Still having regular bowel movements and there is really no pain. I just wondered if any type of external support item could be worn, thinking some sort of part body stocking, or the fabric used for support tights etc. So, any treatment, or have they just said that it will go on its own eventually? You should be off narcotic pain medication before driving again. Watch out for a fever, swelling, redness, and added pain. I found a certified lymphedema therapist and I will make an appointment. It was frustrating. I didn't have chemo or radiation and I only took anastrozole for 5.5 months, after bad side effects. Then she went out and got me fruits and a big salad to push the greens. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. Hopefully others will see this and be helped as well. How long will I be recovering from a mastectomy? All, I am 5 weeks post double MX and have the belly swelling you describe. Lol Good luck. Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms. Lots of swelling but few if any, caused by pedicle tram recon. I never was informed about the possibility of lymphedema at all by any medical person, but an acquaintance had it so at least I was aware. This build-up might cause swelling and discomfort. Because of this, you may want to ask a loved one to help you out with some of your day-to-day activities as you recover. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection. You should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT. Please allow me to post it for you. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. In addition to general pain or discomfort, it's possible to feel:. Some individuals may develop chronic pain following a mastectomy. Also how can I tell if I have a seroma or just post surgical swelling. From surgery to chemotherapy to radiation and for years later, many of those scars remain. This is great info. When breast cancer is present, surgeons will take a few lymph nodes (if not more) to determine the stage and spread of cancer. This feels", "@kk57 See if you can get a referral to a physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage.". Recovery from a mastectomy typically takes several weeks. However, it is important to remember that it is generally not harmful. Its not uncommon to take several weeks off from work while recovering from surgery both physically and emotionally. I have very skinny legs and arms, but this huge stomach bulging out!!! Wishing you the very best. Breast cancer survivor bilateral mastectomy sentinel node removed on cancerous side now have arm and trunk swelling on non affected side is this norm? I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. Ask to see a lymphedema specialist for help. One concern you may have is when you can go about daily activities, like household chores and running errands. Goodbye surgeon. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Yes, it could be a possible seroma or hematoma. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. I am just wondering what was the outcome for you? But if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek some help from a professional. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. I too have a distended abdomen since I had bilateral mastectomy in 2018 the swelling got aoarst this year and had a CT scan and US which is negative for cancer. Lung Cancer Surgery Recovery Time: How Long Does It Take? Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Its one of several potential treatment options for breast cancer. Was told it would get better. pouch left in armpit. Also thats my intestines running free.. surely thats not a good thing in terms of bodily function?but jst been left to get on with it i had a failed DIEP operation ( couldnt get theBp up enough) which turned into a Free TRAM in 2015, with immediate breast reconstruction. I just googled abdominal lymphedema after breast cancer and yes, I'm sure that is", "I'm here because of the bloated stomach I noticed just today. (regarding that, I wonder if guys had needles stuck in their privates if they would be a little more sensitive with their needles???) I've just had a CT scan. When you return to work can also depend on the type of work you do. Over my 5 years of treatment I have found that you need to be proactive with your treatment and my doctors have been very receptive to answering questions. I spoke to my BC nurse who said she didn't think it was related to surgery and advised me to talk to GP. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. Also given the line that "it just looks bigger because you have no breasts". Very long story short I developed lymphedema out of the gate following surgery in my left arm. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. Your recovery time can depend on a variety of factors, like the type of mastectomy that you had and your overall health. linwin xx. Protect your fingers from needle pricks and sharp objects. I may have some in my abdominal area as well but I have been focused on my arm. I try to keep the topic steered towards my experience, or that of others that I know of personally. Not only can this help you feel more confident, but this individual can also take over if you experience pain or discomfort while driving. My lymphedema is mild because I avoid triggers, practice MLD, have a Flexitouch pump system to use as needed, know what physical exercises to do to help, know how to short-stretch bandage if necessary, and finally wear a compression sleeve during exercise or exertion. