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?