post radiation changes

jamjar62
jamjar62 Member Posts: 135
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi Ladies...haven't been around lately but I have a question. I finished my radiation therapy back in July. I had my mammogram yesterday and of course, they did a sonogram because they saw something "different". I saw my onc today and had him call for the results. There was no malignancy in either breast but there was a "significant amount of fluid in the left breast" which is my lumpectomy side. I knew something was going on because the area just above my scar had become tight and bruised looking. My onc didn't seem too concerned about it...mentioned that my surgeon might want to "remove the fluid from the cyst". Okay, so I was fine until I talked to my neighbor who is a RN and she mentioned that they would definitely want to remove the fluid and test it for "abnormal cells". She could have gone all year without saying that!

Okay, so now to my question. Anyone else experience anything like this? I know my radiation onc mentioned that I could have edema in my radiated breast. And a friend with breast cancer said that maybe it is lymphadema since I had 17 nodes removed. I see my surgeon next Wednesday but I just need a little feedback from the experts (you guys)! Thanks,

Karen

Comments

  • ksayler
    ksayler Member Posts: 6
    #2
    Karen,
    I am new to this site and 1 year post radiation. I have not had this problem, but they did find something on my other breast at my first mammogram/sonogram post surgery. It ultimately was a cyst, but the fluid had to be sent in to test for abnormal cells. I was alarmed, also. The doctor said that anything removed from the body must be sent in to check for abnormal cells. So it was simply routine. I hope this helps.
    Kathy
  • lindatn
    lindatn Member Posts: 229
    #3
    Your problems sounds like mine. I have been out of radiation for a year. I have a lump where the cancer was it is hard and often drives me nuts as every bra I own and I own many bother this area. The rad Dr wanted the fluid removed, the breast surgeon said don't touch it. The onco orders ultra sounds. In the end everyone agrees it is a seroma and to leave it alone. Also 9 percent of the lumpectomy patients have this happen. I talked to a mammogram nurse when I had my last mammogram who had cancer seven years ago and she said it took five years nearly to the day for hers to go away. Removing fluid only makes it sore and it fills right back up. Of course you must do what you feel is right for you and if you agree with the DR by all means have fluid removed. I have learned to try and not think about it. I had surgery at Vanderbilt and follow up care at Sara Cannon so in my case I have to trust them. The rad Dr at another cancer clinic was a real yerk so I had no respect for him anyhow. My breast stayed very large and red for six months that is finally much better but doesn't look to great but can live with that also as long as the mammogram and other check ups come back okay. I have a appointment this month and dread and worry each time. With Gods help we do get through all of this. Linda
  • vac
    vac Member Posts: 97
    #4
    i meet with the radiation occ mon jan 19 i have had a bilat masectomy and a stem cel transplant. my husband thinks the radiation is not needed since i have gone through alote. i just told him this is part of the procedure. i have had a trams flap i hope the radiation does not deform my breast, they look good with a little scarring.
  • dstarnes
    dstarnes Member Posts: 14
    #5
    Not the same as yours, but did have fluid for awhile. It disipated on its own, but have alot of deep scar tissue.
  • DeeNY711
    DeeNY711 Member Posts: 476 Member
    #6
    vac said:

    i meet with the radiation occ mon jan 19 i have had a bilat masectomy and a stem cel transplant. my husband thinks the radiation is not needed since i have gone through alote. i just told him this is part of the procedure. i have had a trams flap i hope the radiation does not deform my breast, they look good with a little scarring.

    When you make your decision, remember it is your life and your choice; not your husband's.

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