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Lunanoire's avatar
Lunanoire
Member
10 years ago

Cellulitis or Seroma - Life keeps getting Better

Update from Sunday's fatigue and sensitivity.

During Monday's radiology session a radiologist was called in as my breast was still sensitive and swollen.  They decided to go ahead and zap me anyhow however there was some concern that my last chemo was only on 2 March as radio started on 15 March - not even a two week break.  The nurses mentioned a degree of heat which they were fixing the tape and arranged me to see another radiologist yesterday.  There was talk of being having a possible infection.

Yesterday's joy - temperature was 38C.  Breast still sensitive and swollen - nurse thought it felt hotter.  Radiologist ordered antibiotics and after being zapped and blood tests (which showed high white cell count), arranged me to have an ultrasound.  I think they are taking bets as to whether it is cellulitis or seroma - maybe it is both - maybe they are the same thing.

All I know is that my breast is sore so I am back wearing those horrible "genie bras" which don't really support someone with a bust, the antibiotics I've got to swollen are the size of a horse, and I've canned my exercise training (which means I will be walking and not running in the Mother's Day Classic in May).

Whilst I am remembering how lucky I am that my caner was only Stage 2, I seem to be winning with the collection of complications cards - first pneumothorax when I got my port inserted, now this.

I can't wait to find out how they will decide to treats this if the antibiotics don't work - it is not as if they can really stop radio now that it has started and being on Herceptin, if I have to have surgery well that also raises issues (at least in mm uneducated opinion)

 

  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi

    Not fun. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection. A seroma is an accumulation of fluid (not necessarily infected) and usually around a wound site. It can build up quite a lot of fluid (a litre and a half was my personal best!) and there are few things the bad bugs in your system (which we all have) like better than a nice, warm, enclosed pool of nutrient rich fluid. So a  seroma can become a seat of infection too. An ultrasound will probably clarify what the problem is, antibiotics may help, but keep an eye on it. You do not need a bad infection at this stage (or any stage for that matter).

    If it is a seroma, they may drain the fluid (painless). If it persists, seriously ask for a referral to a therapist as massage can help disperse the fluid.  It's a pain if it keeps forming, and the infection may return with it.

    Good luck, don't despair, it's fixable, just a nuisance.