Radiation with an open incision

conniejay

Has anybody had radiation before their sentinal lymph node incision are completely healed? 

Leah_S

Conniejay, if your rad onc said to go ahead and start I would suggest a second opinion. it doesn't sound safe to me.

Best of luck.

Leah

Kathleen26

I had some issues with my mastectomy scars healing and the RO would not start radiation until they were closed.  It delayed things a couple of weeks.  Once you start radiation, the chances of an open wound closing drop considerably.

conniejay

Kathleen, thank you for your reply.

akinto

Going to see my RO tomorrow for preparatory visit. I still have a weepy place on my breast where the staph infection from my lumpectomies broke through the skin. I fear being told that I can't have radiation.

conniejay

I wish you the best! I am still waiting for my answer, I have an appt with a wound specialist.

akinto

On May 15, the RO told me she couldn't refer me to a wound specialist, that the surgeon did that. (But he didn't!)

 I spent days and days trying to get some help. Finally a woman in my BC survivors' exercise program told me to use the Radiation Nursing Clinic. I went on May 24, and they found me a wonderful wound nurse.

I went back today, and she was thrilled with her work. I was, too. 

An hour after I left her, I got a call that I was to start rads tomorrow afternoon(!).

 I went back to leave her a message. She must have called the RO, becausethey cancelled tomorrow's start and will come to examine me at the nrsing clinic.

Aargh. Why can't they coordinate care?! I doubt they will start me once they see the sore.