Does a lumpectomy *fill in?*

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MarcieB
MarcieB Member Posts: 523
edited December 2022 in Breast Cancer
I had my lumpectomy in January of 2019. As a result my left breast was smaller and had a kind of whithered appearance, especially on the side close to my arm because I had some lymph nodes removed too. I have three scars in that area, one under my arm pit. Lately I have noticed my breast seems to have *filled in.* It is even a bit larger than my right (which I had reduced so I would be more even). I don't feel any lumps, but the tissue seems pretty dense. I am having my annual mammogram Wednesday, so I guess I will find out what's going on. It's crazy, I have been aware that my breast was changing as I gained back my weight from treatment, but I just REALLY noticed this a few days ago. So today is my birthday and I am just sick with worry. Darn it all! And even if there is someone out there who could help ease my mind, no one will probably even SEE this because of the way this site is (isn't) working.

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  • legaljen1969
    legaljen1969 Member Posts: 754
    edited September 2021
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    Marcie. I don't have an answer for your question, but I hope you do get some positive (encouraging, happy) answers when you go for your mammo on Wednesday. Keep us posted. We love you.

    Oh, happy birthday.
  • Bug
    Bug Member Posts: 390
    edited September 2021
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    Happy Birthday, MarcieB!

    The area of my lumpectomy has not filled in. But that’s just me. Maybe it has on other people. You said you gained weight back from treatment. Maybe that’s all it is. I hate that sick with worry feeling. I know it all too well. Hang in there. Your WN friends will be with you in spirit on Wednesday. Please let us know how it goes.

    And I do hope this doesn’t keep you from having a nice birthday. Easier said than done, I know.

    BTW, I received a Digest tonight and your question was listed there.
  • ChicagoSandy
    ChicagoSandy Member Posts: 111
    edited September 2021
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    Marcie, at 2 years out, your lumpectomy was still recent enough that what you are experiencing is a tumor-cavity seroma: when enough tissue gets removed, the body wants to fill the cavity with "serous" fluid (pale orange/straw-colored plasma with blood mixed in). It's a process that is often exacerbated by radiation to the area. The reason for the delayed enlargement is that radiation damage--and eventually healing--occurs from the inside out, and that serous fluid is also released to soothe the tissue as it heals.

    My R breast--the cancer breast--was always at least a cup size smaller than the L. But starting a few months after completing radiation, a seroma developed in the cavity and the amount of fluid gradually increased to about 20cm, making my R breast slightly bigger than the L (mainly from a side "bulge" beneath the lumpectomy scar). After about 2-1/2 years, the seroma gradually shrank, and my R breast is now a cup-and-a-half smaller than the L. (You can't tell when I'm wearing a bra, probably because both are still pretty big). But due to my surgeon's oncoplastic skills, the R sits a bit higher, rounder & perkier than the L, which is shallow on top, looks like a beagle's ear and droops nearly to my waist (which it did before cancer anyway). At 70, I can live with that.
  • Carool
    Carool Member Posts: 787
    edited September 2021
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    Marcie, first, happy mirthday, one day late!

    I’m so glad we DID see your question.

    I can’t add to the excellent comments already given. I’m writing just to wish you a very good report on Wednesday. Please let us know (I’m thinking you’re fine, but I sure get the anxiety, especially when it comes close to mammotime).

  • MarcieB
    MarcieB Member Posts: 523
    edited September 2021
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    Thank you all so much for responding. I am SO grateful for the input. Sandy, I appreciate you sharing the info about fluid, especially since I did have radiation and the increased size IS mainly from a side bulge above my scar. When I had cancer, the nipple area was white (no color) and there was a blush of red on one side, indicating swelling. Neither of these things are present now, so I am trying to hold on to that. Somehow I am going to get through these next few days and try to keep my worry to a minimum. (I am a worrier by nature, so this isn't so easy for me!)

    I did have a lovely birthday. My husband and I have a birthday tradition - The birthday person choses a restaurant and friends to invite (usually a couple) and the the other one treats for the evening (friends included). The thought being - the company of the friends are part of the gift. We have done this for years. sometimes we go to a big deal place, sometimes fancy hamburgers. It's the company part that is most fun.

    I am also glad to know my question was listed on your Digest page - I wonder why it is never listed on mine?
  • beachbum5817
    beachbum5817 Member Posts: 235
    edited September 2021
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    Happy Belated Birthday, Marcie. I love the tradition that you and your husband have for celebration. I hope you were able to enjoy yourself. I will be thinking of you and Wednesday. Your question was in my Digest today. Take care.
  • TerriL
    TerriL Member Posts: 60
    edited September 2021
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    Mine has not filled in (I'm 2 years out from treatment). Wishing you a great report on Wednesday. I know I still get nervous at my six month exams.
  • MLT
    MLT Member Posts: 89
    edited September 2021
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    Right after lumpectomy, my breast filled with fluid and sloshed! Then it shrunk with scar tissue.
    Praying your mammogram is normal. If you don't have a Dr appt soon, I would call. Always report any changes.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Glad you had a special time with hubby and friends.
  • Geannie
    Geannie Member Posts: 34
    edited September 2021
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    Marcie

    I hope you had a wonderful birthday. For us "worry" seems attached to us like a darn leech and always comes back to haunt us like a boomerang!

