Other possible concerns after surgery

• You may get a pouch of body fluid under or around where you had surgery after your drain has been removed.
• This pouch of fluid is caused by continued drainage into the surgical site. This is called a seroma.
• A seroma is common and is not an emergency.
• Many surgeons feel that a seroma may help to make the wound look better during healing because it gently stretches the scar tissue around the surgical area.
• If you think you have developed a seroma and you are concerned, call the Breast Site Nursing Team at 416-480-5000.

• Axillary web syndrome can be caused by having your lymph nodes removed.
• It looks like a tight cord (similar to a guitar string) that appears in the armpit and may be felt or seen all the way down your arm into your elbow or hand.
• It may cause tightness and make it more difficult to raise your arm up.
• It can develop as early as one week after surgery.
• It is not an emergency.
• Doing your arm exercises and stretching will help it go away.
• Your Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist will look for cording at your follow-up appointment.

• Lymphedema is swelling caused by fluid collecting in your arm and your chest.
• The type of swelling that occurs with lymphedema is different than a seroma or the swelling that might happen right after surgery.
• Lymphedema can develop weeks, months, or years following your surgery.
• Lymphedema is manageable but should be reported to the Breast Site Nursing Team as soon as possible.
• Most patients do not develop lymphedema but it is important to be aware that having lymph nodes removed may increase your risk.
• The chance of lymphedema after an axillary node dissection is 15 percent. That means 15 out of every 100 patients who have an axillary lymph node dissection will get lymphedema.

• Feelings of heaviness, aching or tingling in the chest or arm on the side you had surgery.
• Feelings of tightness in clothing, jewelry and watches.
• A feeling of heat.
• Visible swelling.

Tips to help reduce your risk of lymphedema

• Let your health team know if you develop swelling that does not go away.
• Maintain a heathy weight. Obesity is a major risk factor for developing lymphedema.
• Try to avoid bloodwork (or blood being withdrawn) on the side you had surgery.
• Protect your skin on the side you had surgery. Apply antibiotic cream to cuts, scratches and insect bites.