HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - fluid build up after tissue expanders placed drains out

Lisalou · 03-24-2014, 07:57 AM

Hi I had my bilateral mastectomy on 2/17 and have had problems with fluid accumulation ever since the drains were removed. The drainage was very low when they were pulled. The plastic surgeon thought about replacing them but because I have started chemo did not want to due to infection risk. though he is concerned that if for some reason I do get an infection else where, the fluid makes a nice medium for bacteria to grow and could invade the reconstruction areas. He has drawn off fluid by a syringe several times. He said he will not draw off again unless I get uncomfortable with the fluid.
I have been in constant compression trying to keep the fluid from accumulating after he withdraws, and then trying to help it reasorb once it does accumulate.
Has anyone else had this problem and discovered something that works to help the fluid reabsorb?
Thanks

03-24-2014, 07:57 AM	#1
Lisalou Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Minnesota Posts: 184	fluid build up after tissue expanders placed drains out Hi I had my bilateral mastectomy on 2/17 and have had problems with fluid accumulation ever since the drains were removed. The drainage was very low when they were pulled. The plastic surgeon thought about replacing them but because I have started chemo did not want to due to infection risk. though he is concerned that if for some reason I do get an infection else where, the fluid makes a nice medium for bacteria to grow and could invade the reconstruction areas. He has drawn off fluid by a syringe several times. He said he will not draw off again unless I get uncomfortable with the fluid. I have been in constant compression trying to keep the fluid from accumulating after he withdraws, and then trying to help it reasorb once it does accumulate. Has anyone else had this problem and discovered something that works to help the fluid reabsorb? Thanks __________________ [SIGPIC]Lisa Routine mammogram 12/20/2013 Call back with repeat films on12/31/2013 Ultrasound with core needle biopsy same day Dx 1/2/2014 IDC ER/PR+ 1/10/14 HER2 + 2/14/14 BRCA results negative 2/17/2014 skin & nipple sparing BMX with reconstruction Tissue expanders placed IDC Stage 2A left breast. 9mm tumor no other CA 1/4 nodes positive ER + PR + Her2 +(by FISH) Right breast no cancer, sclerosing adenosis 3/13/14 Round 1 AC minimal side effects 3/27/14 Round 2 AC 4/10/14 Round 3 a little more nausea 4/24/14 round 4 hurray! Done with phase 1! 5/8/14 THP ( taxol weekly x12, Herceptin & perjeta every 3 weeks x 4) 7/24/14 done with chemo Continue of Herceptin every 3 wks x 1 yr 5/14 start Tamoxifen x 5 years 8/18/14 removal of TEs silicone implants placed 9/14/14 Cellulitis Right Breast, suspect infected implant. Managed with Oral antibiotics, avoided surgery to remove implant. Whew! 12/17/14 nip & tuck revision of Left breast We gain strength, courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face. The danger lies in refusing to face the fear, not in daring to come to grips with it. We must do that which we think we cannot do. -Eleanor Roosevelt