Delayed Breast Cellulitis?

Eschindler

Hello!

Looking for advice/stories related to delayed Breast cellulitis. I am showing signs of infection (fever, chills, redness in the skin), but my skin didn’t break down during treatment.

I finished rads (28 treatments) two weeks ago, and this has just started happening (yesterday). I called and got some antibiotics, and I’m two doses in. However, I’ve been hospitalized before for serious cellulitis (MSSA). I’m trying to figure out how pushy I should be about follow up treatment. Anyone have experience with this? Thanks!

marijen

Hi,

This post is from another thread on the same topic. I had DBC myself, it's important to catch it early. Good that you have antibiotics already.

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Nov 10, 2017 02:47PM Binney4 wrote:

I'm so sorry this has flared up now--bummer!

If your doctor is not available today, please go right away to the ER, because what you're describing may be cellulitis, a skin infection that can spread rapidly and needs IMMEDIATE treatment.

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Med...

It could also be the onset of truncal (breast/chest) lymphedema, which does often present this way. Lymphedema is an inflammatory condition and in the breast in particular can take the form of tightness and redness. The redness can be from the lymphedema, but since it's not possible to determine that right away, YOU NEED TO GET MEDICAL HELP AT ONCE IN CASE IT IS AN INFECTION INSTEAD.

If antibiotics don't reduce the redness, that's an indication of lymphedema. The next step would be to find a well-trained lymphedema therapist and get started on the gentle massage treatment and compression that will get it back into control.

If you're still reading this, please stop and get to your doctor or ER now!

And do, please, keep us posted and let us know how you're doing.
Gentle hugs,
Binney

Eschindler

Thank you so much!!

marijen

There’s lots of information here on DBC and breast edema, all you have to do is search (spell it out). I found that a sun tan lotion worked for the redness. NO-AD at Walmart. But first you need to make sure the infection doesn’t spread. Then find a good Lymphedema Therapist for the swelling like Binney says. I had to make fifteen visits the first year. Good luck!

Newbej53

Do go seek treatment ASAP. I developed delayed breast cellulitis 6 months after finishing radiation and 4 months after breast implant exchange. I’ve been in the hospital twice on IV antibiotics although my implant was removed the first admission. It’s best to err on the side of caution.

Beatmon

dear Eschindler, I don’t want to add to your anxiety, but I definitely agree you need to get checked. I had a red breast 1 month after totally finished implants. Admitted to hospital for possible abscess...found out I had 50 lung mets instead of an abscess, and just a superficial infection. So if you have any doubts or questions, follow your instincts and get checked

Eschindler

Thanks for your responses! Like I said, I've also had five prior cellulitis infections, one of which resulted in losing an expander. I had lat flap reconstruction, and now that breast has been radiated. But, the thing is, my skin didn't break or crack at all during treatment. And, it's peeling a tiny bit now, but no big open wounds or anything. I'm not post-surgical, unless you count the surgery the full axillary lymph node dissection I had in January. So, I'm on antibiotics now, but I just don't know where all of this is coming from.

Anyhow, thanks again for the advice. I was pushy today, and I got a few more days of antibiotics, which should last me until my rad onc gets back from vacation (I've been dealing with the resident, and we all know that can be hit or miss).