Hole in back after reconstruction surgery

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robinroom105
robinroom105 Member Posts: 3
edited September 2015 in Breast Reconstruction
Hole in back after reconstruction surgery
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  • robinroom105
    robinroom105 Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2015

    I was diagnosed with Stage 3 triple negative in July of 2014, on my right side. This was my second bout of breast cancer, I had it 24 years ago at age 27. I finished chemo, radiation and my double masectomy with lat flap in April of this year. I just had some reconstruction done on my left side to fix it to match the right because of changes from radiation. About two weeks after surgery, they removed the stitches, and the stitches in my back didn't hold. I now have a golf ball size hole there. It's about an inch or two deep in some areas. The PS is having me pack it with saline and gauze and covering it with gauze and tape.

    It's really disgusting. This weekend I noticed it starting to smell. I go back tomorrow. Does anyone know what they do with this? Do they just let it heal? Do they try to close it? It's seriously awful. :(

    Thank you

    Robin

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  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited September 2015

    (((Robin))) so sorry to hear you have to deal with this beast again after 24 years...good that you have a follow up appointment soon a bad smell in a wound is usually an infection and that would explain why it's not healing. Sounds like you might need an antibiotic? And they may want you to see a wound specialist to decide how to clean and dress it. Hope they get it sorted out quickly (((hugs))) Maureen

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  • robinroom105
    robinroom105 Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2015

    Thank you, Maureen

    The doctor said it was ok and gave me a smaller 2 x 2 packing gauze and same size band aid. This feels much better than the tape which was rubbing my skin raw. He said there wasn't an infection but that I need to shower twice a day and clean it well with soap dripping in it. Change dressing at least twice a day. Should heal in two to three weeks. I go back in two weeks. Praying it does!!

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  • Jacfin
    Jacfin Member Posts: 114
    edited September 2015

    hi robinroom10 .....in addition to the advice above, if it doesn't clear up within two weeks it might be worth discussing the use of a wound vacuum dressing with your surgeon. I found this to be very beneficial when faced with wound breakdown, necrosis and infection. Wishing all the best for a speedy recovery


    Ja

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