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Mastectomy - Drain & Fluid

Molly.J
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Hi, 

I've just had a mastectomy on one breast and lymph nodes to remove breast cancer and have been allowed home with a drain in. After 2 days the drain stopped draining fluid (nurses have checked and said the vacuum is still on so possibly that I just have nothing left to drain). My scar and underarm is quite swollen though and it's like my breast is growing back a little. Is this normal or should I be concerned that I'm getting fluid build up?? 
A nurse is due to come and remove the drain tomorrow (5 days after operation). Wondering what others experience is with drains and fluid build up? 
 

Thank you 

x 
 

  • Offline

    Hi.

    I was sent home after a day with the drain. Unfortunately, I ended up with an infection, due to it being a foreign body and it was left in too long.

    My surgeon did say that you will get a bit of a puffy chest, as it were and it was fine to have a bit of fluid left there. I also have a pointy bit of puffed skin at the side, which is just one of those things as it bit of extra skin.

  • Offline in reply to LupusCancer75

    Thank you for your reply :) 

    What were your symptoms of infection? Hope you managed to recover quickly. 

    The underneath of my upper arm now feels quite numb and my chest feels really tight which seems like the signs of lymphoedema - but not sure if I'm just being paranoid about it all and it's just normal to feel like that after this op and it'll calm down. 
    Hopefully having a nurse come today to remove the drain so can check with them on their thoughts. 
    Just such a worry at the moment with what's 'normal' and what's a concern.

    xx 

     

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

     I am sorry to hear that you have been through surgery and I can understand the not knowing what to expect can be quite stressful.

    It is good to hear that other members of the forum have commented on their experiences though everyone's situation maybe slightly different.

    I am sure the nurse will reassure you when she sees you as she is the best person to assess your wound and drain as she will be able to physically see the area.

     Normally drains stay in for 2 to 5 days depending on how much they are draining. You will expect to have some swelling after the surgery which is normal after any surgery. Numbness can happen and is probably as a result of the nerves being damaged during surgery. All to be expected. 

    Some swelling is expected and is usually part of the healing process. You may find it helpful to read the information written by Breast Cancer Now about what to expect after surgery which you can see here

    and our information here

    I do hope that this has helped put your mind at rest.

    If at any stage you would like to ring to speak to one of the helpline nurses then you are more then welcome to do so. Our number  is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take Care,

    Catherine

  • Offline in reply to Molly.J

    Hi. My symptoms was feeling hot  fuzzy and dizzy spells. Couldn't stand for very long, without feeling I was going to pass out.

    I have Systemic Lupus, so the infection made my situation perhaps a lot worse. My drain was blocked when the nurse took it out and then I was put on antibiotics. 

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