Infected Seroma

Hi 

Sorry to hear what you've been going through. My treatment was a few years ago, but I did get an infection in my seroma and I know how exhausting it is. It can take a little time to treat it and the antibiotics can be a bit nasty but they will throw everything at it till it's gone. I had my chemo before my surgery so it was a bit different but I wanted to sympathise with you because I would also say it was the toughest thing for me. I'm sure they will do everything they can to have it cleared before chemo, but as you have already had your surgery and your nodes were clear, then a small delay in chemo might be preferable to starting it when you're not 100% My BCN once told me "a couple of weeks here or there won't make any difference" and I was having chemo before surgery.

I hope you are soon recovered and able to start chemo on time, but don't panic. Hope chemo is kind to you, too!

R

Thank you for your reply ronstar, its nice not to feel alone. I am not worried about leaving my treatment a couple of weeks as I am Cancer free, the treatment is to stop the Cancer returning as I am HER2+. It's just the quicker it starts the quicker it will be over LOL. 

Thank you for taking the time to replay, stay well 

Emie X

Hi Emie,

Sorry to hear this, as if things aren’t bad enough without extra problems! Hope you’re starting to feel a bit better now.

Just wondering what your symptoms were of infection? I’ve had some recent swelling (operation was back in early Jan and all had settled down well), I saw my BC nurse last week and she thinks it’s just fluid but I’m seeing my oncologist tomorrow so will ask his opinion on it. I’m just not sure what is ‘normal’ and what is something that needs sorting out!

Is your chemo paclitaxel?

Hope you’ve had a better day today, sending hugs your way xx

Hi Josedog

Thanks for your reply, you would defo know if your Seroma was infected as it would be really painful, red and swollen but still worth getting it checked out. My consultant did say that a build of fluid is normal and your body will automatically absorb it over a few weeks or even months. My wound is still weeping but the infection has cleared up so no pain apart from feeling sore from the dressings being taken on and off. 

My Chemo treatment is EC (epirubicin, cyclophosphamide) for the first 3 cycles and Nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane) for 3 cycles alongside 12 cycles of Trastuzumab as I am HER2+. When I have completed the 6 cycles of Chemo though I will be having a Mastectomy and Radiotherapy, so will have a short break from the Trastuzumab. A long road ahead but I will get there and talking to people on here really helps you to feel better and more positive.

Have you started your Chemo treatment yet, how are you finding it so far?

Stay positive!!!!

Emie X

Thanks for letting me know and poor you - that all sounds so hard to deal with.

I saw my oncologist today and he is happy it’s just fluid / mild lymphedema and should resolve in time. 

Friday is week 10 of 12 paclitaxel and actually starting to think the end is in sight now! Chemo hasn’t been as bad as I feared - still not pleasant but my side effects have largely been manageable and I generally have a rough 2-3 days each week then start to feel more normal again. Fatigue is an issue now as the weeks tick by but still working from home part time and get out for a walk most days.

I then have to have CT scan to confirm all ok before 10 high doses of radiotherapy late May / early Jun, then trastuzumba will finish Jan next year.

It’s a long hard journey but it is do-able. 

Hope your chemo is as kind to you as possible and your surgery also. Sending strength your way xx