Post mastectomy pain and chest wall tightening with seroma (Photo)

Question

For 22 months upon awakening from bilateral masectomy and placement of extenders (removed 3/26/16. Radiation and 36 rounds chemo. Dibilitating chestcwall pain and nerve pain every day . The flap on my chest is so intense tight and a Seroma continues /aspiration required . I'm at my wits end. My doctors (plastic, general surgeon) along with pain doctors in Orlando/Tampa FL unable to help. Risk of surgery versus more pain! I want this beast removed. Suffering this way is agonizing.

Heather Richardson, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry you are suffering! Placing tissue that has had no radiation exposure at the site may help considerably. It will improve drainage and decrease tightness. It means more surgery, but it may give you relief. This would be a DIEP or latissimus flap. Talk with your doctors about these options.

Leslie Memsic, MD, FACS · Answer

I am so sorry to hear of your post mastectomy/treatment pain. The combination of surgery and radiation may worsen pain and seroma from either alone, and cause tightness which may be disabling. In addition to pain meds including gabapentin (neurontin for nerve pain), and antiinflammatories (advil) physical therapy is frequently helpful in stretching the skin and improving strength and mobility of the arm and shoulder. Patients have also found accupuncture and massage therapy helpful. Good luck and take care.

Post mastectomy pain and chest wall tightening with seroma (Photo)

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