1. < Breast Cancer

Abdominal swelling/bloating after a double mastectomy

Posted by shahzadee6 @shahzadee6, Apr 17, 2019

I have not had reconstruction yet and it has been a year. I am not fat just looks like a have a basketball under my shirt.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 25, 2022
In reply to @mariahpendl "Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. I woke up from the first surgery with..." + (show)
@mariahpendl

Surprised how many women are experiencing abdominal bloating. I woke up from the first surgery with it. Was told it would get better. Also given the line that “it just looks bigger because you have no breasts”. I had sentinel lymph nodes taken then and later all nodes in R arm. As a retired RN the abdominal bloating made no sense at all. Now it does! It was part of the reason I had an ER visit post op. An abdominal CT was normal. Great news but now2 months out I still can’t wear my clothes. I was given a PT referral for lymphedema evaluation. So grateful I found this group! Now I will insist on therapy for abdomen as well as arms.

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@mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? Any update?

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1 reply
aiden727 | @aiden727 | Oct 4, 2022
In reply to @trixie1313 "@carr That is great information...I'm going to check into belly binder. I already use compression camisole..." + (show)
@trixie1313

@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.

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I am a year out of a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to have developed a lot of belly fat and am taking a anastrozole. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? I try to get walking in and gym but doesn’t seem to help.

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1 reply
aiden727 | @aiden727 | Oct 4, 2022
In reply to @colleenyoung "@mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? Any update?" + (show)
@colleenyoung

@mariahpendl, I wanted to check in. Did you have your lymphedema evaluation? Any update?

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I am a year out of a double mastectomy and seem to develop a lot of upper belly fat. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? I had no reconstruction and try to go to gym and walk 3 times a week but doesnt seem to help.

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aiden727 | @aiden727 | Oct 4, 2022

I also had my lymph node checked on my left side

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aiden727 | @aiden727 | Oct 4, 2022

And am taking anastrozole

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trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Oct 4, 2022
In reply to @aiden727 "I am a year out of a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to have..." + (show)
@aiden727

I am a year out of a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and seem to have developed a lot of belly fat and am taking a anastrozole. Do you think I would benefit from a chest and abdominal binder? I try to get walking in and gym but doesn’t seem to help.

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@aiden727
That was two years ago and I never did the belly binder. Instead have been doing core exercises and strength training from the Physical Therapy Dept at our facility.

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sarahesther | @sarahesther | Jun 18, 2023

I had a mastectomy in March on my right side and had 13 lymph nodes removed. Ever since then my stomach is so distended and huge. I feel like a freak. I look like I have a pregnant stomach and a flat top. The doctor said that the bloated stomach is due to overeating. I know that's not true. Maybe my muscles just gave out and I need to start a new exercise regimen? How depressing.

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3 replies
kks | @kks | Jun 19, 2023
In reply to @sarahesther "I had a mastectomy in March on my right side and had 13 lymph nodes removed...." + (show)
@sarahesther

I had a mastectomy in March on my right side and had 13 lymph nodes removed. Ever since then my stomach is so distended and huge. I feel like a freak. I look like I have a pregnant stomach and a flat top. The doctor said that the bloated stomach is due to overeating. I know that's not true. Maybe my muscles just gave out and I need to start a new exercise regimen? How depressing.

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I have a friend that had a mastectomy many years ago with many lymph nodes removed and has the same issue with fluids building up in her abdomen. She uses lymphatic massage to address it. Physical therapist can do this but there are also videos on YouTube for self massage. I hope you can get some relief!

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drummergirl | @drummergirl | Jun 19, 2023
In reply to @sarahesther "I had a mastectomy in March on my right side and had 13 lymph nodes removed...." + (show)
@sarahesther

I had a mastectomy in March on my right side and had 13 lymph nodes removed. Ever since then my stomach is so distended and huge. I feel like a freak. I look like I have a pregnant stomach and a flat top. The doctor said that the bloated stomach is due to overeating. I know that's not true. Maybe my muscles just gave out and I need to start a new exercise regimen? How depressing.

Jump to this post

My Occupational Therapist (skilled in Lymphatic massage) told me that there are many lymph nodes in the stomach and they are effected just like your arms are. She suggested lymphatic massages of my arm and stomach. She can teach you self massage as well. Don’t wait too long. The sooner they start therapy, the easier to correct. Good luck..

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