abdominal swelling after mastectomy

I noticed I have a bloated stomach when I washed myself up. Arm swelling most often is from lymphedema which can be evaluated and treated by a trained specialist. It's very common, especially with those who have had a double mastectomy. Thanks again for trying to help! I can tell this is very bothersome to", "Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery. Good luck to you! It is best to see your oncologist. Good Luck and return to your doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted. I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal. One common reason why your stomach may be bigger after a hysterectomy is constipation. If I had a bulge now I look at the lymphatic system. 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. @kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. I am 5 days post mastectomy and level 2 axillary node clearance. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain. It takes several weeks to recover from a mastectomy. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. They suggest using an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist trained in lymphatic massage. It takes time to completely recover from a mastectomy. So, any treatment, or have they just said that it will go on its own eventually? I just spoke to a wonderful woman on the support line ( hey I made a pun!) Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your mastectomy. 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. Below, well outline what you can generally expect, both in the hospital and after you return home. Youll likely need to wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise. I had my mastectomy last December - no recon - and since then, my stomach on mx side looks like I'm pregnant too. And contact the incontinence nurse for help with retaining the control I have. . Thanks for listening. It's like I'm 8 months pregnant! Hugs to all. My bowel habits have returned to normal, but I also have torso bloat/swelling that is quite uncomfortable. Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy and Sentenal Node Biopsy. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. They are not keen to remove the fluid unless it is essential, as it tends to build up again quite quickly. I had my op on both breasts on the Thursday and my drains were taken out on the Saturday. You also need to be comfortable wearing a seatbelt. Also given the line that "it just looks bigger because you have no breasts". It is still early days for you after your operation, so you can expect it to still be slightly tender and swollen. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. ", "I am a year out of a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to have". Although I have been told the common reply from my surgeon and family Dr. that I just didn't see it before because my breasts were there, that is total B.S. 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. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. I am glad you are paying attention to your body. Its like doctors sometimes you have to search for one who is a good fit for your personality) because I was going to be flying on a vacation and I knew sometimes flying can be a trigger. There's evanmarcus again appearing on the forum with slightly odd remarks.. This was at a cancer center that was connected to a hospital that had a trauma center! All, I am 5 weeks post double MX and have the belly swelling you describe. Abdominal swelling may have multiple causes as listed by Bookish. This was my second bout of cancer, as I had a lumpectomy the previous year. I already messaged my surgeon. My GP doesn't seem bothered, and my BCN says it will 'probably go away'. It often happens in the arms or legs, but can also happen in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen (belly), or genitals. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 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! You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. Immediately after your mastectomy, youll be moved into the recovery room at the hospital. At age 65, I am 11 days post op after a simple left breast mastectomy. Repeat this movement 5 times. Hard to feel good about oneself when you look 8 months pregnant. I am a very small frame and I am 74 all most 75 years of age. Thanks again. You have 3 options: The content on this site is for informational purposes only. There must be something out there which acts as an appropriate support band. I am also on the Wheat Belly diet, which is similar to Ketono wheat or grains, no sugar, good fats and vegetables, etc. A 2018 observational study estimated that 20 to 30 percent of people who undergo breast surgery experience some type of chronic pain. 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. Try to get a lymphadema clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph system is very important. Interested in more discussions like this? How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? Hi, I'm new here and have been too busy to consistantly lurk! 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. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were removed. 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. Backward shoulder rolls. It's handy to rest things on, I guess! Oooh! During this time, hospital staff will monitor vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure. Swelling after mastectomy A 69-year-old female asked: How long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? New techniques attempt to reduce the amount of dead space created to help prevent seromas from forming. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. That was a great article about relieving abdominal bloating. 1. @sandyjr and others in this thread.. For me, the BC nightmare never ends. 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. (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). I would be happy to receive news and updates from Cancer Chat, NICE suspected cancer referral guidelines, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People. 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 how long would it take to develop swelling from a flu shot if you had a mastectomy on that side? @delight I think of you often, I apologize that I kind of lose track of conversations. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Even after all that, we still dont know everything or we just simply forgot in amongst all that information being thrown our direction. Did this swelling resolve for anyone? HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. @mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. October 2003 #5. Did you get it sorted ? I woke up from the first surgery with it. Frustrating trying to buy clothes that dont make me look pregnant. Once the month-long class is completed, as patients we do those twice weekly at home and for me it takes about 30 minutes. No chemo or radiation. Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. Like a bowling ball. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. When those nodes are removed, Lymphedema may occur. I have very skinny legs and arms, but this huge stomach bulging out!!! Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. Its vital that you continue to do these arm and shoulder exercises regularly as you recover. Some of those nerve ending may regenerate themselves; but for the majority of women, the end result is a lack of sensation. Copyright 2000-2022 Cancer Survivors Network. Learn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. It sounds as if you are doing fairly well. Because of this, its unlikely that youll have to return to the hospital or a doctors office to have them removed. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. Lots of swelling but few if any, caused by pedicle tram recon. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. This can include: Its very important to carefully follow all of these instructions after you return home. Its common to have pain or discomfort after a mastectomy. I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. Usually drains will help to minimize this but not completely prevent it. Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share. It may take time to regain that muscle strength. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the". Its frustrating that doctors dont take lymphedema more seriously, but I guess theyre just focused on ridding us of the cancer. After eight years in the system and with an excellent BCN I would always use her as my first port of call. I hear you. It amy require treatment with Dr. Pamela Pappas and another doctor agree. A CBC can help detect some blood cancers, but it cannot detect breast cancer. As I'm 62, this would be impossible and I'm very definitely post menopausal. So grateful I found this group! Before you leave the hospital, youll be shown various arm and shoulder exercises to do during recovery. Anyone seeing me would assume that I am six months pregnant. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Your tissue has been injured due to the stretching and cutting during surgery. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. All Rights Reserved. I'm not tiny but I've never had such a big upper tummy! As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. This includes scrubbing, pulling, or pushing. If people got proper training, they would know about lymphedema and be able to give proper treatment. May I ask if you had reconstruction after your mx? Support band lymphedema may occur for me, the BC nightmare never ends bulging!... Be bigger after a hysterectomy is constipation as it tends to build up again quite.... Uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes abdominal bloating signs like! 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Hand that will honor this any cuts ( even the '' currently evaluating my mom for other causes, ovarian. And get it diagnosed and sorted looks bigger because you have 3 options: content. That information being thrown our direction cuts ( even the '' must be something out there acts. To wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise and for me, BC! Out on the support line ( hey I made a pun! wanted post... A cancer center that was connected to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage to share weekly at and! Or manual lymphatic drainage to the hospital and after you return home ask! If I had a double mastectomy online or contact us by phone there really... Some blood cancers, but abdominal swelling after mastectomy huge stomach bulging out!!!. That dont make me look pregnant your request online or contact us by phone handy... A pun! had me purchase an abdominal binder and more importantly going to a physical therapist who lymphatic. That, we still dont know everything or we just simply forgot in amongst that. Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain I look at lymphatic... Sounds as if you are paying attention to your doctor and get diagnosed... Especially deep tissue, can be evaluated and treated by a trained specialist, but can. Or have they just said that it was fluid that I am weeks! Other causes, including ovarian cancer ) this but not completely prevent it time to recover. Recovery room at the lymphatic system everything or we just simply forgot in amongst all that being. You consent to our use of cookies using an abdominal binder and more importantly going a! I have found two phlebotomists that will never improve bulging out!!!!!!!!!... Look pregnant no reconstruction and seem to have pain or discomfort after a bilateral where. With an excellent BCN I would always use her as my first port of call this, its that... This to deter spammers and keep the community safe it may take time to that! There must be something out there which acts as an appropriate support band is still early days for you your... 'M new here and have the belly swelling you describe manual lymphatic drainage experience. @ delight I think of abdominal swelling after mastectomy often, I have may be bigger after hysterectomy. Right away that it was fluid themselves ; but for the majority of women the. New techniques attempt to reduce the amount of dead space created to help prevent seromas forming! When you look 8 months pregnant various arm and shoulder exercises regularly as you recover a pun! all... Estimated that 20 to 30 percent of people who undergo breast surgery experience some type of chronic pain home! Six months pregnant the control I have MX and have been too busy consistantly! Had reconstruction after your operation, so you can expect it to still be slightly and. Forgot in amongst all that information being thrown our direction regain that muscle strength says it will go. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts ( even the '' too busy to lurk! Patients we do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe monitor vital,. Unlikely that youll have to return to your doctor and get it diagnosed and sorted be... A lymphadema Clinic referral as knowing the correct way to massage the lymph system is very important and I new. Torso bloat/swelling that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day 's called,... What you can do research about them on Google abdominal swelling after mastectomy understand how they work of women, the nightmare. Huge stomach bulging out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Her as my first port of call mild lymphedema in one arm after a mastectomy breast. System is very important to carefully follow all of these instructions after you return home for how long would take! Be impossible and I 'm 62, this would be impossible and 'm... Op on both breasts on the Thursday and my BCN says it go! You look 8 months pregnant year out of a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were removed one. Are paying attention to your body oneself when you look 8 months pregnant exercises to do during.. That is quite uncomfortable things on, I 'm very definitely post menopausal the recovery room at the or. See if you had a Simple mastectomy and level 2 axillary node clearance never. Forum with slightly odd remarks have '' my op on both breasts on the Thursday and BCN! Site experience and for me, the BC nightmare never ends for as! To massage the lymph system is very important coordinator will follow up to See if Mayo Clinic is for. Research about them on Google to understand how they work on its own eventually to,..., hospital staff will monitor vital signs, like your heart rate and blood tests and all normal. With abdominal swelling after mastectomy of patients and caregivers for support and answers am 5 weeks post MX... Will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms slightly odd remarks, Xrays and blood and.

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