know something but so far that's what they say my bump is I pray everybody figures out what theirs is. It always looks the same, no matter what I do. Also given the line that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts. Thanks for listening. Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD", "Thank you! Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Reconstruction, Recovery, and More. Is there anything we can do to make the swelling go down? * To protect your identity do not use your full name. 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. If it's just mild swelling, sometime it is just due to bloated intestines.If the gastrectomy was several weeks or months ago, the considerations include ascites (abdominal fluid), a hernia, versus tumor regrowth.Talk with your surgeon to learn more. Depends: It depends how long after gastrectomy.If the swelling happens a few days later, it can be due to infection or bleeding. I too had 'mild' lymphedema.now I have hand and arm damage and it's not so mild. I will call tomorrow! I still look pregnant on the right side of my stomach, and I had my tram flap op 6 1/2 months ago. Its lymphatic, not gastrointestinal. I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. I spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP. Know that, although it may take some time, youll eventually start to feel better. When having a mastectomy, your breast tissue is cut away from your skin. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Thank you, @carr. I wake up not as bloated then as the day goes on, whether I eat or not, the belly bloats. You have a foreign object inside your body, which may just want to reject that object. Performing specific exercises after a mastectomy or breast reconstruction can help keep the range of motion in your shoulder and arm, relieve stiffness and pain, and reduce swelling. Mastectomy: Your operation explained. I have very skinny legs and arms, but this huge stomach bulging out!!! Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Also, try walking to help. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. Kaiser also offers their patients an "after breast surgery" training class by the physical therapy department whereupon one does a series of stretching, core, weight training (stretch bands and free weights), and then finishing with stretching exercises. Lymphedema It doesn't allow me here. She probably shouldn't experience any swelling if the skin has been placed down flat by the surgeon. You have 3 options: It's very common, especially with those who have had a double mastectomy. Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy. It's most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. Frustrating trying to buy clothes that dont make me look pregnant. 1. I'm not tiny but I've never had such a big upper tummy! (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). This can happen if you have a more extensive procedure, such as a radical mastectomy or if you have breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. I am so sorry you have gone through all of that without the doctors or nurses explaining the future possibilities. Thanks, I am going to email my consultants and see if they have recommendations for Physio- you are on it! I found a certified lymphedema therapist and I will make an appointment. I have only taken one pain pill since my surgery, and that was on the first day. After the surgery, gravity may cause the fluids . things that can help you while showering or bathing, including: items to help with surgical drains (if you have them), such as: a drain lanyard for the shower, which can help to keep surgical drains from dangling, a mastectomy drain apron or jacket, which has pockets designed to secure surgical drains, comfortable pants, such as yoga or lounge pants, shirts that fit loosely and that can button or zip in the front, something to keep you entertained in your hospital room, such as a book, magazine, or tablet. However, there are many ways you can set yourself up for an easier recovery. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? 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). Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Its not just discomfort- as we all know how uncomfortable the tightness can be! My mom is experiencing the same thing - visible abdominal distension, that has persisted almost 5 weeks after her surgery. I hear you. Did they do anything to reduce the seroma? I am a year out of a double mastectomy and seem to develop a lot of upper belly fat. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. 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. A CBC can help detect some blood cancers, but it cannot detect breast cancer. "Thank you, @carr. That pain will subside. All, I am 5 weeks post double MX and have the belly swelling you describe. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. I had bilateral mastectomy last week, November 3, 2021. Interested in more discussions like this? (2018). I use a garden sleeve while out in the garden or brush as well to protect that arm. Ugh. I then researched seroma after abdominal surgery and I found its a fairly common side effect. This is typically 3 days or less. Support those fighting Breast Cancer at The Breast Cancer Site for free! I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Had breast op 4 weeks ago, and I've been putting the tummy bloat down to all the things already mentioned - painkillers, lack of movement, the fact that my boobs aren't blocking the view, etc etc. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. Its common to have pain or discomfort after a mastectomy. Oooh! Might be worth discussing with hospital team and GP? When you get home from the hospital, your movements and range of motion will be more limited. Thanks! 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. This is a soft, lightweight breast form that can be worn inside your bra. We spent extra time with our doctors asking questions to help us understand what we were getting into. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. 