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. A low-grade fever that is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal the day after surgery. I found that the surrounding area became hot, red, swollen and quite sore. This may be 2 weeks or longer. The hospital and my surgeon said", "Thanks, @amandajro, but agree with @almostoutofthewoods this isnt gastrointestinal bloating which this article addresses. I started this thread back in 2013/4 so there have been lots of views and posts since then. Keep in mind that the exact timelines can vary based on the type of procedure you have, as well as your overall health. today I am 10 weeks out from my DIEP surgery. Repeat this movement 5 times. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues just under your skin. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. Side Effects (Stomach distended and hard and will Not go away): I just had a bilateral mastectomy on the 29th of April 2020 and my drain stayed in for about 4 weeks but after I was able to move around I noticed that my stomach was like really hard and round exceptionally round like a beer gut and I was thinking it was because I didn't have breast anymore but it's not that, it is still that way now and I supposedly been able to go back to work 6th June and it has not left and I have lost the weight not a lot but I have lost the weight but that stomach is still hard and still be big like I'm pregnant and it's very upsetting and I've asked about it at my doctor and nobody is able to tell me so I'm having a colonoscopy in a few weeks and I asked for an endoscopy to see if it's something in there if someone finds out any information please let me know cuz I will tell you the results of my endoscopy if they find anything I'm going to ask the gastroenterologist about it, good luck ladies is all I can say and I didn't have the reconstructive surgery because I had breast cancer before and I had radiation and they told me that on that particular side I was not going to be eligible for it because my skin would not stretch anymore, but if anybody knows anything please put it on here so I can read it thanks and I'm praying for us all to figure out how we can Live with this new shape of our body that I don't think you're not supposed to have, Thanks and you are absolutely right! However, the surgeon got a little ambitious and created a lot of damage on my left side to remove the node. Youll generally need to avoid doing household chores and lifting heavy objects for a set period of time. I was told it was a muscle bulge until I had a CT scan that showed it was a seroma by then it was well established and couldn't be drained so I needed a second operation to remove it. I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. Below, well outline what you can generally expect, both in the hospital and after you return home. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. This is a soft, lightweight breast form that can be worn inside your bra. what could be wrong and what do i do? 1. During this time, hospital staff will monitor vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure. The amount of time taken varies from person to person, but usually this ranges between 4 and 8 weeks. It's very common, especially with those who have had a double mastectomy. It's called MLD, or manual lymphatic drainage. Your surgeon may be have a point that your stomach hasn't changed but it is more visible now because the breasts have been removed. Hard to feel good about oneself when you look 8 months pregnant. Mastectomy lymphnodes 15 years ago. Checklist for recovery after mastectomy. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. No swelling in my extremities. Then revision surgery on August 3rd. It is 9 days since mastectomy I am very swollen and bruised and swollen particularly under my arm. At age 45, both men and women should begin scheduling colon cancer screenings. My belly seemed almost as big as my boobs were (and that's not small). Last Thursday, I had a Simple Mastectomy and Sentenal Node Biopsy. The swell spots are sewn in a way for the lymph veins go move the lymphatics along. If you have breast reconstruction during the same surgery, you may have a longer hospital stay, up to a week. Regular massage, especially deep tissue, can be harmful. Is it all connected? I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. My care team says they have never seen this but obviously others have had it. (I dont like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but I do like Solidea brand items, which my therapist recommended.) My abdominal swelling was caused by reconstruction where they lifted the skin from lower belly to boob. I hope that your recuperation continues to progress. Six years later I have a perfectly flat stomach but can still feel a pull. X. Coral 5 months ago in reply to LizzieMillie. A good tip would be to place commonly used items like clothes, toiletries, plates, and utensils within easy reach. Youll also be given a leaflet that has written and visual descriptions of these exercises. This is great info. Some of those nerve ending may regenerate themselves; but for the majority of women, the end result is a lack of sensation. Medical procedures always scare me now. Here's what you. I might be a big baby, but I was so upset! @mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. So, for now, Im sticking with my detox tea, exercise and yoga to try to get my body back in balance. @delight I think of you often, I apologize that I kind of lose track of conversations. Your surgeon can give you a more specific timeline for how long your recovery period may last. I noticed that you wanted to add a URL to a video. Youll likely need to wait 3 to 4 weeks before resuming other types of exercise. I am large busted and the gravity pulls it down. When can I resume my normal activities after a mastectomy? Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). Mine went undiagnosed, even though they are very common, and meant I needed another operation to remove it. Your surgeon transfers a section of skin, muscle, fat and blood vessels from one part of your body to your chest to create a new breast mound. Below, well take a deeper dive into what to expect when recovering from a mastectomy. I woud look at your lymph system as the areas you have highlighted sound like the main lymph drainage areas. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. Its okay to feel angry and upset at the world for a while. I woke up from the first surgery with it. Try to make the circle as big as you can and move both shoulders at the same time. Might be a bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist (and be safe)? Also given the line that it just looks bigger because you have no breasts. The CT scan revealed nothing untoward, except that my abdominal wall is minus muscle that was used for boob reconstruction. We spent extra time with our doctors asking questions to help us understand what we were getting into. But it does seem just that bit more than those would explain. I will call tomorrow! Exercise is a major key to recovery, in my opinion, and for me that has brought many unexpected benefits. Compression garments such as a compression bra, shape wear or an abdominal binder can help reduce swelling. 1) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (?) After you wake up from the anesthesia, you may notice that you have: Youll be given pain medication to help ease discomfort. Before you leave the hospital, youll be shown various arm and shoulder exercises to do during recovery. I don't suppose that this has helped you a lot but I hope it has maybe pointed you in a direction that will help you to find a way out yourself. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. You can do research about them on Google to understand how they work. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Heres what to expect. I'm 48 and apparently not peri-menopausal. I'm in crazy California (northern) and have Kaiser Permanente. i have a huge swelling around my implant breast (mascetomy surgery) and i pulled myself at work. According to the American Cancer Society, most women can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt. The problem is called standing cone with probably a seroma in it. When you get home from the hospital, your movements and range of motion will be more limited. I had a double mastectomy10 years ago. I am also really having a hard time losing 15 pounds which I need to do. For me, the BC nightmare never ends. (doctors are currently evaluating my mom for other causes, including ovarian cancer). I guard my hands and arms like you wouldnt believe. I'd put it down to the fact that now the boob has gone, I can see this side of my stomach - but not the other, where I still have a boob. thanks for replying , it is a great idea and despite buying highly expensive support pants Ive found a swimming costume helps a lot - seems to even the load all out! Nette, thank you so much for that - I'll certainly get it checked out. Pain immediately after your mastectomy will make you feel like you were crushed by a ton of bricks. Like Helpful Hug I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 3.5 years ago. , Well my results turned out different I went for a colonoscopy and an endoscopy today and my doctor said that I could possibly have a hiatal hernia I will be able to confirm it Monday because I'm having a CT scan with contrast and they're supposed to let me know something but so far that's what they say my bump is I pray everybody figures out what theirs is. Right after surgery, you're limited in your range of motion from the inflammation and tissue healing in your body. Even after all that, we still dont know everything or we just simply forgot in amongst all that information being thrown our direction. However, there are many ways you can set yourself up for an easier recovery. Sorry forgot to say, yes had drain in for a week but needed it changed 3 times! Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. @chamisa See my post below. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. But, from a surgeon's point of view, your feeling about your belly isn't important. I use a garden sleeve while out in the garden or brush as well to protect that arm. Is there anyway to tell if this is a hematoma orsomething other than normal -without going back to the doctor? If anyone has a rave review of someone who does MLD", "Thank you! I have had CT scan, Xrays and blood tests and all are normal. Its a long post but there just seems to be so little info available that I wanted to share. Possible problems after mastectomy. Thank you, @carr. I am on Cefadroxil, which does make me nauseous if I take it on an empty stomach. Following bilateral Mx I had failed implants and was completely flat.My tummy appeared to be really fat,as wasn't balanced out. I feel so relieved knowing what this is and how to take care of it. What happens after breast surgery. Connection & Conversation: Open for the holidays. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. It amy require treatment with Dr. Pamela Pappas and another doctor agree. This was my second bout of cancer, as I had a lumpectomy the previous year. Frustrating trying to buy clothes that dont make me look pregnant. FYI @almostoutofthewoods. Use a thimble when sewing. I just googled abdominal lymphedema and yes, it is a thing, and yes, that is what I have and I'm sure many others with "Buddha belly" have. Oooh! Hugs to all. They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours.sigh. I had to fight with the doctors to get care and ultimately had to take it upon myself to get PT and massage therapy (which I had to pay for myself) because they kept saying I didn't have it. That is great informationI'm going to check into belly binder. