8 months later still have fluid

Third_Generation
Third_Generation Member Posts: 121
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Good Morning,
I had bilaterals Jan 5,2010 and just had more fluid drained from the left side! My surgeon is also unhappy how the right side has developed a thick ridge of scar tissue below the incision site. Perhaps because of all the fluid that side had also. My left side but developing ridging also but with fluid still accumulating. My surgeon is sending me to a plastic surgeon to see what she can do for all of this. I have had no reconstruction so had never even thought of what plastic surgeons can do...gather they can redo the area. I hope she can as I do not want to have all this ridging- I cannot wear my prothesis and I do have a couple of outfits I would like to wear them with.
I would appreciate any information any of you great ladies have for me re the fluid and the scar ridges. (I do massage and stretches.) Hope you are all having a beautiful day!

Comments

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #2
    3rd Gen .. so sorry to hear about the fluid and scar
    ridges .. I don't get why we continue to massage and stretch -- I figure once surgery is completed - everything else show fall into place - but no such luck! I know that keeping our skin and muscles flexible is half the battle, the half is learning to live without our God given breasts. Have you had the fluid drained? What does your breast cancer specialist or doctor who perfomed the surgery say ?

    I, myself opted on reconstruction of both breast - a decision I will NEVER regret - my case only. Reconstruction has it's on set of issues -. I am hoping another Warrior here on our site can help, or provide valuable information for you.

    My humble opinion, if insurance permitting -- consult a Plastic surgeon.


    Strength and Courage:

    Vicki Sam
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #3
    VickiSam said:

    3rd Gen .. so sorry to hear about the fluid and scar
    ridges .. I don't get why we continue to massage and stretch -- I figure once surgery is completed - everything else show fall into place - but no such luck! I know that keeping our skin and muscles flexible is half the battle, the half is learning to live without our God given breasts. Have you had the fluid drained? What does your breast cancer specialist or doctor who perfomed the surgery say ?

    I, myself opted on reconstruction of both breast - a decision I will NEVER regret - my case only. Reconstruction has it's on set of issues -. I am hoping another Warrior here on our site can help, or provide valuable information for you.

    My humble opinion, if insurance permitting -- consult a Plastic surgeon.


    Strength and Courage:

    Vicki Sam

    I know my PT checks my scars
    I know my PT checks my scars and does stretching, etc... perhaps a PT who specializes in lymphedema. scar formation etc... would be helpful.
  • webbwife50
    webbwife50 Member Posts: 394
    #4
    Hi
    I had my bilat mast. in june of 09, and fluid build-up was a real problem. I had a drain reinserted twice after the initial removal 2 months after surgery and numerous on-the-spot fluid drainings. Usually when I went in for chemo. This problem persisted for 7 months.

    It really sucked!! I had tram-flap reconstruction in December. My PS told me I wouldn't have this problem again, and I haven't.

    Please don't misunderstand me, I am not saying tram-flap fixed the problem, but I do think that your ps will be able to talk to you about your choices.

    I hope this helped!
  • webbwife50
    webbwife50 Member Posts: 394
    #5
    Hi
    I had my bilat mast. in june of 09, and fluid build-up was a real problem. I had a drain reinserted twice after the initial removal 2 months after surgery and numerous on-the-spot fluid drainings. Usually when I went in for chemo. This problem persisted for 7 months.

    It really sucked!! I had tram-flap reconstruction in December. My PS told me I wouldn't have this problem again, and I haven't.

    Please don't misunderstand me, I am not saying tram-flap fixed the problem, but I do think that your ps will be able to talk to you about your choices.

    I hope this helped!
  • Third_Generation
    Third_Generation Member Posts: 121
    #6
    webbwife50 said:

    Hi
    I had my bilat mast. in june of 09, and fluid build-up was a real problem. I had a drain reinserted twice after the initial removal 2 months after surgery and numerous on-the-spot fluid drainings. Usually when I went in for chemo. This problem persisted for 7 months.

    It really sucked!! I had tram-flap reconstruction in December. My PS told me I wouldn't have this problem again, and I haven't.

    Please don't misunderstand me, I am not saying tram-flap fixed the problem, but I do think that your ps will be able to talk to you about your choices.

    I hope this helped!

    Oh Webb, I am so glad to
    Oh Webb, I am so glad to hear someone else had fluid "forever"! Not that I am glad you had it, but you know what I mean- when you think you are the only one with the weird prob. I had my drains reinserted also. I am also glad to hear that reconstruction helped. I am seeing my ps this Friday and am anxious to hear what she says. Thank you all for your support.
    Brenda
  • webbwife50
    webbwife50 Member Posts: 394
    #7
    Third_Generation said:

    Oh Webb, I am so glad to
    Oh Webb, I am so glad to hear someone else had fluid "forever"! Not that I am glad you had it, but you know what I mean- when you think you are the only one with the weird prob. I had my drains reinserted also. I am also glad to hear that reconstruction helped. I am seeing my ps this Friday and am anxious to hear what she says. Thank you all for your support.
    Brenda

    I am so happy you are seeing your ps
    I didn't catch that when I read your posting the first time. I am sure you will feel better after seeing him/her. I know exactly that feeling of being the only person with this particular problem. I felt so ugly at time and frustrated and... well you know. Just relax, have glass of wine and remeber your still here, yippie.

    I am actully very very please with where I am at now, all considered. I still have a bit of tightness in my chest but no fluid. Thank God

    If you have any questions you might like to ask you can e-mail me at webbwife50@yahoo.com

    God Bless, look forward to hearing from you after your appt.
  • Third_Generation
    Third_Generation Member Posts: 121
    #8
    webbwife50 said:

    Hi
    I had my bilat mast. in june of 09, and fluid build-up was a real problem. I had a drain reinserted twice after the initial removal 2 months after surgery and numerous on-the-spot fluid drainings. Usually when I went in for chemo. This problem persisted for 7 months.

    It really sucked!! I had tram-flap reconstruction in December. My PS told me I wouldn't have this problem again, and I haven't.

    Please don't misunderstand me, I am not saying tram-flap fixed the problem, but I do think that your ps will be able to talk to you about your choices.

    I hope this helped!

    Saw the plastic surgeon
    Saw the plastic surgeon today. She is going to excise all of the scar and extra tissue on both sides. Have to get the insurance to ok this first so won't know anything until a couple of weeks. Said I will have drains in again. Lucky I kept my after surgery camisoles!
    Have a wonderful weekend.
    Brenda
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #9
    Third_Generation said:

    Saw the plastic surgeon
    Saw the plastic surgeon today. She is going to excise all of the scar and extra tissue on both sides. Have to get the insurance to ok this first so won't know anything until a couple of weeks. Said I will have drains in again. Lucky I kept my after surgery camisoles!
    Have a wonderful weekend.
    Brenda

    Brenda
    Sorry for your post mastectomy complications. Sounds like plastic surgeon is going to help and you are in the good hands.
    Good luck with your surgery.
    Hugs

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