***Updated X2*** And for my next question re post-op bruising

abrub
abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
edited October 2012 in Breast Cancer #1
I just took off my bra for the first time, and was stunned by what I saw. I am bruised to a very deep purple from past the midpoint of my breast until well under the armpit - about 10 inches long and 6 inches high (my husband measured it); hard as a rock, and appears to be a massive pool of sub-dermal bleeding.

Any thoughts? Is this normal? I do have a call into the dr's office.

Thanks again.

Alice

***********************************
After some wonderful follow-up by my anesthesiologist, who called to check up on me this morning, and my discharge nurse (who was told my my anesthesiologist what was going on) My surgeon called and assured my that this level of bruising is normal.

Sure doesn't look or feel normal, but...

The crap we all must go through in dealing with this mess....

Alice

**********************************

Let's add that the incision is still actively, albeit slowly, bleeding (not oozing.) Now my surgeon wants to see me first thing in the morning.

Aaargh.

Comments

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #2
    I never experienced this...!
    I never experienced this...! HOPE you feel better and it's not too sore..


    Denise
  • Heatherbelle
    Heatherbelle Member Posts: 1,226 Member
    #3
    Did you just have your
    Did you just have your surgery? I think heavy bruising for up to weeks afterward is pretty common. Good to check with your doctor though.
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #4
    Heatherbelle said:

    Did you just have your
    Did you just have your surgery? I think heavy bruising for up to weeks afterward is pretty common. Good to check with your doctor though.

    Surgery was yesterday
    but I wasn't prepared for this level of bruising.

    Am checking with dr.
  • cinnamonsmile
    cinnamonsmile Member Posts: 1,187 Member
    #5
    I had a lot of bruising with
    I had a lot of bruising with my lumpectomy,too. And you had two area done in the same breast,too,right? That's a lot to me. I did feel some hardness, but can't remember anymore when it showed up and when it went away.

    I am glad your have a call into the doctor. Not sure if I would feel comfortable with his answer. I would be a bit concerned if the rock hard feeling doesn't start to get better soon.Did the surgeon take any sentinel nodes out? I wouldn't think so cuz they didn't find cancer, yet right?

    Did he say to ice it? My surgeon sent me home with ice packs that fit in my bras. I was sure icing it a lot. Now that I remember!!!
  • tufi000
    tufi000 Member Posts: 745 Member
    #6
    yeah yeah yeah
    just another nice benefit of messing with delicate tissues. Mine took forever to go away. i was so happy it was done and done I pay attention this stuff.

    Carry on Alice!
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #7
    tufi000 said:

    yeah yeah yeah
    just another nice benefit of messing with delicate tissues. Mine took forever to go away. i was so happy it was done and done I pay attention this stuff.

    Carry on Alice!

    And now it's still bleeding to boot
    My surgeon has decided to see me first thing tomorrow morning. I'm still actively, albeit slowly, bleeding. However, it is not just oozing.

    So no promised shower tonight, and back to the dr tomorrow.

    Alice
  • cinnamonsmile
    cinnamonsmile Member Posts: 1,187 Member
    #8
    abrub said:

    And now it's still bleeding to boot
    My surgeon has decided to see me first thing tomorrow morning. I'm still actively, albeit slowly, bleeding. However, it is not just oozing.

    So no promised shower tonight, and back to the dr tomorrow.

    Alice

    Thank goodness you surgeon
    Thank goodness your surgeon will see you right away tomorrow. I feel much better for you knowing that he is seeing you. I was worried when he wasn't. I hope it is nothing too serious.
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #9
    cinnamonsmile said:

    Thank goodness you surgeon
    Thank goodness your surgeon will see you right away tomorrow. I feel much better for you knowing that he is seeing you. I was worried when he wasn't. I hope it is nothing too serious.

    I don't think it's serious
    but glad my surgeon is seeing me.

    And in answer to your prior comment - yes, she did 2 spots in the same breast, so I have one slightly larger than average incision. And yes, ice packs are a constant in my bra (tho with at least 20 minute breaks every hours.)

    I'm just generally (and understandably) frustrated. I'm one of those to whom the oddities tend to occur. I had quite a reputation at Memorial Sloan Kettering for rare problems and reactions to treatments for my appendix cancer. With all of the procedures/surgeries/chemos I've now had (and there are lots) I can count on one hand (with fingers to spare) the number that have gone "according to plan."

    I'll report in tomorrow.
  • cinnamonsmile
    cinnamonsmile Member Posts: 1,187 Member
    #10
    abrub said:

    I don't think it's serious
    but glad my surgeon is seeing me.

    And in answer to your prior comment - yes, she did 2 spots in the same breast, so I have one slightly larger than average incision. And yes, ice packs are a constant in my bra (tho with at least 20 minute breaks every hours.)

