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A MyBCTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Marion, IN

I had my cancer surgery July 13th and they say they got the cancer it was very small 8mm and my lymph nodes were negative for spread. I went to the doctors 2 weeks after surgery and I have a seroma. I wore the binder for 2 weeks and it was miserable. He had to drain the seroma but 5 days later I woke up with blood everywhere from the breast it was on the sheets and mattress pad. I cleaned everything up but 2 hours later it did it again. I had an appointment with the doctor the next day and he… read more

August 8
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone recovering from cancer surgery who developed a seroma, infection, and bleeding, with many sharing that they too... Read more

Members rallied around someone recovering from cancer surgery who developed a seroma, infection, and bleeding, with many sharing that they too experienced seromas needing multiple drains. Several members offered helpful protein tips including eggs, Greek yogurt, protein shakes, and beef, with one member also noting that beef can help support iron levels lost through bleeding. A recurring theme was encouragement to follow doctor's instructions, stay positive, and hold onto the good news that the cancer was removed and lymph nodes were clear.

A MyBCTeam Member

Greek yogurt is high in protein with many benefits.

August 9
A MyBCTeam Member

Hello Cathy Truman. I did have a seroma and it was drained in my doctor's office. It was only some swelling, redness, a little blood and nothing else. It healed about 2 weeks later. Do not wear anything tight around the area. Exercise your arms, hands by squeezing a small ball. Eating proteins is good all the time. Drink plenty of water. Ice packs definitely helps and allowing the area to get some air. As it begins to heal you can go to doctor once a week instead of everyday. Hope this helps you.

August 11
A MyBCTeam Member

I'm sorry you are having to deal with this- but it should be (although annoying, and uncomfortable) a temporary situation. Eggs are great protein, and you can easily add protein powders to a lot of things. Keeping you in prayers that the antibiotics get busy taking care of the infection so your healing can get back on track!

August 8
MyBCTeam

First, the great news β€” they got the cancer, and your lymph nodes were clear! That is a really positive outcome worth holding onto during this exhausting recovery.

What you're going through is genuinely tough, and you are absolutely not alone. Seromas are one of the most common complications after breast cancer surgery Show Full Answer

First, the great news β€” they got the cancer, and your lymph nodes were clear! That is a really positive outcome worth holding onto during this exhausting recovery.

What you're going through is genuinely tough, and you are absolutely not alone. Seromas are one of the most common complications after breast cancer surgery, and infections can follow. A MyBCTeam member who experienced something similar shared: "I had redness accompanied by pain and a low-grade fever. I needed antibiotics and aspirations to drain the fluids. Don't hold back and think it gets better by itself." The daily repacking visits sound exhausting, but healing from the inside out is the right approach for this type of wound. Signs that things are moving in the right direction include:

- Reduced drainage or bleeding
- Less redness or warmth around the area
- No fever or chills
- Feeling generally less unwell

Keeping up with the extra protein is genuinely helpful for wound healing, so you're doing the right thing there even when it feels like a lot.

Be kind to yourself β€” this is a marathon, not a sprint. Lean on your care team with any concerns, and know that others on MyBCTeam have walked this same difficult road and come out the other side. πŸ’›

August 8
A MyBCTeam Member

Hi Cathy πŸ‘‹πŸ˜Š how have things been? So sorry you got this infection to deal with on top of everything else. But thank God they got the cancer and your lymph nodes were clear. I too got a seroma on the left side where I had multiple tumors. No blood just needed to be drained every week. Take care honey. Eat and drink your protein and maybe an iron pill πŸ₯° you got this.

August 11

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