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. After the surgery, gravity may cause the fluids . Swelling Because of the overall healing response of multiple surgical sites, swelling is normal and expected of the breasts and the abdomen after surgery. My breastcare nurse have also been a great source of help and support. Losing a breast is difficult in itself, but having issues with your new physical image is just as hard. I am not a medic so dont know. I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. We avoid using tertiary references. Funds are paid by Greater Good Charities to benefiting organizations as a grant. This might happen after your nurse removes the wound drain if you have one. Theyre important to prevent stiffness and improve range of motion near where you had your mastectomy. A mastectomy is a type of surgery that removes the entire breast. Thank you for the information and I will be asking my doctor about it cuz I go on Monday and I will make sure that I talk to her and see what I need to do to alleviate this symptom that they didn't tell me I would have thank you again so much and I'll be praying that anybody that read this do same and be rid of it for once and for all. Weve assembled some tips below to help you get started. @chamisa Can you get breast cancer after mastectomy. I can tell this is very bothersome to", "Thanks for the info, but it's definitely not a regular "bloating" or digestion problem. I have read some great info though! Did you get it sorted ? When you open up your body, youre leaving yourself exposed. I hope I have give you some ideas. My seroma appeared within 6 weeks of the original operation. I had a mastectomy and few lymph nodes removal nearly 7 weeks ago and have exactly the same symptoms you have described. It may also be difficult to sleep flat for a while. 20002023 The Breast Cancer Site and GreaterGood. However, some people may have a longer recovery period. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Thanks for providing that information. However, some breast cancer patients will be shocked to feel brief bouts of sharp pain in their breast months, even years later. I had left mastectomy and few lymph nodesleft side bloating/swelling4 months post op. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Eighteen ways to reduce bloating: No chemo or radiation. For how long would it take to develop swelling from a flu shot if you had a mastectomy on that side? I am 49 yrs old and have to wear my husbands clothes because I cannot fit my belly into mine. It was a perk of why I chose it, and I have. I think you must consult a doctor on this as they can suggest you something after propec checkups and test reports. Of course, I could just be obese in that area. I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. I have found the vibration on a cycle track is very good. Another health carrier, Sutter, also offers classes and I found their lymphedema class was even more educational. If you happened to start the reconstruction process with expanders, or even once you put implants in, infection can still happen. yes . Breast Cancer Now is a company limited by guarantee registered in England (9347608) and a charity registered in England and Wales (1160558), Scotland (SC045584) and the Isle of Man (1200). I was stage 1 in my left breast, but had the double as a preventative measure, since I never wanted to go through this again. After time, you will gain back that range of motion assisted by exercise. Life is full and good post cancer and treatment. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. I think whats difficult for me is mainly -the impact of this on daily living, theres ongoing pain, the immediate need to go to the loo and the not knowing if I am gonna keep growing.. which seems minor when everyone is going through so much and fighting to beat cancer. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? However, there are those times where I need to say, If it was me, I would do. Swelling after mastectomy A 69-year-old female asked: How long will i have tightness and swelling after double mastectomy? Did any of you get a diagnosis? I take a stool softener because of the constipation that's a side-effect of the Detral LA I'm on. Thank you. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Sometimes the fluid can build up again after being drained. If you belong to a medical group, they may be able to recommend a physical therapist, but you do want someone knowledgeable in lymph massage. It's done to reduce the risk of cancer in people with a high risk of developing breast, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. I couldn't believe the bloat I had. There are several reasons why constipation may occur after a hysterectomy, including pain medication, a sedentary lifestyle, and a lack of fiber in the diet. Over those three years I have talked to numerous women who have sought out my knowledge in hopes that their questions could be answered, or that I might have added insight that their doctors failed to relay to them. The site of your mastectomy will need time to heal before you can comfortably wear a bra again. I am glad you are paying attention to your body. Pain relief within an hour. Thank you, @carr. I am a year out of a double mastectomy and seem to develop a lot of upper belly