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Post bilateral mastectomies hand swelling
How much swelling is ok to have in hand day after surgery? It is only in one hand and it was the hand and arm that had IV. She does have more discomfort in excision area on that side too.
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Welcome to connect @emccmd . It sounds like you have a loved one just have a bilateral, it is difficult to watch someone you care for have so much to deal with. This is a place populated with other patients and caregivers who have had similar experiences. We are all here to help each other.
It sounds like it might just be from the IV and not draining back quickly. Have her try flexing and fisting that hand to help push the excess fluid, if this doesn’t get resolved in a day or two, I would contact your physicians office and just make sure nothing more needs to be done.
I would definitely look around the existing discussions and connect with some of the other folks on the mastectomy pages.
At the top of this discussion where you posted your question, there is a little “< breast cancer” if you click on that, it will pull up page after page of ongoing discussions about everything breast cancer.
Will you come back here and let me know how she is doing?
I also had that problem, from the IV in my arm. Dr told me to do fist excersises & prop arm up above my heart to get fluid going. Definitely go to your Dr to see if anything else is wrong but good luck. I pray all works out.
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3 ReactionsI developed mild lymphedema in my left arm. It was not right away, but shortly after the surgery, I had significant swelling in my hand as well as in my arm. I went for a treatment over a couple of months for lymphatic massage. It does work and catching it early helps. If it persists, it could be lymphedema related.
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2 ReactionsI also was referred to an OT, occupational therapist, who works on my weekly to keep things worked out. It definitely helps a great deal. I recommend you check into that.
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1 ReactionHello
As we speak I have an occupational therapist/PT specialized with breast cancer patients. She works my right side monthly and it has made a difference, my insurance also pays for 12 medical massages that really help the lymphatic system and teaches me alot along the way.
My surgery was a year ago and I had reconstruction 4 months ago. Cancer free after HER2 +
23 lymph nodes removed and bilateral mastectomy
I am grateful and blessed! There is Hope after everything we go through -
Prayers for your journey do everything you are
Recommended to do! You will be ok, there is a purpose for all of us.