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Wound Care after Mastectomy

Graham4139
  • 2 replies
  • 32 subscribers
  • 239 views

Maybe it's unusual for a bloke to be writing here but I have a problem that's causing me worry and I wonder if anybody can help?

My wife had a R mastectomy in 2023 Her wound was leaking seroma  and she was sent back for rectification surgery. The original leak was from two small pinholes but after the surgery she now has a hole abour 3cm across which is still leaking. She had the second surgery in February 2023 and has been in a mess since. She is attending hospital twice weekly but nothing seems to change other then her dressings. The dressings leak around the adhesive edges. This has now been almost a year.  

Today we visited the skin integrity unit at one of our hospitals who have expressed concern that there are two holes one on the outer skin and one on the inside. She is writing an email to the breast surgeon to see what she can do. My wife has been told she is clear of cancer.

Can anybody throw any light on this please? I was extremely worried and upset when she had the cancer, now I am just as worried. Why is it taking so long to seal her scar from almost 12 months ago. It's no way to live and I really need a solution.

Please help

  • Hello Graham 4139

     

    I was sorry to read about the problems your wife is still experiencing with her original surgical wound and the upset and worry the lack of healing is causing. I'm glad you mentioned your wife is now cancer-free, but I agree that this problem with the surgical wound is causing you both further concerns and worries. My Name is George, and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Support Line.

    Unfortunately, we do not have any access to personal records held by the NHS. Therefore, I can only give general support and information and would always encourage you to ask your breast care team any specific questions you may have. That said, I hope to offer further information below.

    Seroma is a very common occurrence after such surgery on the breast but would usually resolve itself between 1-3 months post-surgery. A small number of people experience Seroma up to 12 months post-surgery before slowly healing and Leakages resolve. This is why dressing and topical management are undertaken in those first 12 months when it is expected that most symptoms will resolve.

    However, as this has been 12 months, it would be normal for your wife to see or be reviewed by a breast surgeon in case there is any further surgical management which could help with the healing of the wound. It's uncommon, but some individuals suffer these symptoms for up to 2 years. I agree this is having a massive impact on both of your lives and needs further assessment now that it has been 12 months since the original surgery. It would be helpful to write as many questions as possible before meeting the surgeon so you both get as much from the consultation as possible.

    Breast Cancer Now has a dedicated breast care nurse line who may have further information regarding the specifics of this question. As you are probably aware, it is vital to seek Urgent help via 111 or the GP if infection occurs or symptoms become more severe.

    We also partner with BUPA, which offers psychological support through free counselling. If your wife is interested, it can be arranged by calling us or completing a self-referral here.

    On this platform, it can be difficult to have a two-way conversation and to fully understand what you are going through.

    If you’d like further explanation or have any other questions, please feel free to contact us. Or if it may help to discuss things with someone outside the loop, please feel free to give us a call or contact us via our web chat platform.

     

    Take care

    George, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

    REF GHi/HM

  • in reply to George - Macmillan

    Thank you George for your very reassuring reply. Today :

    Val, my wife saw her consultant whilst having her dressings attended to. He took a look at her wound and shook his head. He has now made arrangements for Val to attend fore more surgery to rectify the problem. It seems that matters are improving and I should know by the end of the month. Here's hoping. One again thanks so much for your response.

     

    Gra

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