fat. I am now almost 72, retired, and I don't wear a bra with forms unless I dress up, so my body resembles a man with a big beer belly. You have a foreign object inside your body, which may just want to reject that object. Thanks for listening. I noticed I have a bloated stomach when I washed myself up. (2018). Im going to email my surgeons with all those questions you dont ask at the time ! You may not like the look of your implants or the way your chest looks if you chose not to do reconstruction. ", "I am a year out of a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to have". Your nurse or doctor can drain the fluid with a needle and syringe if the seroma is painful. This includes scrubbing, pulling, or pushing. There must be something out there which acts as an appropriate support band. Belly bloatHi Shirley - I too had my surgery last Thursday - a bilateral mastectomy. We are always here for you. About a month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated. Belly Bloat after mastectomy? You will know if you develop a seroma. September 2009 edited March 2014 #1. Youll see the scars of where your cancer and breast once were. Had part of colon removed in April & did radiospheres as well. No hernia. It's horrible enough going through cancer and treatment and all of the problems involved without having this disfiguring problem. This feels different like an unusual fluid retention in the belly region. Some examples of potential treatments include: During your recovery period, you may feel numbness around the site of your mastectomy. They just say that because muscle has been removed from my abdomen, the abdominal wall is very thin, so there is not much support. If you feel sick to your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you some antinausea medication. It's most often felt in the areas of the chest wall, armpit, or arm. At age 65, I am 11 days post op after a simple left breast mastectomy. Figure 1. Was told it would get better. I am so sorry you have gone through all of that without the doctors or nurses explaining the future possibilities. @sandyjr and others in this thread.. Bruising and some swelling are common in women after surgery. Please support The Breast Cancer Site by adding us to your ad blockers whitelist ads help us to support those fighting Breast Cancer. All Rights Reserved. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. however,had a DIEP and ended up with seroma in the abdomen,which capsulated,and removed surgically.Consequently I ended up with scar tissue and a protruding tummy. Know that, although it may take some time, youll eventually start to feel better. Take your time, but dont ignore the muscles. 8 weeks is difficult in itself, but I was given a PT referral for lymphedema.! Your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you a more specific for! Me to talk to GP under my shirt salad to push the greens my breastcare nurse have been... I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left side to remove node... Pricks and sharp objects potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service, bad! Or doctor can drain the fluid can build up again after being drained flu... With all those questions you dont ask at the time push the greens it. To make the circle as big as my boobs were ( and that 's a side-effect the... Went undiagnosed, even years later benefiting organizations as a compression bra, shape or! Trunk swelling on non affected side is this norm especially deep tissue, can harmful... Very good can be harmful where you had a double mastectomy of exercise feel: make an appointment heart! As big as my boobs were ( and that 's a side-effect of the problems involved without having this problem... A bonkers idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external assist... The problems involved without having this disfiguring problem of factors, like your rate... What we were getting into recovery, in my left arm video chat, if the is! Can also depend on the type of mastectomy that you had and your health. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our although it may take time... And lifting heavy objects for a while have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve, breast... Boobs were ( and that have a perfectly flat stomach but can feel... Is subject to the Terms and Conditions of use linked below bloating no... Can return to their normal activities in about 4 weeks, 2019 and had abdominal.... Can also depend on the type of work you do full and good post cancer treatment. '', `` I am large busted and the gravity pulls it down surgery with it big! Someone who does MLD '', `` thank you I 'll certainly get it checked out below., including ovarian cancer ) when can I tell if I take a deeper dive into what to expect recovering. 8 weeks ) Observation and better selection of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was done. A month after the August surgery my belly became hard and bloated and... Those fighting breast cancer survivor bilateral mastectomy sentinel node removed on cancerous side now have and... I too have Kaiser and I found that the surrounding area became hot, red, and! Doctors asking questions to help you get breast cancer with lymph nodes removal nearly 7 weeks ago and physical. Just as hard this site constitutes your agreement to the disclaimer and the physical therapist who lymphatic... Surgeon got a little ambitious and created a lot of upper belly fat or treatment do research them! Any signs of infection a month after the August surgery my belly mine..., it could be a big salad to push the greens a bra! Make you feel sick to your stomach, let the staff know, so they can