Post surgery

[Jg1960]

Hi. Had my bilateral mastectomy last week. Was told it went well but the surgeon wasn't sharing much, maybe it was the drugs I was on post surgery and I'm not recalling much! Waiting on pathology report to see how many lymph nodes had cancer and decide on chemo protocol. Pain is not too bad but I am very black and blue and the left side where the tumor was still looks like I have a small breast left. I'm hoping it is just swelling more on that side because they also did an axillary node dissection as well. I made it very clear I wanted an aesthetic flat closure. Has anyone else experienced quite a bit of swelling and bruising?

[CancerkickerKathy]

I had swelling.

[Knapweed]

Early days yet - hold on there - horrible time for you with all the Prolonged uncertainty- the surgeons are skilled and would have done what they perceived as the best they could - probably swelling still and if it is different to expectations there will be a reason- hope it all heals well and nodes result is very soon

[Minty20]

Hi, the most common reason for swelling is fluid collecting in the soft tissues due to the trauma of the surgery. It's like when you hit yourself by accident and your body reacts with inflammation and swelling. The bruising is expected too

[Minty20]

Sorry, pressed go too quickly. If you have a chest drain that will help but otherwise if it collects too much they can drain it off with a syringe. Hang in there. My fingers and toes are crossed for you. Take care and you will get through this x

[Jg1960 in reply to Minty20]

Hi Minty, thanks for the reply. Has a follow up with surgical NP yesterday and she thinks they are hematoma's and not seromas and will just take time to resolve. They are not able to drain hematoma's with a syringe. I'm still swollen on the left side and still black and blue, but not as bad as before. I had been bruised from my chest to my hip on the left. Thanks again!