Abdominal swelling/bloating after a double mastectomy

Mine has in ever since chemo so thought it was from that but other folks noticed it after anesthesia.

I had surgery Feb. 27, 2019 and had abdominal swelling. The hospital and my surgeon said the swelling was not swelling, they said my stomach appeared to me to be swollen because I did not have breasts. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and the physical therapist could tell right away that it was fluid. She did Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). So, yes, I have lymphedema and the massage moved a lot of fluid out. She had me purchase an abdominal binder which I wear only during the day. Also, some elastic type shorts that come up to belly button and that have a wide elastic band for waist. I bought them from Dick's Sporting Goods Store. I bought the 9" abdominal binder from the medical store called Aids for Recovery. I wear the abdominal binder during the day at work and the shorts if I'm relaxing around the house etc..
Be sure if you go to a physical therapist that you confirm that they have been trained in lymphatic massage. Also, try walking to help.

Thank you Carr for the valuable information. I too have a distended abdomen since I had bilateral mastectomy in 2018 the swelling got aoarst this year and had a CT scan and US which is negative for cancer. I am glad to hear about the MLD and will ask my oncologist to refer me.
Thanks again

@carr
That is great information...I'm going to check into belly binder. I already use compression camisole and do the lymphatic drainage, but the belly is annoying. I wondered also if it is because of being on the AI killing off all estrogen if that was having an effect.

I have mild lymphedema in one arm after a bilateral mastectomy where seventeen lymph nodes were removed. I may have some in my abdominal area as well but I have been focused on my arm. I never was informed about the possibility of lymphedema at all by any medical person, but an acquaintance had it so at least I was aware. I proactively insisted on a referral to a lymphedema therapist (who incidentally was “awful”... I have since found a kind, caring, and helpful therapist. It’s like doctors— sometimes you have to search for one who is a good fit for your personality) because I was going to be flying on a vacation and I knew sometimes flying can be a trigger. My doctor was reluctant to admit lymphedema was a potential problem but finally relented and made the referral. My lymphedema is “mild” because I avoid triggers, practice MLD, have a Flexitouch pump system to use as needed, know what physical exercises to do to help, know how to short-stretch bandage if necessary, and finally wear a compression sleeve during exercise or exertion. (I don’t like regular lymphedema compression sleeves but I do like Solidea brand items, which my therapist recommended.) It’s frustrating that doctors don’t take lymphedema more seriously, but I guess they’re just focused on ridding us of the cancer.

@chamisa
I am so sorry you have gone through all of that without the doctors or nurses explaining the future possibilities. My health carrier is Kaiser Permanente and prior to any surgeries, they have patients attend classes guided by physical therapists. Another health carrier, Sutter, also offers classes and I found their lymphedema class was even more educational. Kaiser also offers their patients an "after breast surgery" training class by the physical therapy department whereupon one does a series of stretching, core, weight training (stretch bands and free weights), and then finishing with stretching exercises. Once the month-long class is completed, as patients we do those twice weekly at home and for me it takes about 30 minutes. I have not had lymphedema per se, but twice now have experienced axillary web syndrome or cording and cannot express to you how important the exercises are. I am so thankful you found a therapist who has helped you. Follow your instincts and if your doctor isn't responsive enough, keep looking for one who will attend to your health needs. All the best to you.

I have had bilateral breast cancer with lymph nodes removed and I seem to have to fight to get proper treatment. I was discussing my request for lymphedema consideration when I went for blood work etc. and the surgeon blew me off. I asked her what if I had no arms and she said I was carrying things too far. This was at a cancer center that was connected to a hospital that had a trauma center! Goodbye surgeon. Another time I got a call from a nurse in my doctor’s office about adding “patient requests blood be drawn from the foot because of breast cancer.” The nurse made a comment about good luck with that (my words). If people got proper training, they would know about lymphedema and be able to give proper treatment. As a matter of fact, I have found two phlebotomists that will honor this. I do not get my blood drawn at the cancer center nor the hospital associated with it. Medical procedures always scare me now. The nurses/techs give you bs when you ask for proper treatment....you can’t get lymphedema if you only have 1 node removed...you won’t get if after 10 years...you won’t get it if they take blood from your hand...they can’t take blood pressure in your leg...it goes on and on. I am getting bilateral mastectomy/breast reconstruction (after finding out I have a genetic mutation) next month and am scared to death about my hospital experience. I guard my hands and arms like you wouldn’t believe. For me, the BC nightmare never ends. Thanks for you input.

@sandyjr and others in this thread..... I had a bi lateral mastectomy five years ago and only one lymph node removed on my left and two on my right (where the invasive cancer was). However, the surgeon got a little ambitious and created a lot of damage on my left side to remove the node. I was very concerned about lymphedema because I was trying to resolve my risks. I was only Stage 1 and the doctors were fairly certain I didn't have spread to my lymph nodes. I felt lucky about their cancer assessment, but I couldn't get the information or education for lymphedema I requested. The doctors kept telling me I wouldn't get lymphdema with just one node removed. They were wrong (and @trixie1313 ) I too have Kaiser and I wish my care had been as complete as yours....sigh.
Very long story short - I developed lymphedema out of the gate following surgery in my left arm. I had to fight with the doctors to get care and ultimately had to take it upon myself to get PT and massage therapy (which I had to pay for myself) because they kept saying I didn't have it. It was frustrating. The worst part of my story is this............this past November I got cellulitis in my left hand and arm and went into sepsis. I was hospitalized for 6 days and have permanant damage to my left hand that will never improve. I am now on a very strict program of PT, massage, and bandaging to keep the lymphedema under control. My advice to other breast cancer ladies out there.........PUSH FOR EDUCATION AND MONITORING for lymphedema as you go into this process, push for monitoring after your surgery and never let doctors tell you that you won't/can't get lymphedema. I was vigilant but in the end I had no idea how bad my lymphedema was or what risk I was really at for this. I am paying the price now and 'paying' includes pain, anxiety and huge bills from my hospital stay and follow ups (I'm just 62 now and so no medicare to soften the financial blow). I let the doctors convince me that I shouldn't worry about lymphedema and here I am fighting this battle while I'm also about to hear that I have hit the 5 year mark cancer free (a very good bit of news). Hugs to all. p.s. abdominal swelling....I hadn't even heard or considered that.........thanks for the info.

@chamisa See my post below. Keep a close, very close eye on any cuts (even the smallest). Keep at your PT and massage and other care. I 'thought' I was doing it right but I let one cut go and ended up in very bad shape with cellulitis. I too had 'mild' lymphedema....now I have hand and arm damage and it's not so mild. Stay vigilant. Hugs.....

@charisa, cindylb
I use a garden sleeve while out in the garden or brush as well to protect that arm.