Hi PinkLadyAppkeCourt,

I'm really pleased you have an appointment with the breast clinic coming up. Do you know if your implant type was textured? If so, they could well be amongst those recalled.

Swelling/fluid/seroma can be there for many other reasons not related to BIA ALCL but you're doing the right thing getting it checked out. Swelling/fluid/seroma is the most common symptom seen in women who are diagnosed with BIA ALCL so getting it ruled out is a must. Please don't worry too much yet as it's very uncommon but if you have textured, Allergan implants, you are at a slightly higher risk. You're doing everything right so far! 
 

Please see my post above where I have referenced the NCCN guidelines and where they can be found. I recommend your familiarise yourself with these prior to your appointment and perhaps even take along a printed copy. It details the protocol for testing which in your case would be an mri/PET/ultrasound followed by a fine needle aspiration of the fluid causing the swelling (if there) and very specific testing of the fluid. 
 

Good luck. As I mentioned, it's uncommon but ruling it out is a must. I hope it turns out to be nothing but there's a great community on the Facebook group with over 200 women diagnosed with BIA ALCL globally and a lot more women who are seeking information to inform themselves. 
 

xx 

Hi, thanks for your reply and for the advice.

I do have the textured Allergan implants which have been recalled .

I'm unsure whether to bother going to the breast clinic now as the area is still very tender with a heavy feeling but the swelling appears to be going down.

There was never a massive increase in size - it was noticeable and it does feel harder than the other one but I think by the time the appointment comes though the pain and swelling will be gone so there'll be nothing to see! 
 

Can fluid around the implant usually be felt ? How would I tell if I have fluid ? 

Hi,

Swelling is one symptom but not all women have swelling/fluid. When I had it, it went up and down over time. It's your choice but if it were me, I'd definitely keep the appointment and discuss it with the breast specialist. Even if just for peace of mind to get the testing and rule it out. A scan is the only way to know for sure if you have fluid in your capsule but if it is or has been swollen, please discuss with the specialist. Early diagnosis means that often, the treatment is just surgery. Please don't put it off xx 

I've decided to keep the appointment. Although the swelling is going down, the pain is still there but it's turned from a tender bruised pain to a strange burning sensation . It feels like the inside of my breast is on fire (but from the inside!) . Not a raging fire , but it's a strange dull burning sensation and I feel it in my arm pit too . 
 

Sorry to read you had BIA ALCL - are you fully recovered now?

Do you mind me asking what your symptoms were? 

I'm so glad you kept it. 
 

I've been in full remission for 2 years now and so far so good, thank you :-)

My symptoms were swelling in one breast, itching from the inside and extreme fatigue. I didn't realise that they were all symptoms at the time because I'd never heard of BIA ALCL back then and I just thought I was run down. 
 

Please keep me connected and I'm here if you have any questions or need support xx 

Was your swelling extreme ? I definitely have some swelling but it's not always there or immediately obvious.  This morning the burning pain was so intense and the swelling was obvious but at this very moment it's more firm than swollen. 

I do also have itching along the scar line but from the inside . When the pain first started I had headaches and crushing fatigue .

I am going to the appointment but I'm concerned they're not going to see anything and it will be a waste of time ! I have taken photos showing the size difference . 

My swelling was intermittent. It wasn't always as noticable but other times it was very severe. All women have different symptoms (and some have none at all) so it doesn't always make sense to compare. The fact you've had any swelling with textured implants alone is enough for the breast clinic to need to take this seriously. 
 

An ultrasound or MRI will show if there's any fluid in the capsule. If there is, this can be tested according to the NCCN protocol. Remember to take a printed copy of this along with you if you can. Whether or not you get someone well-informed in BIAALCL is a bit hit and miss so you should be as prepared as possible so you can push back if you need to. Personally I struggled for 6 months to get my doctors to take me seriously before I was diagnosed. It can be so frustrating. 
 

And just to emphasise, this is an uncommon cancer so you'd be very unlucky if you have it but with your Allergan textured implants and the symptoms you have, it's so so important you rule it out xx 

Thank you , you've been very helpful.

One more question :wink: if you don't mind ....

Is it possible to have fluid in the capsule without swelling or symptoms ?

I'm imagining that if I had fluid , I'd have a huge water ball sticking out of my chest - but it seems like this is not the case ?

No prob! My understanding is that it's not necessarily noticeable all the time. There are lots of other reasons a women might have swelling or fluid in the breast that are not related to BIAALCL too. Fluid in the capsule is also called a seroma and of it happens over 6 months after the breast augmentation, it should always be checked out by a doctor.