Infection after Mastectomy with tissue expanders
Developed terrible infection in right breast seven days after double mastectomy with tissue expander placement. High fever, chills, skin necrosis, blistering and breast leaking from incisions. Expander removed, cultures taken, flushed area and closed back up. Proper oral antibiotic received once the bacteria were identified. Left breast doing well, maybe. Status of both breast, right breast appears to be infection free. However, large open wound on incision with some yellow discharge. Left breast developed small wound also with small amount of yellow discharge. PS is examining the areas of concern regularly. Hope to be able to put expander back in May and start reconstruction, however, afraid of another infection. I am not hopeful right now. I feel like a monster. I am 68 and should be past my appearance and just happy to be alive. I cannot even bring myself to look at myself in the mirror. I just feel no one understands me right now. Brave, strong front publicly but breaking down behind the scenes.
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Hi @debbiek56 and welcome to Breastcancer.org. We're so sorry for the reasons that bring you here, but we're really glad you've found us. You're sure to find our incredible community a wonderful source of advice, information, encouragement, and support — we're all here for you!
We're so sorry for your experience with you tissue expanders and infection — it sounds like you've been through it! Please know you're NOT alone here, and you are surrounded by those who "get it". Others will be by soon to weigh in with their experiences.
We hope you find support here! Let us know if you need any help at all.
—The Mods
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Hi again @debbiek56,
We're just checking in with you to see how you're doing since you first joined. How is your wound healing?
Thinking of you!
—The Mods
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Just saw my reconstruction surgeon today. The stitches were removed and the wounds seem to be still open but healing. If I continue to move in this direction, we may be scheduling the reinsertion of the expanders in July. Of course, infection is still a possibility at that time but I am remaining positive. Thank you for your concern.
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@debbiek56 - We're so glad to hear that you're making progress, and hope everything continues to heal well. Wishing you all the best as you move forward! Please make sure to check in often and let us know how you're doing. We're thinking of you!
The Mods
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