Bit of a blow..

Hi Pangles, 

I just wondered how your infection is doing? 

Mickey  xx️

Hi Mickey

Thanks so much for asking. I've been feeling a bit down.

Wednesday I saw my surgeon and he drained another 140ml of fluid from around my implant. I believe he said it was a seroma.

Within hours of being back home it seemed like the fluid had just built right up again. I left it til Fri morning when I was getting quitr worried. They told me to come in ASAP which I did, but that time instead of seroma they called it oedema. So no fluid for them to remove, but an infection and swelling of the tissue beneath the skin.

They sent me to another hospital to get a cannula for intravenous antibiotics. The whole thing took 8 hours so I was exhausted when I got home... but I now have a nurse visiting me daily to give the antibiotics. So far I can't feel any improvement but the nurses say it can take time. 

This is definitely a bumpy ride xx

Mickey - I just saw your comment about maybe needing radiotherapy. Do you know why? I was told from the start that I would need it, and then last week they said I'd have a 2nd op instead. 

There's a part of me that's relieved, but a part that's worried if I don't have it.

Sorry you have worries about it too x

Hi Pangles, 

Oh no, that’s so tough, definitely a bumpy ride.  

Is the Cannula still in and is that how the nurse is giving you the antibiotics? How long for? 

Im pleased at least that they are sending a nurse daily rather than you going to hospital every day - but I really really hope that the improvement comes soon and it totally clears up the infection this time. 

Im not surprised you’ve been feeling low - that is hard going. Sending an extra gentle virtusl hug - Mickey xx️

Hi again, 

My Plastic Surgeon told me on Friday, but as not his area I got no more than it was a unanimous MDT decision that it’s now needed. 

My official results apt which was for today by phone has now been moved to a f2f on Wed pm. 

Having done some research into this, I can only assume (until informed otherwise) that it’s likely, like you that they didn’t get clear margins on all the cancer. However, as I had diep and not an implant radiotherapy is the only option to reduce the risk of local reoccurrence. It’s also possible that both tumours and both areas of DCIS together were bigger than initially thought?? 

Back to waiting again! 

You can always ask for the stats on how radiotherapy would reduce your risk of reoccurrence even after the re-exision that might help you feel more confident about the decision. 

More hugs Mickey xx️

Thank you and back at you

Yes the cannula is still in. I will have at least 7 days of IV antibiotics, starting from Friday, but I was told I may need 14 days.

I just hope the infection clears and doesn't stop the 2nd op going ahead on 7 Feb x

So much waiting and uncertainty makes all this so tough.

Some people seem to have no trouble with radiotherapy though so fingers crossed you'll be one of them.

My invasive tumours were actually smaller than thought, but my issue seems to have been the 10.7cm area DCIS that was never mentioned before surgery. 

I think I do need to ask for stats because it is worrying me. 

Very best wishes to you for Wednesday xx

Keeping all my fingers and toes crossed for you. Don’t need any further delays xx

I know, but I’m still yet to have any response from anyone who has had radiotherapy after DIEP reconstruction and so I am worried about how that will shrink/damage my tummy (now breast) tissue etc.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed too, thank you. 

Hmmm perhaps my DCIS’ were larger than  thought - I’ll find out Wed. 

Yes, you should definitely ask for your own peace of mind. 

Thank you, I’ll keep you posted xx️

Mickey - just to say I'll be thinking of you this afternoon. Hope it goes well.

My appt has been postponed as my surgeon has Covid. I go Friday instead but have to see another doctor xx