Post surgery question
 

Hi everyone! I had my lumpectomy and ancillary node dissection 2 weeks ago. I still have quite a bit of swelling under my arm and it is really hard around the edges. It is almost like I have a bar of soap under the skin! Is that normal for this type of surgery? Otherwise, it is fine - not red or infected or anything like that. I would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks!
Beth

Hi Beth,
Looks like you are relatively new to the site. Nice to meet you!

I had a level 2 node dissection. I do not remember what you are describing, but my memory from chemo is not as good as it used to be. When do you go back to your surgeon? If it is not soon maybe you would feel better calling and just asking them if this is normal.

Where are you in IN? We are in N. IL. Just got a group of Her2+ sisters together yesterday from our area. What fun it was to meet.

Good luck with radiation. It was easy for me and I wish the same for you.
Donna

Donna,
I ended up calling my surgeon and going in to see her. She aspirated 70 cc's of lymph fluid! It feels so much better! She said sometimes that happens post surgery when your body is trying to figure out what to do with the lymph fluid. I hope it doesn't continue to happen. Of course, all the talk about lymphedema makes you nervous to start with.

I live in a suburb of Indianapolis (north, on highway 31). Nice to meet you too!

Beth

Beth
Glad to hear that you are feeling better. I did not have that problem but I have learned from this site that there are so many things that can happen and there is always someone here that has had that experience. I learn so much from these ladies everyday.
I am in Northwest Indiana.

Hi Beth,
I had a partial mastectomy and SNB first . 3/4 nodes were postive and 2 weeks later had an axillary node dissection. They removed 14 nodes and I had drain put in which stayed in, as I recall , about a week. After they removed the drain, I had to have aspirations of fluid via needle aspiration to remove the excesss fluid. My arm pit felt very hard for a long time ---- how long I don't remember but it did gradually soften.
I think that the lymphatic fluid simply has to find new pathways for lymph
drainage as well as the healing of the scar tissue. You could almost see pockets of tissue that appeared fluid filled. As I said all of this eventually subsided. You may need more fluid removed via needle aspiration. But the " hardness" you speak off' I remember quite well.
I am not a doctor, but if you have increased swellng, redness, inflammation, heat from the site, drainage that doesn't look like "normal" colored drainage from incisional site or any other indications that it might not be a normal healing process, by all means have it checked out.
Good luck with it all.
Carol C.

Hello Beth,

I just wanted to welcome you to the site. I'm glad you got your "problem" resolved. I'm sure you feel much more comfortable.

God's Peace to you,

Mary Jo