Brief Answer:
Sounds like edema

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I suppose you're implying the presence of pitting edema. Edema means swelling. Pitting means that when you apply pressure with your finger you'll the mark of your fingertip disappearing over several seconds, which is not normal when edema is not present. Normally applying pressure on healthy tissue leaves no mark or - if it does - the mark disappears almost instantly.

Edema around the waist usually happens when serum albumin is very low and the patient is almost always in the recumbent position.

I guess she had breast cancer and she had the breast and axillary lymph nodes removed. Such an operation commonly causes edema in the involved upper extremity only.

I hope you find my answer helpful!
If you'd like further clarifications, please let me know.

Kind Regards!

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Brief Answer:
albumin replacement if it's low

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

if it's the albumin indeed then she needs replacement. Albumin can be given either intravenously - if she can't eat - or by consuming meat, eggs etc.
Serum albumin levels can be measured with a simple blood test.
Just let me clarify something. If the edema is in her back and she's lying on her back then a low albumin is a likely cause.
If the edema is on the chest (the injured part during surgery) then edema due to the surgery itself may cause it - but it will be on the chest not the waist.

If you'd like to ask anything else, you can use your follow-up questions. I'll be glad to answer.
Kind Regards!

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