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Post mastectomy problems

marywj
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Hi, 

I had a mastectomy a month ago and the scar has healed very well but looks and feels 'ropey'  My surgeon didn't put drains in.

I've had problems with seroma and heavy bruising.  The seroma has been drained three times now.  This week the nurse said I looked like I'd got an implant in.  Loads of fluid drained again.  The nurse called in the consultant who injected a steroid.  I've been told to keep massaging daily with arnica.  The whole area is still VERY bruised.

I don't know if I'm expecting too much but I'm not happy with the result yet.  The area is full of lumps that feel like hard rubber and the skin looks wrinkled with orange peel affect (which I think appeared after it was drained).

I had hoped to be flat, smooth and tidy after the op and don't want reconstruction.  I'm especially worried about these hard rubbery lumps.

Had anyone else had similar?

Thanks,

Mary x

  • Offline

    Hi

    I too am left with a ropey scar and mine is particularly lumpy under my arm where I had the Lymph node removal.  It does settle down though,  once the bruising has gone, then I found it suddenly improved. I found massaging with E45  helped. I had fluid removal too twice

    My masectomy and treatment was in 2020 and I am considering reconstruction but also my consultant surgeon will tidy up under arm with minor surgery if I want. It is only in the last few months that I can face surgery again but want to improve my appearance now.

    I hope it all settles down for you

    Best wishes

    Silver 

  • Offline in reply to Silverdays

    Hi Silver,

    Thanks for replying.  That does help.  I suppose I'm still very early days.  I'm told massaging is very important, which I'm now doing with organic almond oil and arnica.  I have noticed a real improvement.  Thankfully since the consultants injected the steroid the swelling has stayed down pretty much and I'm hoping not to have the area drained again.

    I totally get how you feel ready for a 'tidy up' now.  I think I will consider the same a bit further down the line and see what a plastic surgeon suggests. I decided I couldn't face the reconstruction surgery straight away, but I suppose things can change.

    Hope you are doing well.  Best wishes,

    Mary

  • Offline in reply to marywj

    Hi Mary

    Yes, the body has a miraculous way of healing. I get some tightness across the scar now but apart from that it's more a cosmetic and personal issue. It was a good 2 years before I could face plastic surgery, but the consultants give you as long as you like to decide if it's for you. As you say early days, the main thing is that the cancer has been removed.

     Silver 

     

     

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