Cellulitis/Skin infection following lumpectomy

susantm
susantm Member Posts: 184
edited June 2014 in ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)

Hi! I am new on these forums, but this looks like a very supportive and helpful place to be. I am a month out from lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy for ILC. Everything was healing nicely, and I am scheduled for radiation sim next Tuesday (postponed twice for various reasons). However, a few days ago, I began getting a red rash on my breast around the incision sites. It began spreading, and I called surgery to ask about it. I finally went in Thursday, and the surgeon said he thought it was a reaction to the steri-strips (which has been off for awhile), but was concerned that it was spreading and gave me antibiotics. (Cephalexin) It is now Saturday, and it has spread even more, now extending down from the incision clear under my breast and around the nipple area. Reading online, it sounds like it could be cellulitis, which I read could follow this type of surgery.

 Has anyone else had this problem after ILC surgery, and how did it turn out? Did it pose a problem for beginning radiation?

Thanks so much for any help!

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Comments

  • Gitane
    Gitane Member Posts: 1,885
    edited November 2010

    I had a red rash, much as you are describing, after my sentinel lymph node surgery.  It was on the side of my breast.  I began to feel very weak and warm, not good at all.  I went into the oncologist and he diagnosed cellulitis.  He put me on IV antibiotics right away, then sent me home with a prescription for more antibiotics.  For me it cleared up within a week.  I have read that it can be very serious if left untreated.  It's good you are on antibiotics.

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  • susantm
    susantm Member Posts: 184
    edited November 2010

    Thanks, Gitane. I am not feeling bad at all, except for my breast, which feels irritated and itchy. I'm not sure if the antibiotics are working or not. The rash has spread farther on the underside of the breast now, but it seems paler on the top, around the incision where it began. If it doesn't show real improvement, I may call surgery again Monday--or perhaps I should call my oncologist? The surgeon is a lot closer, if I have to go in. I just want it to clear up so I can start radiation.

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  • Gitane
    Gitane Member Posts: 1,885
    edited November 2010

    It couldn't hurt to have it looked at again, especially if it has spread some.  You never know, there may be something else they could suggest to help speed things along.  As to who should look at it, I don't know.  I know how you feel about not wanting your radiation held up.  Hope you can get this taken care of soon.  G.

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  • susantm
    susantm Member Posts: 184
    edited November 2010
    Gitane, I am going in tomorrow for my radiation CT sim, so I will ask the radiology oncologist about the rash. It may help to have a second opinion. I never knew cancer could bring so many little complications... but I know I'll get through them. I just have to learn to relax and roll with the punches. Smile
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  • Gitane
    Gitane Member Posts: 1,885
    edited November 2010

    The radiology oncologist would know, I think, if it is something you need to treat further  before rads.  I know what you mean about those "complications".  Since this is all so much out of our everyday experience it is hard to relax about it.  Hope all goes well for you.

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  • susantm
    susantm Member Posts: 184
    edited November 2010

    My radiology oncologist wasn't much help. She said she couldn't judge whether I needed something else done, as she didn't know what it looked like before. She just said to see the surgeon again if it isn't improving by Thursday. I forgot to ask her if it would affect radiation treatments. But I will be in again next Wednesday, with radiation not starting until the 29th, so I've got some time yet. thanks for your support!

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