Worried about Mom

Stephanie1962 · January 2014

We are new to this diagnosis. My 2 aunts both had breast cancer, one in the 1970's and the other in the 1990's; both have passed, one from bone cancer and one from lung cancer. Mom had her lumpectomy in December and has developed fluid in her breast and a skin infection, has just completed 2 weeks of radiation and has 2 more to go. I was wondering if the fluid build up is normal and if it is drained will it have to be done again? By the way, Mom is 84 and otherwise in great health!

SallyS70 · January 2014

Stephanie, I am sorry that your mom is going through this. Although I do not have any knowledge to share, someone will probably be along soon to help. You and your mom have found a wonderful resource here at BCO. I believe there is a thread called Lumpectomy Lounge. Why not post there also?

Stephanie1962 · February 2014

Thank you Sally, I will post on Lumpectomy Lounge also. Happy

Stephanie1962 · February 2014

Hi everyone. My name is Stephanie and my 84 year old mother had a lumpectomy in December, 2013, Stage 0, and is currently having radiation therapy (2weeks in, 2 weeks to go). She has a skin infection and a lot of fluid inside, which they say caused the infection. Has anyone else experienced this? She is to see her surgeon on Monday to possibly drain the fluid, will it come back? She does have a family history of cancer, both sisters and her parents (all deceased). I am, however, adopted and so far so good.

Stephanie1962 · February 2014

Just returned from surgeon, mom still has the infection both on the skin and inside the breast. Finishing the antibiotics the Radiation Oncologist prescribed and then starting another 10 day round of a stronger antibiotic. The surgeon did not want to drain the fluid because of the infection, putting a needle through the infected skin would cause more problems! Will see her again in 2 weeks, hopefully the infection will be gone! 9 more radiation treatments to go... Sick just don't know. She is feeling good, not fatigued, wants to play Bridge!

percy4 · February 2014

Hi Stephanie - What a good daughter you are! I am also not knowledgable about the fluid, but it does seem the doctors are on top of it. All the best to you and your Mom; she should play bridge if she wants. I'm starting radiation next week, myself, and not looking forward to the possible skin problems, very much not. Besides Lumpectomy Lounge, there are sections on the forum for Radiation and Surgery; Before, During, and After. May be some threads there that address these issues. Do let us know how your mother gets on. Percy xx

Stephanie1962 · February 2014

Percy:

Thank you for your thoughts. She still has the infection but has started on a new antibiotic today, also we just came back from #14 of 20 treatments! Only 6 more to go, yeah! Good luck with your treatments and I hope everything goes well. The skin problems are actually not bad unless there is an infection and even then the only thing she has complained about is her breast growing. Again, thank you and good luck. Stephanie xx

Stephanie1962 · February 2014

Five treatments to go! Nerdy

ziggypop · February 2014

Yay! It goes down so quickly once you reach single digits. Don't be surprised if the 'burn' gets worse after the treatments are over - there's nothing wrong with pain meds (especially for someone who is older - just make sure she doesn't get all rambo on you and decide to go bowling or something ).

Stephanie1962 · February 2014

Ziggypop:

Love your picture and thank you for replying. Luckily she has not had any pain, just a skin infection and her left breast growing; after more than 10 days on antibiotics the oncology nurse said today it seems to have shrunk some. We see her surgeon on Wed. and hopefully will state the same! Good luck to you and thanks again! Stephanie

lee53 · February 2014

My mom found out today that she has dcis. She is having surgery Tuesday.

Stephanie1962 · March 2014

Hi Lee:

My mom was diagnosed in November of last year and has completed radiation and will be starting Tamoxifen soon. It is a hard road for everyone, hang in there and things will work out. Hope the surgery went well and my advice is to ask a lot of question, read the information given to you and send your thoughts to this discussion board. It has really helped me cope with everything. Good luck with everything. Stephanie Smile

Stephanie1962 · March 2014

Just got back from mom's one month follow up for radiation therapy. All's good! Mammogram in May and bilateral in November. So far so good with the Tamoxifen and her new anti-depressant, Effexor-XR. Got the all clear today, considered a SURVIVOR! Thanks to everyone for your support. Stephanie Smile

encyclias · March 2014

That's wonderful news, Stephanie! Wishing your mom continuing health.

Carol

Stephanie1962 · March 2014

Thank you Carol and the same to you! Smile

Stephanie1962 · April 2014

Update: Tamoxifen and Effexor are working well, no major side effect other than hot flashes in the morning. I want to thank everyone who has commented or given advice during my mom's short illness. Good health and happiness to all! Smile

Moderators · April 2014

Stephanie, thank you for the update, and your mother's continuing good news! There's more information about strategies for dealing with hot flashes in the All About Hot Flashes section of the main Breastcancer.org site.

• The Mods

Stephanie1962 · May 2014

To the Mods:

Thank you for the information and I have another update. Left side mammogram done on 5/16/2014 is Cancer Free! Smile Feeling blessed and good wishes to all!

Worried about Mom

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