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Cellulitis infection

Sea Ranger
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Hi.

I'm 13 years post original breast cancer diagnosis.  Had mastectomy, lymph node resection, chemo and radiother. Was diagnosed in May with tmetastatic breast cancer.

Taking ribociclib and letrozole. 

I have mild lymphodema for 10 years and suddenly got severe cellulitis in that arm. In hospital for last 4 days on iv flucloxacillin. I'm really careful with my arm, wear a compression sleeve,  no cuts or broken skin.

How do you get such a bacterial infection? Could it be related to low nutrophils With the ribiciclib?

I obviously want to avoid this happening again. Any advice would be very welcome.

Sea Ranger.

  • Hi Sea Ranger,

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community.  My name is Barbara and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists.  I see you have joined a few of our forums, I hope you find them helpful.

    I’m sorry to hear of your metastatic breast cancer diagnosis and I hope you are coping okay with your treatment of Ribociclib and Letrozole. 

    A listed side effect of Ribociclib is an increased risk of getting an infection due to a drop in white blood cells.  Along with this by having lymphoedema there is the increased risk of developing cellulitis due to the build up of fluid in your tissues. 

    Cancer Research UK advises on how to care for your skin when you have lymphoedema.  Here is a lot of useful hints and tips listed here, I hope you find it useful. 

    Given that you have had an infection in recent days, it is important to highlight that if you develop any new, changing, or worsening symptoms to seek assessment and advice from your healthcare team or if unable to speak to them call your GP or 111.

    You may find it helpful to give our support line a call. Our Macmillan Information Nurse Specialists are here to offer support and help with your questions on 0800 808 00 00 seven days a week from 8am – 8pm. You can also e mail us back and we aim to reply within two working days.

    Best wishes

    Barbara G, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    Ref: BG/SC

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