Infection - "Hot Spots" on skin - Suggestions please

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marymorris
marymorris Member Posts: 24
edited June 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hello All,

On June 6th, I had a unilateral mastectomy with an expander and a reduction/lift and small implant on my remaining breast.

Things have been going very well until yesterday. I seem to have developed a "hot spot" on the skin of the remaining breast near my nipple. It is about the size of quarter. The skin is blotchy looking, raw, and leaking a yellow fluid and very little spotty blood.

I spoke with the surgeons office, sent photos and they replied promptly. They suggested Bacitracin ointment and fresh dressing. If my whole breast turned pink/red and/or I developed a fever I was to come in asap. I have a post op appointment on Thursday, June 11th. I have been keeping the area clean, applying generous amounts of ointment and now have noticed two smaller spots developing on the same breast somewhat in the same area. I wonder if my skin is sensitive to steri-strips, though the incisions look OK.

The upper part of my breast looks normal and healthy. I do have a lot of bruising in the lower portion of my breast. Has anyone else experienced "hot spots" forming (I don't know what else to call them)? If so, how did you manage them? Does anyone have any advice or suggestions to get me through the next day and a half till I get to the doc's office?

Thank you,

Mary


DX: April 17, 2018, Left Breast, IDC, Stage1, Grade 2, ER+/PR+/HER2- June 6, 2018, Unilateral Mastectomy w/ expander, Plus, Lift/Reduction and small implant on right breast.

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  • Mucki1991
    Mucki1991 Member Posts: 294
    edited June 2018

    The yellow fluid could be a little lymph fluid accumulating because of surgery. Hot spot could be because of skin trauma during implant placement. I had a very minor infection at the surgery site but the fluid was def diff from what was collecting in my drains so it was obvious there was an infection.

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited June 2018

    When I noticed some splotchy areas on one side about five weeks after my surgery, the PS wanted me to come in. He sent me to the hospital and I was admitted for three days of antibiotics by IV. I continued on oral antibiotics for two more weeks after discharge. Thankfully that was the end of that.

    I don't want to alarm you, but you need to be really vigilant. An infection can jeopardize all that's been done. I was at risk for losing the implant. And all I had was a couple of pink areas that were warm and some swelling - no fever, no drainage, and normal blood work.


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  • marymorris
    marymorris Member Posts: 24
    edited June 2018

    Thank you Mucki1991. How did you surgeon treat your infection?


    Mary

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  • marymorris
    marymorris Member Posts: 24
    edited June 2018

    NotVeryBrave, I am thinking that his office is a little laid back. However, now that my already scheduled appointment is tomorrow, I doubt they'd want to more it up. Plus, i don't have a ride. I'll look at it soon. I'm about to hop int the shower. If it's worse, I will call them.

    Thank you for your feed back!

    Mary

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  • Mucki1991
    Mucki1991 Member Posts: 294
    edited June 2018

    I came home from surgery on antibiotics as a standard. My infection started after that course of meds was finished so they started me on a stronger antibiotic for I think two weeks and of course used thin application of bacitracin 3 times a day. Good luck with your appt.

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  • Dm39
    Dm39 Member Posts: 32
    edited June 2018

    Hi Marymorris. I had developed a "hot spot" after my bilateral mx. First it appeared slightly yellow, then blue. I thought maybe it was bruising at first. Then it started leaking blue dye. I quickly realized it was from the nuclear dye they inject before surgery. It turned to cell necrosis in that area and had to be removed by scrapping weekly until it was gone. It left a scar and delayed reconstruction. The doctor didn't even know what it was when I went in. Now I have developed a red spot on the same breast. Doctor says its my breast reacting to the expanders. Unfortunately this whole thing is a work in progress. Not even the doctors know what to expect sometimes. Stay on top of any little thing that seems off to you. Keep your head up. It will all work itself out eventually. Prayers my fellow warrior.

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