Wounds not healing

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Hi, I had IDC and ILC in both breasts, I had at least 8 tumours in both breasts. Largest tumours were 2 very close together (6cm and 7cm). I had a double mastectomy with implant reconstruction and a full axillary clearance on one side where only 1 of 12 lymph nodes were positive (this was the side with the largest tumours).  My right side has healed beautifully, however my left side where the larger surgery was won’t heal. So far I’ve had 2 additional procedures to remove dead skin and last op also removed implant on that side but an expander has been inserted instead. I have a PICO dressing on (my 4th so far) but noticed today the wound is opening again. Has anyone else experienced this? If yes what did your surgeon do? Just feeling a bit fed up as I’ve now run out of sick pay and just can’t seem to move forward and heal chemo is being delayed until I’ve healed. Just wondered if anyone else has had this? X 

  • Yes, I had a mastectomy last year.  Then I had a seroma, so I had to wait for it to disappear.  Then, when the chemotherapy started, the wound started to weep a lot.  So chemotherapy was stopped for 2 weeks and I had to have it dressed frequently.  When chemo started again the same thing happened. Then I was going to the hospital 3 times a week.  A deep pocket had developed in the wound, and they were stuffing it with manuka honey or silver. Eventually after 6 weeks it healed!  Chemo started again, and there were no more problems!  Good luck!  xx

  • Hi Themissus

    I have had a very similar problem.  I have posted under seroma seroma but basically after my WLE I developed a seroma which burst once i started Radiotherapy.  This then developed a cavity in the wound which has been packed and dressed with silver and PICO dressings for the last 2 months.  Mine is still weeping a little, the hole is still not fully closed and I am in limbo like you until it heals fully.  I am seeing my surgeon next week to discuss matters .  I am hoping in a weeks time it has improved and this week i have been looking after it myself.  Hopefully my surgeon will have a magic bullet or its just a time thing.

    I have wondered whether as I am generous in the breast department whether the weight of my breast may be an issue. But i wear support all day and at night so not sure how I can improve that.

    Wishing you the best of luck and I hope the wound heals quickly and you can move on to Chemo xx