Hi
I was diagnosed with 2 malignant and 1 benign tumor in my right breast just prior to Christmas. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node removal on the 28th of December and the surgery went well, however, I have been totally shocked about the amount of bruising and swelling I have had. I have been back to the hospital to have the dressing removed last Thursday and was given the really good news that the surgeon got clear margins so no further surgery is required, I know I have been very lucky. However, the nurses were a little surprised at the bruising and have said that the radiotherapy that I need will have to be delayed until it goes down. Well I am now a week further on and although the color is changing daily the swelling is not going down at all, in fact, I think it is getting bigger and is starting to pull at the wound which although is not weeping is certainly a little wider than it was. My question really is has anybody any idea what I can do to try and alleviate the swelling? and is this more common than I know? everything I read glibly says one or two days following lumpectomy you should feel fine and be able to get on with things - I cannot even get most of my clothes on. I am taking arnica tablets and ibuprofen to help although I am thinking I may contact the hospital today I don't want to waste anyones time if this is quite normal.
Thanks in advance
DebiL