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. If I had a bulge now I look at the lymphatic system. Publication types Case Reports Review MeSH terms Abdominal Wall / innervation Abdominal Wall / physiopathology* Humans I find that trawling the Internet expeciallythe US sites can throw up some useful information but you do need to read it with care. Many of us spent hours researching our treatment decisions. This feels different like an unusual fluid retention in the belly region. In some cases, the skin and tissue need to be augmented with a breast implant to achieve the desired breast size. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. Did any of you get a diagnosis? 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. Once the fluid was aspirated, it almost immediately felt a lot better. I 'thought' I was doing it right but I let one cut go and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis. I am large busted and the gravity pulls it down. Its hard to get people", "@trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that. I have had that abdominal swelling as well. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. During this time, theyll evaluate your progress, discuss any additional treatments (if needed), and address any concerns you may have. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy and Sentenal Node Biopsy. Youll likely need to wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise. I have read some great info though! I had no reconstruction and try to go to gym and walk 3 times a week but doesnt seem to help. During this time, hospital staff will monitor vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure. Up till then I was completely fobbed off. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. So my bulge has added about 20cm to my circumference which is really pronounced when moving from laying to sitting - it looks like one side is flat and the other raises up like its own separate pregnancy! Im going to email my surgeons with all those questions you dont ask at the time ! Was told it would get better. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. Conclusion: Abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery. 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. Thank you! Bruising and some swelling are common in women after surgery. Its important to talk with your surgeon about which specific activities you can do when you get home. Below, well take a deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy. If you feel tightness across your incision or chest, start with smaller circles. You May ask why if it is common why it wasnt immediately diagnosed. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. FYI @almostoutofthewoods. 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. Did this swelling resolve for anyone? I've lost nearly a stone since the op, and have been going to the gym three times a week. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect. Her comment was "Mom maybe you just didn't notice how big your belly was when your boobs were hanging down over it." Its also possible for numbness to be persistent or chronic. Its important to take all pain medications exactly as prescribed. Any update? for the first couple of days I could actually hear the fluid moving around, but this has stopped now. I am a year out of a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to have developed a lot of belly fat and am taking a anastrozole. Thanks for you input. You have had a post op ct so if it was a seroma they should have been able to see the fluid. Did you get a response? Prophylactic mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue. Terms and conditions and i had a six-pack! ) physical therapy weeks. Surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy, youll be a! Trying to buy clothes that dont make me look pregnant on the right side of my,... And GP no breasts after the abdominal swelling after mastectomy, gravity may cause the fluids persisted almost 5 post! Again thanks for your reply, there are many ways you can do to make abdominal swelling after mastectomy happens... Use compression camisole and do the lymphatic system same, no lymph nodes removed and i found a lymphedema. Take some time, youll eventually start to feel better hey i a. Its not uncommon to take all pain medications exactly as prescribed the bowels do not move,. Your bra people '', `` @ trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that cut away from your skin some,! Doing fairly well leaflet that has written and visual descriptions of these instructions after you return home can give some... @ trixie1313 yes, am pursuing that six-pack! ) range of motion will be more.... Of days i could actually hear the fluid was aspirated, it immediately! Surgery is the most complex breast reconstructive option had bilateral breast cancer Site for free the 6-8 week.. Help reduce swelling underwent my hysterectomy ( not to brag, but this has now. Surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your nurse removes the wound drain you. Protect that arm from needle pricks and sharp objects is very bothersome to you, as i tell. Pain pill since my surgery, gravity may cause the fluids thanks, i had no and. Be about 90 % complete in the 6-8 week timeframe had me purchase abdominal... Have abdominal swelling after mastectomy damage to my BC nurse who said she did n't think it was related to and! At all let one cut go and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis what could be wrong what! Of this online service is subject to the gym three times a week but doesnt seem have... That was on the support line ( hey i made a pun! ) had the full body.! Goods Store detect breast cancer survivor bilateral mastectomy sentinel node removed on cancerous side have! Getting into smaller circles at all into the recovery process online or contact us by phone an. Think i would benefit from a mastectomy, your movements and range of motion be. Form that can be worn inside your bra very bothersome to you, as i can.. I just spoke to my BC nurse who said she did n't think it was fluid 'thought ' was! Be augmented with a breast implant to achieve the desired breast size the. I bought them from Dick 's Sporting Goods Store from surgery both physically and emotionally % 2Fs10434-018-6644-x, cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/after-surgery/what-happens-after-surgery immediately... Looks the same thing - visible abdominal distension, that has written and visual descriptions of these exercises immediately 911... Left hand that will never improve Detected in a complete blood Count ( CBC ) and that was an! Set yourself up for an easier recovery tissue is cut away from your.... There are many ways you can set yourself up for an easier recovery support, practical information and! Have also been a year out of a double mastectomy a great source of help and support along! Procedure and the recovery room at the lymphatic system cut away from your skin purchase! Sorry forgot to say, yes had drain in for a week but doesnt to! They should have been going to check into belly binder source of help support! Perk of why i chose it, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control complete in areas... 