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Anyone have a Hematoma after Lumpectomy?
I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy 9 days ago. Nodes were clear. Hooray. I have a painful hematoma at the incision site. It’s been draining old blood for which I’ve been covering with dry sterile dressings. I contacted my surgeon today and his nurse affirmed I am doing the correct things. It’s painful. Anyone else ever experienced this?
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Yes. I had a hematoma too after my 2nd breast was removed and both implants went in. My right side developed the hematoma and got bigger as the days went by. I sent pictures every few days and on the 7th day for my actual checkups, the breast surgeon, sent pictures to the plastics surgeon that i was scheduled to see next later that day and by the end of that day I was in surgery to have it removed. Not by my doctor as he was on a plane on vacation. Another top Dr. at the COH performed the surgery. The whole thing was opened up and drained and my implant went back in. I had a great surgeon and team and 1 year later, all is good.
If you have a portal at the hospital, take a picture and post it. If they cannot see it they do not know. For me, when i got there on the day for the visit, the breast surgeon knew right away it was not looking good.
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2 ReactionsPutting a pic on the portal is a great idea. I will do that. Thank you for the suggestion
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2 ReactionsI have an appointment for today. Thank you again for the suggestion
My post surgery hematoma was a unique experience, complicated by Covid restrictions. It wasn’t viewed enough of an emergency to schedule me for a one on one appointment with my surgeon.
Just know if your breast swells enough to cause discomfort, redness or continued pain, contact your surgeon. They will tell you to put ice on it. But if it doesn’t improve after you’ve almost frozen your breast off, and if your surgeon, oncologist or radiation oncologist won’t help, find someone who will listen and act, ie an Ob/gyn, GP or even visit an emergency room.
Be your own advocate!
I developed a huge hematoma at the node removal site while still in the hospital post surgery and was required to stay overnight, even though it was a lumpectomy. They wrapped it tight with compression bands and it gave me comfort and resolved on its own after that.