This morning I was bitten on my left arm by an insect. 5 weeks ago I have a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. I had lymph nodes removed in my arm pit on my left arm. I have a small blue bruise where I got the bite and my skin is looking a little pink and bumpy. Should I be concerned?
Hello Menna,
Thanks for getting in touch, and welcome to our online community.
My name is Carole and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I hope you are recovering well from your recent surgery, although I’m sorry to read that you have an insect bite on your left arm.
After treatment for breast cancer, some people can develop a condition called lymphoedema.
Because it can be triggered by a skin infection, it’s important to have any insect bites assessed and treated if necessary.
We would recommend that you get in touch with your GP/111 or breast team straight away so that your arm can be assessed.
I hope this is helpful. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch here, or by phone. If you’d like to chat with other people who may have had similar treatment, our online breast cancer group can be a good source of support.
Sending best wishes,
Carole
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.
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