lymph nodes removed swelling under site

Nickeming

HELLO, I am new. Dec 22, 2004 I had a lupectomy it was small but cancerious. I then had two lymph nodes taken out from under my arm left side they are negative. Today I go back to the surgeon the second time to take out built up fluid 60cc (I think thats the amount 1/2 cup?) It has now filled up again like a goose egg under my surgery scare. The surgeon says it is body fluid. I don't have a fever and it does not look infected. Just sore and very uncomfortable. Has anyone else had this. Do I spend the rest of my days going every week to have fluid drained. This hurts and worries me. Please help. My surgeon does not give much advise. And I am the kind that wants to know. I am suppose to start Radiation. That really scares me. Thanks Jan

inkblot

Hi Jan:

I had lumpectomy for a small tumor (4 years ago) at which time my surgeon removed 3 lymph nodes via the Sentinel Node procedure. I'm guessing that perhaps you had the same procedure since your surgeon only removed 2 nodes?

I had no fluid problems and healed quickly, so don't quite know what to make of the fluid you're having. Typically, as far as I understand it, fluid is more or less expected when an entire level (or two)of nodes are removed. Drains are inserted for a period of time, post surgery, until the fluid dissipates and they are removed.
Typically 10 days to two weeks, barring compliations.

Since you'll be having radiation in that area, the fluid may pose a problem. Not sure. I don't understand why your doctor is not more forthcoming with information for you. His saying it's "body fluid" is not helpful at all. There are many, many different body fluids, so what's he saying exactly? And what does he expect/anticipate in the coming weeks? Will it resolve itself or what? How will the fluid impact your beginning radiation? These are all legitimate, important questions he should be answering for you. What is his treatment plan? Whatever it is, he certainly should be sharing it
with you!

He is being paid to not only treat you but to also answer questions and render opinions about such things as post surgical body fluid that must be drained. Part of his job is to reassure you and give you advice and guidance about everything.
It is, after all, your body and you naturally want and need to know these things.

My advice: Seek a 2nd opinion as soon as possible. Don't wait too long and ultimately find out that your rads must be postponed indefinitely, while this doctor tells you little or nothing which is helpful to you in planning your next, important step in treatment. There is an ideal recommended "window" (time frame, post surgery) for beginning chemo as well as radiation and it's a good thing to try to adhere to that whenever possible.

I don't know what else to advise but hope that may help some.

Love, light and laughter,
Ink

Future

Jan,
Had that problem post-op. For me, location was low enough that surgeon put "snug" ace wrap around my chest. Did that for about a week and had no reoccurrence.

Best of luck - Mary

coralrose

Hi, I had that and what a pain it was. i had to have it drained two different times. It was just like that a huge egg under the armpit. My surgeon told me that it happens to some women and not to worry about it. The draining is uncomfortable. Don't worry it happens to some of us...
hugs,
Ali

PJMP

I had fluid drained once-the second time it was decided to leave it and it eventually drained itself. It was gone before I started radiation. Every step of having breast cancer is scary and we all need answers. If the surgeon doesn't answer them perhaps your oncologist will. I find the nurses are often better at explaining things than doctors. If no one is giving you answers I'd say it's time for a new team of doctors. Good luck.

Roxi1

PJMP said:

I had fluid drained once-the second time it was decided to leave it and it eventually drained itself. It was gone before I started radiation. Every step of having breast cancer is scary and we all need answers. If the surgeon doesn't answer them perhaps your oncologist will. I find the nurses are often better at explaining things than doctors. If no one is giving you answers I'd say it's time for a new team of doctors. Good luck.

Your body can generally handle 30 cc of fluid a day without any problems.
While it is true, that drainage from a sentinel node is not as extensive as with axillary node dissection; it really depends upon how intrusive and probing the surgeon was in finding the sentinel node. Sometimes, the sentinel node is 'not' laying right on top, but under layers of other nodes, fat, muscle, etc.
If this is true, you would expect the same amount of drainage from SNB as with AND. The problem is that with AND you have drains, and with SNB, as drainage is expected to be less, drains not required.
You might want to look at amount and length of drainage from AND to provide some answers for you.
I don't think it will postpone your radiation. And, if it does, unless you are having a mammosite, there is not a 'window' in which you must have it done, or you can no longer have it.
I wish I had some answers for you on how to minimize the pain, but I don't. Pillows, arm position, etc. might be tried; but I don't know for sure whether any would help. Again, might be better answers if you search axillary node dissections.
In any case, hope this situation resolves earlier than later for you. Its sufficient to have cancer without going through pain, discomfort, etc. after surgery.
Roxanne