Post mastectomy fluid retention

[Deni1956]

Reader's Digest Version...I had a mammogram which found a lump. Biopsy of lump and lymph node found cancer. Had an MRI which showed no surprises so had a lumpectomy on 5/27. Final path report found three tumors, all positive, and six positive nodes. Had a mastectomy on 6/22. Finally got the drain out on 6/30. Things were going fine until today I've got fluid build up under my left arm. Put a compression bandage back on pretty snugly. Any other suggestions?

Thank you.

[Deni1956]

Hi - thanks for responding! I see my oncologist on 7/13 and am expecting to start chemo on 7/20. They are planning to infuse every other Wednesday for 20 weeks. I'm Stage IIIa. I'm in Central Oregon and the docs are in Bend. I actually live about 100 miles SE of Bend, out in the boonies!

[Tinabudde]

Hi Deni, it could just be the residual swelling from the surgery and healing but there is a possibility of lymphedema.  For lymphedema you would need treatment by a specially trained certified lymphedema therapist.  I can refer you to one but I need to know where you live or the area that you could travel to.  Let's wait abit tho because the swelling is normal for the masectomy.  My mother had one back in August and the swelling under her arm was horrendous but it did go down and she does have some lymphedema in the shoulder from it.  Are you doing any other treatment such as chemo?