    I'm just generally (and understandably) frustrated. I'm one of those to whom the oddities tend to occur. I had quite a reputation at Memorial Sloan Kettering for rare problems and reactions to treatments for my appendix cancer. With all of the procedures/surgeries/chemos I've now had (and there are lots) I can count on one hand (with fingers to spare) the number that have gone "according to plan."

    I'll report in tomorrow.

    I know the feeling about
    I know the feeling about oddities and health. My doctor knows my all too well and that when I say something is going on, she knows it.
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    #11
    abrub said:

    I don't think it's serious
    but glad my surgeon is seeing me.

    And in answer to your prior comment - yes, she did 2 spots in the same breast, so I have one slightly larger than average incision. And yes, ice packs are a constant in my bra (tho with at least 20 minute breaks every hours.)

    I'm just generally (and understandably) frustrated. I'm one of those to whom the oddities tend to occur. I had quite a reputation at Memorial Sloan Kettering for rare problems and reactions to treatments for my appendix cancer. With all of the procedures/surgeries/chemos I've now had (and there are lots) I can count on one hand (with fingers to spare) the number that have gone "according to plan."

    I'll report in tomorrow.

    I didn't have anything like
    I didn't have anything like this, but, I only had the one small tumor and had a lumpectomy. I was sore, but, not really bruised. I hope you'll be ok.


    Let us know tomorrow.
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #12
    abrub said:

    And now it's still bleeding to boot
    My surgeon has decided to see me first thing tomorrow morning. I'm still actively, albeit slowly, bleeding. However, it is not just oozing.

    So no promised shower tonight, and back to the dr tomorrow.

    Alice

    I'm glad you can see your
    I'm glad you can see your surgeon. Sorry for all of these problems. I had a lumpectomy, but, had no bleeding like you're having or bruising.


    Keep us updated!
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #13
    Bruising - updates
    I just realized I never followed through here.

    My surgeon saw my Thursday, and had me come back yesterday. Bruising now encompasses my entire breast. She wants to see me again on Monday. She commented that she never saw the extent of bruising that I have; she thinks it may be because of Toradol that they gave me IV during surgery, since I can't do opiates. Toradol is an NSAID, and may have caused blood thinning. She's talking about the possibility of aspirating some fluid next week. She wanted her resident to see me, to see an extreme example of bruising. I'm tired of being "that oddity", but this has been part of my identity throughout my cancer treatment - side effects to chemo that they don't tell you about, because they are so uncommon, and other issues. On the plus side, with all of the odd stuff that occurs with me, I'm doing great; NED and in remission from my Stage IV appendix cancer, and not adding breast cancer to my resume.

    Been icing a lot; now adding heat. Yesterday my therapist (whom I hadn't seen since before surgery) offered me some homeopathic arnica, hoping that will help heal the bruising. Said therapist is an MD/psychiatrist and an ND/naturpathic physician, who will only mix modalities with permission. I trust him, and have found his "magicke potions" to be useful at times. And I have nothing to loose. So I took a dose yesterday, and have a second dose today.

    As for me, I'm happy, but sore and grumpy. I saw the pathology report, and am thrilled at benign, but I now know just how big the chunks of breast were that she removed. YUCK!

    And that's the news that is the news.
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #14
    abrub said:

    Bruising - updates
    I just realized I never followed through here.

    My surgeon saw my Thursday, and had me come back yesterday. Bruising now encompasses my entire breast. She wants to see me again on Monday. She commented that she never saw the extent of bruising that I have; she thinks it may be because of Toradol that they gave me IV during surgery, since I can't do opiates. Toradol is an NSAID, and may have caused blood thinning. She's talking about the possibility of aspirating some fluid next week. She wanted her resident to see me, to see an extreme example of bruising. I'm tired of being "that oddity", but this has been part of my identity throughout my cancer treatment - side effects to chemo that they don't tell you about, because they are so uncommon, and other issues. On the plus side, with all of the odd stuff that occurs with me, I'm doing great; NED and in remission from my Stage IV appendix cancer, and not adding breast cancer to my resume.

    Been icing a lot; now adding heat. Yesterday my therapist (whom I hadn't seen since before surgery) offered me some homeopathic arnica, hoping that will help heal the bruising. Said therapist is an MD/psychiatrist and an ND/naturpathic physician, who will only mix modalities with permission. I trust him, and have found his "magicke potions" to be useful at times. And I have nothing to loose. So I took a dose yesterday, and have a second dose today.

    As for me, I'm happy, but sore and grumpy. I saw the pathology report, and am thrilled at benign, but I now know just how big the chunks of breast were that she removed. YUCK!

    And that's the news that is the news.

    That could be the reason you
    That could be the reason you are so bruised. I think you are not supposed to have anything like Toradol for at least a week prior to surgery. I hope she doesn't have to aspirate any fluid from you next week, but if it will help, then it will be worth it. I just hope you have no pain with it.

