Newly Diagnosed

How is the healing going?

Oh, @shann, I'm so sorry to hear that, both that the wound has opened, and that you're struggling financially.
I do think you're right. There is a certain demographic that is often forgotten. Single (female or male) and in those middle years. I was lucky enough to be well enough to work through my treatment, a combination of reduced hours, and a supportive workplace. I also had the support, physical & financial when needed, of my extended family, including my aging parents. At this point in time I haven't had to access any sort of government or other financial support, so I can't make any useful suggestions. 
Take care

Hi all, hope everyone is doing well.  I have had surgery now and now have openings again and not healing again, supposedly on the inside now. All 64 stitches are now out that was painful.  Personally I think I have a seroma, but can't get a deffinite answer from anyone.  I asked questions to my surgeon on Friday and he looked blankly at me and just said you are going to take time to heal.  But it dosen't help my situation now.
With that in mind I would like to ask a question: Why is it that there is nothing out there to help cancer patients for a certain age bracket, they have so much for kids and young people and plenty for the elderly but the age bracket in between they don't seem to worry about (my dealings anyway).  They seem to assume that we should of worked and can rely on super or that we have partners they should be supporting us.  I think this should be something out there (as centrelink has nothing and hard to survive on believe me) Please let me know what you think and if you know of anything that is available to this age bracket or are we forgotten about.  I am not talking about support groups, therapy etc.  Thanks again for listening.xx

Good luck with your stitches removal tomorrow @shann . Hope it all goes ok for you. Xx

The registered nurses are the one who say I have a reputation there, but yes I always come home and write in my diary of what went on when I visit the out patients.  I have made a complaint before but nothing was done.  They just all seem to think I am a sook.  Not much can be done really it is the public system.  I am a nurse myself but would never be like the ones I have come across in this hospital.  I just have grim and bare it for now now.

The ooze increase might  be due to increased activity since home. I really hope all goes well. When they re-excised did they send of for pathology check? I am assuming they have looked at the results but do ask. It's important that any antibiotics on are the right ones. 
My breast care nurse at the hospital didn't touch my sutures, but they did have other Registered Nurses working in tbe team.

I agree on writing down  who said what and putting in complaint later. It's your right. It might just result in better treatment for  you and others in the future. 

@patsyN - I will look up the company straight away.  Yes they do stick together.  I am a nurse and always look elsewhere if something is not working.  I have been searching for something for ages but keep getting told that all of this is my fault.  I always said  that my skin has the problem but no one listened to me I even asked to see a dermatologist within the hospital system but was told that is not what you need.
Thank you for the information.

@shann - I used StrataXRT made especially for radiation burns. They do another one made especially for open wounds which can't be stitched - but stitches would help it work even better. It's easiest to buy direct from their website Stratapharma Australia. The one you would use is called Stratamed. I cannot recommend their products too highly. I used Stratamed on my mastectomy line as soon as they removed the dressing. I used their XRT product during radiation. I think it saved my skin which never blistered.
My heart goes out to you.
The medical profession stick together...

@shann I hope all is ok, I think it's much better for the nurse to take out the stitches, they are very competent and will do it properly.  Take some painkillers beforehand to help with the pain. Fingers crossed for you.  You are so patient . Xxxx

Hi all
Well I have had the surgery, have over 60 stitches in my chest and had a pico pump fitted after surgery, all was good in the hospital (stayed 7 days).  Since being home have had pico pumps but ooze got to much so on went a vac via at last weeks check up.  Still alot of ooze that has got mucusy but they are not concern as I was told over the phone (again not listened to)  but getting use to it.  Back again on Friday 4 May for removal of the stitches (not looking to that).  This pump is ok but the tape on it is causing some blistering under it that is quite painful but I will put up with it. My breast care nurse at the hospital (who is nicer than most there) is on holidays for 2 weeks so not sure who I will get to take out the stitches as the surgeon won't do it as he said he would hurt me so nurses will do.  Just hoping this ooze stops (no one can tell me why there is so much ooze as there wasn't this much in the hospital) so I can back to normal life and back to work so finances are better.  Just sitting at home doing nothing as I have been since October 2017.
Thanks again to all that listen. xx