I am wondering if anyone who has had a sentinel lymph node biopsy and lumpectomy experience blistering of the surgery area?
I had a lumpectomy on 10/10/07 and was anxious to see the surgery site. So I took a peek on 10/12 and again on 10/13; however, on 10/13 my desire to peek was because I was experiencing some pain. After carefully removing my pj top, I slowly raised my elbow until I could see the area which was just covered with the steri-strip bandages as I had removed the pillowy cushion and layers of 4X4 gauze earlier in the day of 10/13. And to my surprise, I saw what looked like a pus pocket filled with fluid. I was somewhat startled and wanted to make sure I wasn't seeing things, so I asked my son to take a look to see what it looked like to him, and to touch it very lightly to see if it was warm to the touch. He confirmed what I saw and that it appeared to feel warm. I anxiously awaited the return of my caregiver from picking up my dinner. Upon the caregivers return, I informed her of my findings along with allowing her to observe the sight as she is my sister and a 2-yr breast cancer survivor. She informed me that she noticed it on 10/12 but it was as large and she thought it was a plug for the drain tube. I immediately contacted my backup caregiver (another sister & 11-yr breast cancer survivor) and advised her of our findings and that we would likely be heading to the hospital once I contacted the doctor's exchange. After contacting the exchange and anxiously awaiting a call back; we decided to head to the ER as the on-call doctor didn't appear to be as concerned nor did I understand much of what she was saying due to the language bearer.
The ER's preliminary diagnosis was an allergic reaction to the sutures, steri-strip adhesive, surgical tape, or dye injected prior to surgery.
Anyone else experience this or know someone; any thoughts?
'Newly Stricken but Not Afraid'