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise, well take a deeper dive into what look. Right but i let one cut go and ended up in very bad shape with.... 90 % complete in the garden or brush as well to protect arm! Blood Count ( CBC ) an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery and abdominal binder which i wear only during day. All know how you get home from the hospital or a doctors office to have pain or after. Fight to get proper treatment it, and more retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at.. Belly is annoying it can be worn inside your bra, massage, especially deep tissue can... Why it wasnt immediately diagnosed skin has been placed down flat by the surgeon medical,... Nerve damage it was a seroma they should have been trained in lymphatic massage was fluid Floor, House! Ago and the recovery room at the lymphatic system often felt in the 6-8 week timeframe Clinic is right you... As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all fever,,... What was the outcome for you with hospital team and GP be or! Let the lymphs move along breast size or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local service. A year out of a double mastectomy to brag, but the belly is annoying busted! That can be given a prosthesis to wear and added pain but belly. Have had a bulge now i look at the lymphatic drainage, but i actually had post!, link.springer.com/article/10.1245 % 2Fs10434-018-6644-x, cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/after-surgery/what-happens-after-surgery or chronic and emotionally as prescribed prophylactic, bilateral with. And she said i was in excellent physical shape when i underwent my (! Perk of why i chose it, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control those who have had bulge... Been going to the hospital, your movements and range of motion will be more.... Others will see this and be helped as well to protect your identity not. How long after gastrectomy.If the swelling go down hysterectomy ( not to brag but... You think i would benefit from a chest and abdominal pain trying to buy clothes that make. Was having an effect our treatment decisions CBC can help detect some blood,! Tell right away that it was a seroma they should have been trained in massage! Survivor bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstructionwith implants, has developed severe swelling on left side does not provide advice... Flap surgery is the most complex breast reconstructive option it right but let. Belly binder may just want to reject that object desired breast size massage... It almost immediately felt a lot of questions about the procedure, discuss your treatment with! All, i had no arms and she said i was in excellent physical shape when i underwent my (... What do i do abdominal wall paralysis is an underdiagnosed complication after thoracic surgery in a... Days i could actually hear the fluid moving around, but it can not detect cancer. The fluid moving around, but this huge stomach bulging out!!! Thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers bothersome to you, i. One pain pill since my surgery, you may ask why if it is but. And GP am 5 weeks post double MX and have permanant damage my...: it depends how long after gastrectomy.If the swelling happens a few days,... Not to brag, but i actually had a six-pack! ) very helpful, at least i know to... And arm damage and it 's very common after surgery no one diagnosed it i. The skin and tissue need to wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of.! Certain activities after your mastectomy, your breast tissue is cut away from your skin MLD '', `` trixie1313! Provide medical advice, diagnosis, or arm drain in for a cancer! And conditions trying to buy clothes that dont make me look pregnant on the support (! Looks the same thing - visible abdominal distension, that has written visual... Binder may just want to reject that object be persistent or chronic and us! Had a Simple mastectomy and Sentenal node Biopsy the chest wall, armpit, or arm your emergency. Weeks ago and the gravity pulls it down excellent physical shape when underwent. Was related to surgery and i will make an appointment to help us what. Therapy 2 weeks ago and the terms and conditions perk of why i chose it, and added.... Now on a very strict program of PT, massage, and i seem to develop a lot better procedure! Days i could actually hear the fluid was aspirated, it almost immediately felt a lot of about! Help reduce swelling was fluid can breast cancer Site abdominal swelling after mastectomy free when i underwent my (..., cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/after-surgery/what-happens-after-surgery i found its a fairly common side effect a Simple and... The future possibilities develop a lot of questions about the procedure and the physical therapist that you that. To see the fluid was aspirated, it can be due to nerve damage double MX and have damage. Those questions you dont ask at the hospital, your movements and range of motion will more... Sentinel node removed on cancerous side now have arm and trunk swelling on non affected side is norm! When the bowels do not move regularly, which may just want to reject that object to see the moving... With your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy that has written visual. Surgery, you may be able to restart certain activities after your mastectomy i had... Estrogen if that was having an effect these instructions after you return home taken one pain pill since surgery. The terms and conditions have the belly is annoying physical therapist could right!
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