Seroma/cellulitis

Beb46

Wondering if anyone else has had this or similar experience. After breezing through lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy and 15 radiation treatments I developed a very red, hard , swollen breast 6 weeks after radiation finished and 12 weeks after surgery. Was put on antibiotics for 6 days with no improvement so hospitalised and had 6 days of iv antibiotics. On day 1 of my hospital stay some pus come out from the original surgery scar followed by an inch long core and lots of fluid similar to a boil. Swab was negative to any infection. Day 4 I had an ultrasound guided aspiration with 20ml of slightly bloody fluid removed this also was negative to any nasties. I’ve been told it was a seroma/ cellulitis. It is now 12 days since I left hospital and area of original scar is still a bit red and very hard and tender to touch. My GP and breast care nurse say it is normal but I’m not sure. Also ultrasound report says “there is an linear echogenic structure in it’s superficial aspect (? Surgical material) . This sounds to me as something has been left inside. GP and breast care nurse say probably a stitch. I have follow  up appointment with surgeon on 14th May. Any thoughts.

Afraser

I had a very persistent seroma post mastectomy - with hindsight, two flu like episodes were almost certainly caused by infection. A third landed me in hospital and heavy duty antibiotics for a week. My surgeon was not convinced the core problem had been dealt with and, with my approval, operated to give me a ‘good scrub out’! The post op notes refer to a carbuncle - a multi headed boil. I was a year post mastectomy so plenty of time for a colony of nasty bacteria to develop. My surgeon made the right decision - no more infection and no more seroma. Keeping the nasties at bay, when they naturally occur in your body, is not a walk in the park. Follow up with your surgeon is wise. Wishing you a rapid recovery. 

Beb46

Thanks Afraser. That must have been a harrowing time for you. The doctors were very surprised I was not sick, no fever or anything just this big red hard boob. I had an appointment to see the surgeon 5 days after I was discharged but they changed it to the 14th May which I was not very happy about but what can you do. I have been told that seromas can return so maybe I need a “clean out” as well to prevent this. Lots of questions for the surgeon on 14th May. 🤗 all the best to you. 🤗

Afraser

I was fine actually until the third go - just felt a bit fluey for a day or so first times, but definitely felt unwell on the third go! No redness either till the third time, worked it out in hindsight. Seromas can refill very easily, mine did. Surgeons often prefer to leave alone for fear of introducing infection but I had so much fluid, that aspirations were necessary. Problem is the bad bacteria you have naturally can develop, especially if there is a rich nutritious soup of seroma fluid available. It’ll all get sorted in time, but sometimes needs a bit of patience. Best wishes. 

Zoffiel

@Beb46 Seromas, cellulitis and random infections are an absolute pain in the bits.

Undisolved 'disolvable' stiches have caused me considerable  grief in the past. Having to endure another op to retrieve them, repeated events or having them form stich sinuses that can (literally) dribble on for far too long are all unpleasant outcomes.

This needs to be sorted out and prevention is cheaper (in every way) than constant maintenance of an ongoing issues.

As women of a certain age, we are often discouraged from nagging or being insistent. Do it anyway. Wear them down if you think something is wrong. Good luck. Mxx

Beb46

Thanks Zoffiel .... completely agree with your sentiments and will have a long list of questions that I want answers to when I see the specialists shortly. 🤗

Caz1

Great advice @Zoffiel and @Afraser

I had a nasty seroma which needed to be aspirated several times and I ended up in hospital on 3 antibiotics for 10 days. I also had a cleanout.  I was so sick , I felt dreadful. Then I spent the next few weeks with home hospital visits and was very worried it would come back.  It was scary. 
It felt warm for ages after.  As @Afraser says, it does take time and patience. Hindsight is easy!

If you are worried definitely contact your team and or breast nurse.  Cellulitis is no walk in the park. 
Take care

Caz xxxxxx

Beb46

Thanks Caz for your insight. It is ver reassuring to hear others have had similar experiences. Lots of questions for surgeon on 14th. All the best to you.🤗