    Congrats on NED and on being in remission for appendix cancer.

    Thanks for the update.


    Hugs, Leeza
  • nanniebgood
    nanniebgood Member Posts: 42
    #15
    so glad about the NED and no
    so glad about the NED and no breast cancer, the bruising will go away, if you have to have it extracted the relief is better than the little bit of pain, i hope all goes well for you.
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #16
    nanniebgood said:

    so glad about the NED and no
    so glad about the NED and no breast cancer, the bruising will go away, if you have to have it extracted the relief is better than the little bit of pain, i hope all goes well for you.

    Congrats on benign! I hope
    Congrats on benign! I hope that your bruising and pain goes away really soon for you!
  • snickerdoodle
    snickerdoodle Member Posts: 19
    #17
    Bruising and other stuff
    I had a hematoma when I had a lumpectomy and another when I had my bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. The bruising looked terrible and made things more tender but it went away. I was told to take bromelain which I did and eat pineapple. I would dance on one foot if somebody says it can help.
    I am all done with my reconstruction and am very happy I did the whole thing. How are you doing today?
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #18
    snickerdoodle said:

    Bruising and other stuff
    I had a hematoma when I had a lumpectomy and another when I had my bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. The bruising looked terrible and made things more tender but it went away. I was told to take bromelain which I did and eat pineapple. I would dance on one foot if somebody says it can help.
    I am all done with my reconstruction and am very happy I did the whole thing. How are you doing today?

    Bruising has subsided considerably
    but I'm still in a fair amount of pain.

    Looks like arnica did help the bruising, as the covered area rapidly diminished after having arnica.

    General pain remains another issue. It doesn't help that I'm large-breasted, and at the moment, gravity is not my friend.

    Thanks for your concern.

    Alice
  • cinnamonsmile
    cinnamonsmile Member Posts: 1,187 Member
    #19
    abrub said:

    Bruising has subsided considerably
    but I'm still in a fair amount of pain.

    Looks like arnica did help the bruising, as the covered area rapidly diminished after having arnica.

    General pain remains another issue. It doesn't help that I'm large-breasted, and at the moment, gravity is not my friend.

    Thanks for your concern.

    Alice

    Oh do I relate to big
    Oh do I relate to big breasts and gravity after my lumpectomy. I had to hold my breast when I would get out of bed and the breast sagged, when I got off the toilet, got off a chair...At that point, I couldn't afford a sports bra so I was wearing my old wore out bras..
    I am glad to hear the bruising is subsiding. I hope the pain starts to decrease soon for you!
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #20
    abrub said:

    Bruising has subsided considerably
    but I'm still in a fair amount of pain.

    Looks like arnica did help the bruising, as the covered area rapidly diminished after having arnica.

    General pain remains another issue. It doesn't help that I'm large-breasted, and at the moment, gravity is not my friend.

    Thanks for your concern.

    Alice

    Will it ever end?
    I'm almost 2 weeks post-op (tomorrow) and was back to my surgeon, as the pain has intensified to an intolerable level (an easy 10 on their pain scale). I couldn't sleep last night, even with the assistance of oxycodone. The pain level was too high.

    Surgeon saw me today, ostensibly for my 2 week follow-up and discharge. Ended up aspirating over 10cc's of fluid, and gave me Toradol to help me get through the pain. She'll see me again on Wednesday, to try to aspirate more, but if this doesn't work, and I'm still in this much pain, she said she may have to go back in surgically. Another surgeon has decided that I can't do things the easy way. (My colorectal surgeon established that 5 years ago, with all the rare complications I had from my cancer surgery.)

    Pain is still pretty intense despite the draining and the Toradol. I hope that this resolves soon.
  • cinnamonsmile
    cinnamonsmile Member Posts: 1,187 Member
    #21
    abrub said:

    Will it ever end?
    I'm almost 2 weeks post-op (tomorrow) and was back to my surgeon, as the pain has intensified to an intolerable level (an easy 10 on their pain scale). I couldn't sleep last night, even with the assistance of oxycodone. The pain level was too high.

    Surgeon saw me today, ostensibly for my 2 week follow-up and discharge. Ended up aspirating over 10cc's of fluid, and gave me Toradol to help me get through the pain. She'll see me again on Wednesday, to try to aspirate more, but if this doesn't work, and I'm still in this much pain, she said she may have to go back in surgically. Another surgeon has decided that I can't do things the easy way. (My colorectal surgeon established that 5 years ago, with all the rare complications I had from my cancer surgery.)

    Pain is still pretty intense despite the draining and the Toradol. I hope that this resolves soon.

    It will end. Slowly,
    It will end. Slowly, gradually. I remember I was still in pain at two weeks. You had two rather larger pieces of breast taken out! I hope you start feeling some relief soon.

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