Post surgical swelling

[Hatoola1]

HI, one week post double masectomy straight to implant, and thank goodness cleared it all so no further treatment! My stomach (and whole body to an extent) is so bloated and odd looking. Anyone have some words of wisdom as to how long this will last? I'm already walking several times a day, and it doesn't seem to be changing much.

Also, never occurred to me to ask before surgery, but will this cause hormone changes from the masectomy alone or will everything go back to status quo once I get through all of the recovery? Ugh this is not fun, but I'm so grateful to be cleared and done. My love to all going through this and especially to those whose treatment continues after masectomy. I realize my concerns are miniscule in the grand scheme of possibilities.

[Mmnyc]

Hi,

I didn’t experience any bloating after my mastectomy. My reconstruction surgery wasn’t done right away either. I know that the anesthesia took a toll on my body. My scalp and skin became very dry. I was also very constipated🤯 but not bloated. A few years back after I had a c-section, after that surgery I was extremely bloated. I mean to the point where I could not recognize my own body. The doctor said it would take about a month to go down but thank goodness it took about a week. He recommended keeping my feel elevated when I laid down. I would also phone in your team and ask them if they recommend anything.

In regards to hormone changes, the mastectomy definitely made me more emotional. At the time I was still getting a period but I don’t get one anymore since I underwent chemo. Now the chemo and treatment that follows will definitely change your hormones. Your body will adjust. I was amazed at how my body adjusted and bounced back after each procedure. Your body will as well. Give it some time. And good luck on your healing 🙏🏽

[felicitea]

Hi there! Glad to hear you won’t need further treatment!

Did you mention the bloating to your nurse hotline? I’m guessing it’s the anesthesia/meds or your body having an inflammatory reaction to everything.

If you’re not taking tamoxifen or any chemo prevention meds, you shouldn’t have to worry about hormone changes from the mastectomy alone.

Wishing you a smooth & speedy recovery!

[Hatoola1 in reply to felicitea]

Thanks so much. I saw my surgeon Friday and she said the anesthesia is the source, and I've got about 6 to 8 weeks to rock this new look but assured me it was temporary. She said that I was pumped full of stuff for a good 5 plus hours, bled a bit more than normal, and the immediate breast implants is like I had two surgeries so the stomach area is most impacted since its in the vicinity of the worked on area.

I'll take that over chemo, radiation, and tamoxifen gladly. I'm grateful to be ok, and I got my tubes out today!

Still getting used to all this mentally, but physically I have to say I'm rocking it.

Thanks so much for checking in. 2 weeks down, 6 to go, and then hopefully a few months of getting back in shape before surgery #2.

😀

[CancerkickerKathy]

I don't recall the stomach bloat but I'm quite pudgy to begin with. Glad to hear you're all clear.