post-mastectomy seroma

[vineyard696]

2 and 1/2 years ago, I had a lumpectomy on the right breast, followed by Mammosite radiation.  A seroma formed in
the Mammosite cavity and became infected.  It was treated with antibiotics and then resolved and healed.  Six
weeks ago  I had a mastectomy of the same breast, and drain with a collecting bulb at the end was installed.  When the amount of fluid collected in 24 hours was less than 30 ml, it was removed (about 2 weeks post-surgery).

Since then, my surgeon has removed fluid from the area by needle twice, and than had a new, smaller drain installed, guided by ultrasound.  This drain terminated in a valve, and I was instructed to use a Luer-Lok tip syringe to remove the fluid 2 or three times a day.  After 10 days, the amount collected in 24 hrs was 10ml, and since it was uncomfortable, I elected to have the drain removed.  Big mistake, seemingly.  Six days later, the fluid is back and seems to be infiltrating areas that were not affected the first time. It is painful, but not excruciating, and I can't wear a bra and prosthesis. My surgeon blames the previous radiation, and me, for being too active. (By the way, I did not have any sort of reconstruction.)  What are my options now?  What would you recommend?  

[vineyard696]

Thanks for the  support.  It is good to know that others have been where I am and gotten through it.  I saw my surgeon today, and she did another needle aspiration, and then
wrapped me very tightly to try to get the layers to heal together.  It's not the least bit comfortable, but it is only for 48 hrs, and I will gladly put up with it if it has a chance of working. Will keep you posted.  :-}  Vineyard 696

[japdip]

I'll put my 2 cents worth in here as well ... I had 2 drains, one removed @ 7 days and the 2nd a week or so later. Not long after that I went back for another drain placement and that one stayed for about 10 days. Until the surfaces "stick" together the fluid will continue to accumlate. I don't see any blame here except maybe "Mother Nature" and she will always fill a void with something (fluid). The only thing that suprises me is that you were allowed to wear a prosthesis ... my Surgeon would not write a prescription until 12 weeks post-op. One of the very few arguments that I have ever lost. Get another opinion ... it seems that your Surgeon is out of options; not YOU.  Good Luck

[healingwell62]

Hi,

The first thing I want to say to you is there should be no blame.  You did not set out to get cancer, nor did you set out to complicate your recent recovery.  So, having said that, since you realized the fluid is accumulating again, have you slowed down and taken it easy?   What does your surgeon say your options are?  If your surgeon is giving you no options, then I would get a second opinion.  I had my drain taken out after about two weeks and as soon as they took the thing out, serous fluid came draining out of my side.  Apparently even though the drainage had slowed to less than 30 per day, there was some kind of blockage somewhere.  I was just short of having one of the second drains put in just like you.  Luckily, it went away.  Don't throw in the towel.  Keep pursuing your options.  Keep us posted.

Warmly,

Chris
Healingwell62
Breast Cancer Community Leader