fluid buildup after mastectomy (lumpect. in 1995); aspirated 1/wk for 5th week

Had inv. duct bc in '95; node neg. 0/27 nodes, er+; lumpectomy + radiation. Had 2nd primary in other breast in '02, node neg. 0/7, er+ lump. + rad. Had 3rd in 11/05; mastectomy. Drain removed 11/21. Have fluid buildup and aspirated starting 1.5 wks after mast. It has been done 4 times and I need another one 12/29. Fluid removed=300cc, 150cc,80cc,70cc. What percentage of mastectomies have this condition? I have heavy feeling in arm prior to aspiration. For past week have been wearing prothesis and at night a tight sports bra. This seems to help, but fluid is still building and is sore in upper middle quadrant as it builds. Should drain be replaced???? Has anyone experienced this and how long does it take for fluid to be absorbed. Both lumpectomies were fine with no complications. thank you.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear barbara1024, This is not a common occurrence after mastectomy however it does happen.  How to manage this problem beyond what you have been doing with pressure and the intermittent drainage would best be discussed with your surgeon.  The goal is that eventually the fluid will stop accumulating (this varies from individual to individual), as well as prevention of infection.  In the meantime, you want to keep the skin clean and dry, as well as, letting your surgeon know of any signs of infection (redness, pain, fever).

[japdip]

In my case I had a buildup of fluid also but my surgeon opted to put in another drain ...... he was against draining it over and over. His theory was that the more times you stick a needle in the area the more you are risking infection. I believe this second drain was removed after 14 days. I believe this happens more often than not.

[kathi p]

http://www.facingourrisk.org/messageboard/viewforum.php?f=3

[lizziecee]

Hi Barbara - I had a lumpectomy and total axilliary removal 3 yrs ago. My surgeon said he had to be brutal in getting all the lymph nodes out and left a big hole at the back of the armpit which filled with fluid - a seroma. I went to the hospital almost every other day for 3-4 weeks to have it drained - it was very painful and the relief was instant when they aspirated it. At first they would get a half a litre, but the amount gradually reduced to nothing.
I didn't get any infection and all is okay now.Hang in there - it will gradually disperse into the body. Take care, Liz.