Post-mastectomy problems with drainage and necrosis...

I HAVE DEBATED WEATHER MY EXPERIENCE WILL HELP YOU OR MAKE YOU FEEL WORST.I HOPE BETTER.I ALSO HAD NECROSIS PROBLEMS BIL. BACK TO SURG. THOUGHT WE HAD "DODGED A BULLET" AS MY PS SAID. THAT PROBLEM DID RESOLVE-BUT NOW BACK TO SURG AGAIN FOR RED, HOT AND SWOLLEN LEFT BREAST (MY NO CANCER BREAST) AFTER CEPHALEXIN-NO LUCK -EXPANDER REMOVED-VERY DEPRESSING FELT LIKE THE CANCER WON THAT ROUND. STARTED LOOKING AHEAD TO CHEMO START DATE AND BAM!!! RIGHT BREAST RED, HOT, AND SWOLLEN BACK ON CEPHALEXIN-THINGS OK- AT LEAST THE INFECTION HAS NOT BURST THRU MY SUTURE SITE. SEE DR. TOMORROW AND I AM ALMOST SURE  IT IS BACK TO SURG. TO REMOVE MY LAST EXPANDER. MAYBE THIS WILL HELP YOU FEEL BETTER. HANG IN THERE! MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHT ARE WITH YOU. please-not-pink

I too had necrosis with my nipple and had a major infection that took months to deal with.  Most of my nipple was salvaged but we had to pack the area and I was on antibiotics forever.  I also have drainage problems.  I just had an exchange to silicone implant and had a drain put in because last time I did an exchange there was so much fluid.  After being in for a week, it was pulled and guess what?  Filled up again and the drain reinserted.  Unfortunately, some of us have such healing issues.  Sometimes it can get to be so depressing.  Hugs.  Good luck to you.

Wow, I wish I had known that when I was dealing with the necrosis.  We just did the wet-dry gauze method with packing.  Then there was somt type of ointment we used on top once we finally hit the surface after granulation.  Once, the granulation hit the top my doctor actually stitched the small area that was remaining.  I never had  problems and it is fine today.  Still dealing with a reinsertion of my drain after I had it for 10 days after silicone exchange.  Most times they don't even use a drain for the exchange, but my doctor did it as a precaution.  The numbers were so low, but once it was pulled, I filled up with a seroma again.  You can't make this stuff up.  Sigh   PS-Just wanted to add that I know what you feel about not wanting to feel bad because we aren't dealing with an invasive cancer, but you know what it is still depressing to see gaping holes and fluid coming out of you.

I don't have any experience with this Giselle, so I can't offer you advice - but I know it must be awful.  I'll be thinking of you and wishing you well. 

Hi ladies,

I just found this topic.  I had a mastecotomy for my right breast about 2 weeks ago, with immediate reconstruction (250cc filled).  I have developed some skin issues for one part of the breast shortly after the surgery.  The skin was black for awhile, and it became very dry.  The PS said to keep it moist with lotion, etc.  Some of it peeled off, and I can see the red skin underneath.  Part of it is a bit yellow, kind of like a skinned knee.  My PS said it is getting better and it should all resolve, but it certainly looked very worrisome.  I am wondering if the ladies who experience necrosis had similar symptoms and how long it took to resolve.

Hi girls, I think I am also having a similar issue.  I'll explain.  I had a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy on July 1st with TE placed at that time.  I was only an A cup prior to surgery with larger areola size (so not much skin left to close me up).  My PS told me before surgery that I may not get any cc's at surgery, which was understandable, but he did put 100cc in (wondering if that stretched me too much too soon???).  So, after my surgery I did notice that the left breast looked "bruised" to me and was reddish, purple in an area near incision.  I asked my visiting nurse and she said it was prob just bruising, not worried.  Yesterday (the 8th) one week after surgery had an appt with PS and he doesn't like the way the skin is healing in that area.  He said the skin may be dying.  So, he pressed on it and blood did come to the area so he was happy, but said only time will tell if it will live.  He also added that he still can't see the skin under the strips so not sure if that lived.  I asked what we would do if it didn't live and he said head back to op room and remove the dead skin and possibly expander if compromised.  He didn't give me much more, just said see you in a week.  I was given no instructions to help heal the skin, no topical, no oral treatment, no dietary instruction, etc.  I have been researching since returning from my appt and I can barely find anything until I found you girls (yay for others helping).  So, I don't want to freak out, still hopeful and trying to remain positive, but really wish I knew how I could help it out and save lefty! 

Thank you all for sharing and please let me know of any suggestions.

Jen

Pamelajo - I had my surgery Feb.2010 and as you can see from previous posts, I have been dealing with this issue is well. My exchange is next Wednesday and I have been very anxious and worried about it as I still have such delicate, "lightly stained" breasts, particularly the right one. I am feeling better after meeting with my PS. We will be doing the exchange using new incisions at the fold under the breasts. This gives me my best chance for healthy skin. He prepared me for the possibility of not being able to have nipple reconstruction. Sad, but in the scope of things....oh well. I will be looking into the 3D tattoos.

Good luck to you and keep posting. It sure helps! 

Pamelajo - The exchange went well and I am happy with the decision to make two new incisions at the fold. I just want every opportunity for my breasts to be touchable again. Nip recon is out and I will deal. But I will be checking out the 3Ds. I do want to have something there. It will make me feel more complete. Every woman a different. 

I have noticed that my breasts look worse after a shower. I try not to expose them to too much water and always keep them covered with Vit E. 

Pamelajo, I understand not wanting to have any other surgery. I haven't had to endure what you have and I am already feeling this way.

My PS and I really didn't address the staining...just focusing on the exchange. I just took a look at my breasts and the left one looks good but the right one looks wounded. It's like a scrape that never heals. Time to use the Biafine emulsion again.Patience!

I had my bilateral mastectomy feb 13,2014- had a vast amount of serous drainage after plastic surgeon removed dead skin on my incision lines and an expander was exposed. had surgery april 11,2014 to take out old expanders , put in new expanders and drains . the incisions look great still have sutures in place and my drains continue to drain 40-60 cc per side daily. drain sites without sign of infection. what is causing so much serous drainage it has been a month and my chemo is on hold until the drains can be removed- have to have 2 days of 20 cc or less of drainage. Anyone out there have a clue as to what may be the problem.,