Rapid Swelling of Upper Lip One Week After Double Mastectomy
Age: 59, Height: 5.5 ft, Weight: 128 lb I am currently battling breast cancer. I underwent the Swedish variant of the Keynote 522 chemotherapy and immunotherapy protocol, followed by a double mastectomy with a flat closure exactly one week ago (August 6). I was discharged from the hospital without drains on August 8. Until this afternoon, I felt satisfied with my recovery. However, I suddenly noticed that my left side, where the tumor was located and from which a sentinel node was removed, was swelling with fluid. The area resembles a breast but has an unsettling, shifting sensation akin to a 'clucking' noise. Concerned, I contacted the national healthline, which advised me to head to the emergency room. Upon arrival, the ER physician conducted a range of blood tests. Fortunately, all indicators showed no signs of infection (CRP and WBC were normal), and I had no fever, leading them to conclude I could go home. They opted not to drain the fluid but instead replaced my rather dirty wound dressing. I noticed some oozing at the surgical scar close to my sternum, which they merely covered with a compress. I couldn't shake the feeling that I had wasted their time. It's been years since my last trip to the ER; I tend to avoid it unless absolutely necessary. Despite this, something felt off, and I decided to sit up and watch television. A short while ago, I experienced sudden swelling on the left side of my upper lip. It has become rigid and resembles an improperly done lip enhancement. I can’t shake the thought that this reaction might be connected to my surgery. It's all quite peculiar. This evening, I have consumed nothing but water. I've never encountered an incident like this before. Could this indicate a systemic infection? Should I reach out to the healthcare helpline again? Is waiting until morning a reasonable option? It’s currently 1:34 AM. Apologies for the lengthy message; I aimed to provide a thorough account of my situation.
Answers (1)
8/13/2025, 11:40:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your situation in such detail. I understand that you're experiencing concerning symptoms after major surgery, and it's completely normal to feel anxious about any changes in your body, especially following a double mastectomy.
Main Points:
- Fluid swelling near the surgical site is not uncommon after surgery, but sudden swelling of the upper lip is unusual.
- Based on your recent ER visit and normal lab results, immediate systemic infection seems less likely.
- Monitoring your symptoms is important, but given the recent changes, reaching out for further guidance is advisable.
Explanation:
Surgical recovery can include a range of symptoms, including localized swelling due to fluid buildup (seroma) or natural healing processes. The sensation you're describing in your upper lip could possibly be a localized reaction, such as an allergic response, swelling from potential fluid accumulation, or even a rare reaction to medication. Given your recent surgery and treatment for breast cancer, you are right to monitor these changes closely.
While it’s understandable to feel like you might be wasting anyone's time—do remember that your health and concerns are valid. The fact that your lip is swelling suddenly and becoming rigid is noteworthy and could warrant further investigation.
Next Steps:
-
Contact Healthcare Provider Immediately: Given that it's the early morning hours, I recommend reaching out to your surgeon’s office or the healthcare helpline for specific guidance on whether you should seek immediate care for your lip swelling.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any additional symptoms such as increased swelling, pain, or changes in sensation in your lip or surgical site. Documenting these can be helpful for your healthcare provider.
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Avoid Self-Diagnosing: Try to refrain from jumping to conclusions about infections or other serious concerns without guidance from a healthcare professional. They can help clarify what symptoms may be connected to your surgery or treatment.
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Stay Rested and Hydrated: Continue to take care of yourself by resting and drinking water, while avoiding any new foods or substances that might cause allergic reactions.
It is best to follow up promptly on this lip swelling; your peace of mind and well-being are important. If you're feeling anxious while waiting for further advice, try some relaxation techniques like deep breathing. Let me know if you have further questions or need additional support.
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