I just had my cryoablation procedure with Dr. Holmes yesterday. The tumor was about 2 cm. Today, my breast is about twice its normal size and the bruising is considerable. How quickly can I expect the swelling to last? I expected the bruising, but the amount of swelling is a little surprising. I am guessing some of it is saline that was injected. I am definitely not complaining but wondered what other patients' experiences were. I am thrilled to have done this versus the lumpectomy or mastectomy I was was being told were my only options.
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Cryoablation Discussion Forum
Find out more about this artwork at https://www.lauraross-paul.com/media1
Find out more about this artwork at https://www.lauraross-paul.com/media1
Find out more about this artwork at https://www.lauraross-paul.com/media1
Find out more about this artwork at https://www.lauraross-paul.com/media1
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Thanks, Dr. Holmes. I appreciate the clarification on what to expect for the first two weeks or so after the cryo.
Hello Lisa, I'm sorry I did not have a chance to show you a picture series of what to expect over the first 10 days. I usually show it to patients at the end of the procedure to avoid such surprises. Swelling and bruising are completely normal and usually peak between 3-5 days after cryoablation then gradually return to near normal size by the end of 10 days. I'll email you a photo series showing this. The bruising can be quite dramatic and involve both lower quadrants of the breast. Wearing a sports bra will reduce the swelling and help it go away more quickly. Regarding the size of the breast today, reminder I injected approximately about 3 ounces of saline into the breast to project the skin and there is usually at least that much swelling in the first day.
Cryoablation inducing an injury to the breast and swelling is a normal response to healing. If you ever sprained an ankle, you might have noticed how quickly the ankle can double in size in just a matter of a few hours before it returns to normal after a week or twice. Cryoablation has a similar effect in the breast. Surgery also causes a similar response, but since a part of the breast is removed with surgery, the temporary increase in volume is not as obvious.