    My lumpectomy was about three years ago. After various complications and having to go through an infection, further drainage and a minor surgery to remove a hardened hematoma, my breast was never the same. For me, it didn't fill inl, plus I ended up with a bruise that doesn't go away. We are all different so please don't worry.

    I do have a question for everyone:

    Has anyone had small black spots in their unoperated breast and a bruise that doesn't go away?

    Happy Labor Day to everyone and thank you for what you do/did and your continous contribution in making this a better world for all of us!

    Blessings to everyone!!!!
  • cak61
    cak61 Member Posts: 42
    edited September 2021
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    I had lumpectomy, with internal radiation, so that might be different than you. A balloon was placed and when radiation was done the radiologist ripped it out and pressed hard on the area saying he didn't want it to fill with fluid (ouch). Well, it did anyway. At first I didn't know it was there. My breast was filled out pretty smoothly. But, after my six month mammogram the area became red, hot and swollen. A few days later it opened up and clear fluid ran out. So, back to the surgeon for antibiotics and a medicated packing material. She opened the pin hole sized hole, and I had to pack it for a couple of weeks.
    It healed with a bit of a dent, more obvious when I raise my arm up. But not noticable at all in clothing. I have hard scar tissue there still (twelve years now).
    I had no idea how common seromas are, was never informed about them.
    Sounds like that could be what you have.
    Keep us posted. And happy birthday to you
  • Dltmoll
    Dltmoll Member Posts: 71
    edited September 2021
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    Happy belated birthday!
    I had a lumpectomy, left breast, which is now significantly smaller and far more dense than my right one. I also had a seroma which was drained more than once, one time being nearly 11 ounces of fluid. I have fairly constant pain on that side due to a hamartoma that formed and must be pressing on a nerve. Wish I could have it removed!
    Geannie - I haven't has anything like what you describe. What does your doctor say? I do have a permanent red rash on my left breast which the doctors say is due to radiation.
  • legaljen1969
    legaljen1969 Member Posts: 754
    edited September 2021
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    Sandy. What great information you shared. You have a great thorough way of explaining things. Welcome back. We haven't seen you in ages.
  • Geannie
    Geannie Member Posts: 34
    edited September 2021
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    Dltmoll:

    I have to schedule an appointment this week to check that out.
  • Carool
    Carool Member Posts: 787
    edited September 2021
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    Geannie, that sounds good. Please update us when you’ve seen your doctor:
  • MarcieB
    MarcieB Member Posts: 523
    edited September 2021
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    THANK YOU, everyone, for your information, experience sharing, and words of support! I had my mammogram and ultrasound this morning and I am fine! Chicago Sandy was right with her info about radiation, my doctors told me the same thing. One wonders why they never told me to be on the look-out for it...? But, now I know and I can relax. I don't need another mammogram for a year. Feels good!
  • Bug
    Bug Member Posts: 390
    edited September 2021
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    That’s wonderful news, MarcieB! I’m so glad to hear this. What a relief. Good for you.
  • Carool
    Carool Member Posts: 787
    edited September 2021
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    Yay! Great news!
  • beachbum5817
    beachbum5817 Member Posts: 235
    edited September 2021
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    Marcie, I would say that you just received the best birthday present!!! Now you can relax and enjoy.
  • Geannie
    Geannie Member Posts: 34
    edited September 2021
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    Marcie

    I'm so glad all went will during your appointment!!!!

    May everyone continue to receive good news!!!!!
  • Carool
    Carool Member Posts: 787
    edited September 2021
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    Geannie, YES!
  • petieagnor
    petieagnor Member Posts: 110
    edited March 2022
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    I never knew there were so many variations of a lumpectomy. Surgeon said my lump was the size of a small orange. It quickly filled in with water. Radiologist said I should have it removed. I said why? It wasn't hurting me & God took care of any reconstructive surgery. I didn't have to do any mammograms because it is solid. It is now hard, but no one can tell. My bra fits. I'm good. My prayer got answered.
  • ChicagoSandy
    ChicagoSandy Member Posts: 111
    edited March 2022
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    My lump was the size of a Jelly Belly (1.3cm) but the amount of tieeue removed--in order to ensure clean margins--was more like a Double Stuf Oreo, leaving approximately an 8-9cm tumor cavity. My radiation was 16 sessions of high-dose beams aimed directly at the tumor cavity.

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