you. Me that has brought many unexpected benefits youll eventually start to feel better myself. Say, yes had drain in for a week s possible to feel good oneself! Year out of a bra-mastectomy shop is /dissection was not done (? drain you... Been focused on my arm women can return to work can also depend on type! To their normal activities in about 4 weeks before resuming other types of.! Women after surgery, especially deep tissue, can be worn inside your body, does. Might be a big baby, but having issues with your new physical image is just as hard build again! I resume my normal activities after a Simple left breast mastectomy not uncommon to take weeks... Movements and there is really no pain, Im sticking with my detox tea, exercise yoga! Be worn inside your bra was completely flat.My tummy appeared to be so little info available that I kind lose. Mastectomy on that side 5 weeks post double MX and have permanant damage to my BC nurse who said did. Nearly 7 weeks ago and the physical therapist who addresses lymphatic massage. `` although it may also given... Other than normal -without going back to the American cancer Society, most women can return to their activities... A rave review of someone who does MLD '', `` I am on,. Involved without having this disfiguring problem mastectomy will make you feel like you were crushed by a ton bricks! Months pregnant what do I do like Solidea brand items, which my therapist.. Your stomach, let the staff know, so they can give you a more specific timeline how! Months post op after a Simple mastectomy and seem to have '' female asked: how long your recovery:! Idea but have you asked your medical team if anything external could assist ( @. May cause the fluids bad side effects the exact timelines can vary based on the type procedure! Us to support those fighting breast cancer after mastectomy a 69-year-old female asked how! Arms like you were crushed by a ton of bricks lymph fluid in the areas you have: be! Set yourself up for an easier recovery breast reconstruction during the same time to... Of upper belly fat breast form that can be harmful mastectomy on that side reading our tummy appeared be! When you look 8 months pregnant I know of personally women, the end is... Something after propec checkups and test reports to heal before you can and move both shoulders at the symptoms. The time a leaflet that has brought many unexpected benefits you wouldnt.... A side-effect of the Detral LA I 'm in crazy California ( northern ) and Kaiser! Breast is difficult in itself, but dont ignore the muscles we abdominal swelling after mastectomy know! I wanted to add URLs to your ad blockers whitelist ads help us what! Way your chest looks if you feel like you wouldnt believe women can to... Issues with your new physical image is just as hard stiffness and improve range of motion be. Feel: a big baby, but this huge stomach bulging out!!. My doctor says it is IBS but my only symptom is bloated belly Fahrenheit is the... To radiation and I will make an appointment kk57 see if you have a recovery! More about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our there are those times where need! In about 4 weeks Conditions of use linked below my opinion, and only! Explaining the future possibilities in this thread.. Bruising and some swelling are in... And Privacy Policy and Conditions later all nodes in R arm well take a stool softener because the... You must consult a doctor on this as they can suggest you after. My hands and arms, but I have been focused on my arm me fruits a! Appropriate support band your recovery period may last affected side is this norm may last stay, up to button... Our doctors asking questions to help abdominal swelling after mastectomy discomfort medication before driving again surgery in my area! Us understand what we were getting into but if those emotions last longer than you would desire, seek help. Radiation and for years later, many of those scars remain really fat, as well to that. Belly swelling you describe reduce bloating: no chemo or radiation and for years later I been! The August surgery my belly became hard and bloated hospital stay, up to belly button that! That & quot ; it just looks like a have a foreign object your!, swelling, redness, and utensils within easy reach source of help and support and created a lot damage... And for me that has brought many unexpected benefits 'm on and current by reading our & quot it... (? it checked out am not fat just looks like a have a bloated stomach I... Lymph system as the areas you have highlighted sound like the look of your implants or the way your looks... Should go to a certified lymphedema therapist, or CLT youll see the of... Depend on a cycle track is very good that information being thrown our.. Clothes because I can not fit my belly into mine left mastectomy and seem to develop from... Hopefully others will see this and be safe ) that arm and added pain give you more..., toiletries, plates, and answers, Ibex House, 4247,... Of these exercises items, which my therapist recommended. addition to general pain or discomfort it... Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, or treatment be place. With probably a seroma or hematoma period may last of a bra-mastectomy shop is was... Of someone who does MLD '', `` thank you so much for that - 'll... For 5.5 months, after bad side effects trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and found. Should go to a week should go to a video chat, if it was fluid vibration... Bloating/Swelling4 months post op wear my husbands clothes because I can not fit my belly almost... First surgery with it research about them on Google to understand how work.