infections after starting breast reconstuction!!

I had a tissue saving masectomy 3 weeks ago. Then started reconstruction…contracted serrtia bacteria. Chest expander reomoved totally depressed. Has anyone experienced this??? Thank You for listening

Hi babem

I had an mx in July and a tissue expand put in. Two weeks later developed an infection and a seroma and after a two month struggle had the expander taken out because it wasn’t healing. My chemo was delayed for two months, just started a week ago.there is a thread called time to try the implant again, and there are a few of us who’ve had horrible experiences with them!

I’m really sorry you’re having such a time with it, it’s frightnening and unpleasant isn’t it - I got very down whe I was back in hospitl for the third time with it all. But its got better and I can still have reconstruction eventually - I have to have rads after chemo so itll be a year after that before theyll consider recon.

Are you coping?

Alison
X

Hi Alison,

I was really down… It felt worse than the mx!!! I felt that I did something wrong??? I had this idea well— I will get my expander and will be “normal” again!!! I was not coping so well this Sunday…but I looked at my two cats and said who would take care of them?? I doing okay now, got my hair done, it made me feel vital again. When are you starting your rads and chemo??? Thank YOu for responding to my post, it made my day.

Love and prayers,

Babem

Hi babem,

I agree, it was much worse than the original mx! I was at my lowest point when I went back into hospital for the third time and was told it had to come out - after two months of struggling to keep it in. I haven’t really got used to the lop sidedness and dont think I ever will, so may look into having another tissue expander after rads. Although the thought of yet another op really puts me off. And it will be more time off work, and I’ve had lots!

I’m currently having chemo - had my first 2 weeks ago today and actually it wasn 't too bad. I’ve been lucky with the side effects, just tired for the first week really. My theory is that I had a horrible time before chemo so I should have an easier time with chemo- it’s only fair! In fact I feel so well that I’m going to prague for a few days next week. Hurrah.

I’ll finish chemo, if there are no more delays, in February .then I’ll have a month off anything, then rads every day for three or four weeks. So in theory I should be finished in April.

I too wondered if I’d done something wrong, but I don’t think it’s anything to do with it, I think some people’s bodies just don’t accept them.

How are you feeling now? I hope you’re ok. I felt a lot better once I’d embarked on the chemo, at least it felt like i was back on track to get everything over with.

Good idea to get your hair done!
Alison xx

Hi Ladies yours was the only thread I could find that was of help to me. I had a masectomy and reconstruction three weeks ago. I had blisters due to the dressing that got infected. I have had several dressing changes to try and clear this infection which is now ok, but the wound is now infected and the skin is dying off. next step is a skin graft. the only positive thing is the lymph nodes were clear. Waiting to see onc on thursday to find out what treatment i need. not feeling to bright about it all. Until I read your comments
I wish you ladies all the best with your treatment. xx

hi i had mx and reconstruction with tissue expander on 10th oct which had to be taken out on the 25th oct due to infection and swelling .but the worst was when i first seen my wound which had to be packed and dressed every day by nurses .im now doing it myself but still not healed and i feel alone as the nurse says its just one of them things that can happen.

Hello benson

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June, moderator