Cellulitis

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3XBlessed
3XBlessed Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Hi.....7 years ago I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.  I had a lumpectomy and 11 nodes removed at that time, then chemo and radiation.   Last May I had my first bout with cellulitis and it cleared up with oral antibotics.  Two days ago it came back...so fast and much more furious. It has spread all over my breast, arm and back. I'm on IV antibotis now and I have had two doses so far.  I have saw no improvement, and continue to feel very ill. My question is I have never been diagnosed with lymphedema, and really have never noticed one arm larger then the other, is it common to get cellulitis without lymphedema? Will this keep coming back worse then the time before. I just feel so lost right now and not sure what is causing this.

 Thank you,

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited February 2012

    Blessed, welcome. I'm so sorry for this scary repeat of cellulitis that brings you here, though!Frown Are you in the hospital now, or doing the antibiotics at home? If you're in the hospital I'm assuming they're keeping track of this and will adjust the meds to hit the rotten cellulitis, and you'll soon be on track to healing.

    Cellulitis and lymphedema have a nasty relationship to one another. Lymphedema (even latent lymphedema, before any swelling is noticeable) puts us at extra risk for cellulitis. But cellulitis can also damage the lymph vessels and cause us to develop lymphedema when we didn't have it before. Sort of a "which came first?" dilemma. 

    While you're busy dealing with this nasty business, since you're able to use the computer you might want to look for a well-trained lymphedema therapist in your area. Here's how to find one:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

    Since the breast is also involved it's possible you're dealing with chest/breast (truncal) lymphedema. Here's information about it:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunckal_lymphedema.htm

    When you're all better, get a referral for the lymphedema therapist from any doctor on your team for an evaluation. S/he will be able to help you know what's going on. If there's lymphedema present, then starting therapy to move the stagnant lymph fluid out of the area will definitely reduce your cellulitis risk, so hopefully there will be no more "next-times."Tongue out

    Many of us with lymphedema keep antibiotics on hand and start them at once if we see any indication of infection. With this repeat infection you're now in a good position to make that kind of judgement if there's ever another problem. Starting the antibiotics promptly can really help head it off or lighten the problem, so there's no reason to believe a third round would be worse.

    You might also want to see an Infectious Disease specialist, but make sure s/he is familiar with post-breast cancer concerns (lymphedema especially).

    You're not alone, Blessed. We're all here for you. Tell us how we can help.
    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • 3XBlessed
    3XBlessed Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2012

    Thanks so much for the information Binny.  I'm going to the hospital everyday for the infusions and then come home.  I had the 3rd one today and I'm starting to feel better Smile.  I'm going to take all of your suggestions to try to prevent this nasty thing from rearing it's ugly head again. You are such a wealth of information.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited February 2012

    Blessed, just thinking of you this morning and hoping you're continuing to feel better.

    Be well!
    Binney

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