I had lumpectomy nov 9th suffered with seroma and infections shortly after should have started chemo dec 29 delayed because of infection ended up in hospital new years day scar open and leaking still cant have chemo til wound heals onc tells me might not have chemo as im going over the 12 week timescale anybody else had this problem
Hi Cash. I had the same problem- I had a lumpectomy in Sept, then had to have a ancillary node clearance in late October, at which time the surgeon took some more tissue around the tumor site to enlarge the margin of clearance. I developed an infection after the second procedure- they did warn I was at a higher infection risk as they went into the site for a second time. My breast swelled and turned purple, then started discharging. I went into see the doctor and was prescribed antibiotics and they also took a sample of the fluid to be tested. I went home, and started the antibiotics and two days later, the incision opened and gushed icky discharge. I went back to the breast clinic and saw the surgeon who admitted me and started me on IV antibiotics. I was in hospital for 4 days, which in a way was good as it forced me to rest and take it easy. I was discharged but went daily to see a nurse at the surgery to have the wound checked and dressing changed. They also packed it to help to keep it dry so it would heal, and I kept it clean and dry in between. I went for 3 weeks, but as time went on, it did start to heal and the surgeon and nurses were really good about following up to make sure I was progressing. I too was worried as I was due to start Chemo in early December. I was okay to start as it had dried out and was mainly closed- all infection had cleared. It did take a while and you have to be really careful to keep it clean and dry. Scar wise, you can’t really tell as it’s settled down a lot and will continue to do so over the coming months. Hope yours has healed and progressed since you posted. xx
hi alidilly sorry for taking so long in replying cant believe our problem was exactly the same even down to the 4days in hospital to make me rest since the last time i have been getting the wound packed and dressed a lot better now just about closed had my first chemo 9th feb long way to go yet but on the right track hope you are keeping well and thanks for reply helped me to stay positive xx
Hi Cash. Glad to hear you’re getting better! It just takes time and perserverance. Hope the chemo is going well too- for me, the first was the hardest as you don’t know how you’re going to react- now you have that out of the way. I just had #4 of 6- only 2 more to go- yay! You’ll be there before you know it. Stay strong and take care of yourself. Ali xx