post lumpectomy infection

Eileenohio

I had a lumpectomy 12-14-11-without clear margins,2nd lumpectomy on 01-04-12 got clean margins this time,developed a HUGE seroma at site of lymph node incision. This was drained 3 times. I then developed an infection, Have been treated with 3 different antibotics since 01-16-12. I have no fever ,no pain and breast is not hot to the touch. Breast and lymph node incision site  are bright red and the redness is spreading.  I see my surgeon at 3 this afternoon. I am so concerned about this. I have not been able to begin treatment due to the infection.    Has anyone else had anything like this?     I am getting ready to give up..    Thanks  Eileen         

SpecialK

You probably need to see an infectious disease doc and culture the infection to see what antibiotic it will respond to.  If you have been receiving drugs to which the infection will not respond they are useless, a waste of time, and a waste of money.  You run the risk of a systemic infection if it becomes blood stream borne.  Insist on this - before you get into trouble.  Good luck!

Eileenohio

Thank you.  I really do not like my breast surgeon,she is an uncaring,nasty women. I do not feel that I can make a change in surgeons at this time,however when this infection is resolved  I am going to find another surgeon.  She acts like this is nothing ...  If I suggest a culture she will get sooo angry. I am taking my two sisters with me today and have them ask questions.. It is hard enough dealing with BC without having to deal with a nasty doctor..  I do not have high blood pressure but everytime I have to see her my pressure is very high... I went to see my PCP about my blood pressure,she checked my records for 2 years and took my pressure in both arms,blood pressure was normal..This surgeon's bedside manner is going to give me a stroke..

SpecialK

eileen - sorry you have a bad doc, it does make the whole thing more difficult!  Your plan to outnumber her is genius!  Why deal with BC patients if you are a meanie?  I have been fortunate to have great docs, but other challenges in the form of surprise findings and healing issues!  If all else fails, presenting yourself at the ER will fast track you to the infectious disease doc, but that is a last ditch choice.  Hoping for the best for you!  Resolve to not let the docs lack of bedside manner get you today!

Eileenohio

Thank you so much for your support.  Well I just got home from seeing the surgeon,after 3 wasted weeks of antibotics she now determined that this is not an infection-she says it is my bodies reaction to the surgery !!!  Anyway she has cleared me to see the medical oncologist on Feb 6th-hopefully we can get  treatment started.  I hope I can tolerate the chemo and herceptin,I am going to give it a try...  Hugs  Eileen

SpecialK

Hey,

Glad you got a decent answer, and that you don't have an infection!  You would have had to wait to start treatment anyway - they usually want a window between surgery and chemo to allow you to heal, because you won't once you begin chemo.  Will this be your first appt. with the oncologist?  It can be a little nervewracking, but you should be fine.  They will most likely send you for a baseline echo or MUGA scan prior to the start because you will be receiving Herceptin.  While chemo was not fun, it was "doable" as they say.  If I had to I would do it again.  If you have any specific questions (I had Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin) there is a wealth of great experience on the specific drug combo threads, or if I can answer anything for you don't hesitate to PM me. 

Eileenohio

I saw the oncologist last week,but treatment could not be started until the surgeon released me. I had a baseline echo last friday,I too will be doing TCH.  My heart breaks for all you young beautiful women with small children. You are all so very brave,it makes me ashamed of myself for being such a whimp. You are so beautiful with beautiful hair,how did you cope with the hair loss?  

God Bless all of us!!!   Hugs Eileen                                                 

SpecialK

eileen - Ha!  I am not as young as you think!  My kids are grown, and I am 55.  and YOU ARE NOT A WIMP!  Stop being silly!  Thank you for the compliment, you are a sweetie!  I handled my hair by cutting it off prior to chemo in a Suze Orman style (it was longer than in my picture) and having a hairpiece made out of it by www.hatswithhair.com that I can wear with a hat, it is called an "underhair" and I looked like myself when wearing it.  I also bought a very nice wig and took it to my hairdresser and had the front cut to look like my normal hairstyle - also, the same color as my blond hair.  My hair didn't completely fall out until just after the 2nd tx.  My husband had just retired from active duty in the military and I had been using the clippers on his hair for 28 years - so it was his turn and he buzzed it for me.  I wore bandanas at home, but always went out in a wig or the underhair.  I did not want to draw attention to myself, or make people uncomfortable, so I always put on makeup and some hair!  My hair came back slowly and is still very short, about 1-2" long now, but I knew the situation would be temporary, as is much about cancer treatment.  Having been a military wife for so long prepared me to forge ahead - we are a tough bunch! 

I would recommend joining a group of ladies that are having chemo the same time as you - they will commiserate and cheerlead - I love my friends on that thread (mine was Feb Gals 2011).  Also the Triple Positive thread, and the Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin thread is full of ladies with wonderful advice.  Have they given you a start date or do you find that out on 2/7?  We will all be here to hold your hand through this, so don't worry.

Eileenohio

I am looking to start treatment February15th.  I got a list of local wig salons from the Susan Koman web site.I have 2 appointments for friday. My sisters are going with me so hopefully we will find one.  I am so depressed tonight,the thought of the chemo and then herceptin for a year is so overwhelming and scarey. I am 73 yrs old and I live alone. I worry if I we be able to tolerate all this.  Thank you for the information. Continue to be well !!!    Hugs Eileen

SpecialK

eileen - something to keep in mind is that the chemo part is over faster than the Herceptin part.  Once you recover from the chemo, having the Herceptin is pretty easy.  If you have problems with the chemo regimen there are some gentler choices that they can switch you to.  Your oncologist will assess your physical condition and determine if you can handle TCH.  They will monitor you with blood tests throughout to make sure you are doing well.  Do your sisters live near you?  Generally, days 3-5 post chemo are the worst, kind of flu-like, maybe someone could stay with you?  You may feel tired and achy, but with all the medications they can give you there is no reason to suffer.  When you are done with the chemo going to get Herceptin is a breeze, and it is just once every 3 weeks.  Read through the threads about chemo as there are lots of helpful hints and a shopping list of things you might like to have on hand before the first one.  I had some GI difficulties, but once I got past that point each time it was really OK.