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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
still draining three months after double mastectomy surgery
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
still draining three months after double mastectomy surgery
by bosombuddy, Oct 30, 2006 12:00AM
Three months after my skin-sparing double mastectomy my left breast is still draining 20-30cc daily of lymph fluid. I had radiation on that side 5 years ago and was told that would delay healing but it's been at 20-30cc for the past 7 weeks and shows no signs of decreasing. The fluid is clear, golden yellow and has no odor and there are no signs of infection. My doctors are surprised but offer no solution or reason or end date. Should I be concerned? Is there something I can do (vitamins, excercise) to improve my healing? Is this a form of lymphedema?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Oct 31, 2006 12:00AM
Dear bosombuddy: Occassionally, it can take a very long time for a breast to stop draining after surgery. Surgeons will give an idea for "normal" resolution, but when these situations of prolonged drainage occur, it is difficult to give specific parameters. Lymphedema usually starts in the hand and moves up the arm. Though lymphedema can occur in the breast, surgical complications such as these are not uncommon. Your doctor would be best equipped to comment on your situation.
