Lumpectomy incision

yvovona

My lumpectomy incision was made around my areola which is at the lowest part of my breast, Supposedly for cosmetic reasons which I am not bothered about (I am 75). All the excess fluid moved down to my scar and has made it very puffy. I feel the incision should have been higher to give a better recovery. I voiced this at my review and it was dismissed out of hand. ☹️

moderators

Hi @yvovona, and welcome to the Breastcancer.org community! 🤗

We're sorry you're dealing with swelling around your incision, especially after your concerns didn't seem to be heard during your review. Hopefully others who've had similar swelling or fluid buildup will share their stories.

How are you doing now, and has the swelling changed at all since your review?

The Mods

yvovona

My lumpectomy was on 11th Sept, early days I know. My wound is healing slowly but still puffy. My nipple is sunken in a swollen mound. My lymph node biopsy wound is healing nicely though.

moderators

Hi @yvovona, thanks for the update. It’s still early in your recovery, and we hope the swelling continues to settle as you heal. Good to hear your lymph node biopsy wound is healing well. Keep us posted on how you’re doing.

The Mods

nineteenyearslater55

Yvovona, I am sorry you were dismissed by your surgeon. Sadly, many of us have had the experience of being dismissed by our doctors and surgeons at one time or another. But we must not let that stop us from continuing to speak up and ask questions. You are early in your recovery and I hope that it gets better and better. Take care!

aoibheann

I had a lumpectomy on 4th Sept. and had a largish swelling in my breast around incision site. I showed it to my oncology nurse 10 days later and she said it was normal. I had my surgical review on 30th Sept. still with swelling and surgeon put in a needle to drain off some of the fluid. However I still have a hard swelling about the size of an egg and am wondering if I should go back to surgeon about it or if this is normal.

moderators

Hi again @yvovona! We're just checking in on you to see if your swelling/seroma has gone down? How are you feeling?

@aoibheann We're thinking of you also! Were you able to get in contact with your surgeon? How are things healing?

Sending hugs to you all!

—The Mods

yvovona

Hi, thanks for that. I feel well enough and my wound is knitting together okay but the whole area is still red, swollen and puffy. Also very itchy as I have Tinea Versicolor. I will be seeing an oncologist this week as prelude to radiotheraphy, Ill see what they have to say.

yvovona

I understand that swelling is normal as well as lumps and bumps and it can take anything up to six months or more. I am prepared for that. My main concern was the location of the incision and possible hinderance to initial healing. I think I am right.

moderators

We're glad to hear you're feeling well enough, @yvovona, and hope your appointment this week goes well and that your oncologist can address your concerns before radiotherapy begins. Thinking of you!

The Mods

aoibheann

Hi Mods.,

Thanks for thinking of me. I wasn't able to contact my surgeon but I mentioned my concerns to my radiologist who assured me that the swelling is normal as @yvovona has also said. I'm waiting now for an appointment for a CT to have my radiology treatment planned and then have a week of radiotherapy.

Last week my oncologist said that although my cancer markers have now risen to 173 and I've 2 unclear margins, he will not change my current treatment as my body can't endure any harsher drugs. He has always assured me that there are many new and effective drugs in his arsenal since my original dx. I'm still reeling from the shock. I never think of what to say when I'm on the spot so I never asked him any questions about why he had changed his mind re the newer drugs.

@yvovona Hope your appointments go well this week and sending good wishes for your radiotherapy

moderators

@aoibheann, thanks for the update. We hope your radiotherapy planning goes well and that you get some clarity about your oncologist’s thinking on your current treatment plan. Please keep us posted on how you're doing.

The Mods

yvovona

The oncologists job was to explain the radiology procedure and for me to sign the consent form. She did not examine anything so no point explaining. Next step is in a few weeks.