Recurring Cellulitis

I was operated on four years ago today for breast cancer.  After serious infections, chemo and radiation and a "flap" operation to close up open the wound after 18 months of daily dressing, I seemed on the road to recovery. Yes ,Hair never did return to former luxurient growth (dammit!) and for many months there was a very painful adjustment to the Arimidex, which disappeared on changing to Aromasin.  My feet and hands are chubby and two sizes larger, but what the heck!  Aren't I alive?  Now my question is?  Does anyone know how I can avoid the recurring cellulitis I have endured since the beginning?  I have had nine different episodes each involving being on a drip in hospital for either two weeks or four weeks at a time.  In the past 12 months I have been in hospital for four and a half MONTHS pumping those dreaded anti biotics into me.  My doctors look pityingly at me and say " you are just unlucky".  I have decided NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I get it on my breasts, ribcage and back especially where there is scar tissue. There seems to be excessive radiation burn ,although I did not have any adverese effects at the time.  I can NOT plan anything in my life and would so appreciate any input, if any, from out there.

Kindest regards,

Delia

I recommend you find a naturopathic dr - a naturopathic oncologist would be ideal, but lacking that, a certified or licensed naturopath, osteopath, homeopath or other wise holistic dr. Or someone who practices accupuncture or traditional chinese medicine.  You need the healing that only natural therapy is going to give you, and you need the support and advise of a professional to change the direction your body is going.

Sincerely,

Tre

Thank you Tre,  I am in fact doing just that. So lets see.  I should however like to exchange thoughts with fellow sufferers. 

Delia 

I'm wondering if you've been checked for lymphedema?  Cellulitis can be a serious problem for lymphedema patients.  Getting the lymphedema under control could help reduce/eliminate the cellulitis.  I echo Tre's advice.  I see a naturopathic dr. and she's helped me w/the side effects of the Arimidex.  I also have had intuitive touch healings, reiki, & cranio-sacral massage therapy---they've all helped---some physically, some emotionally & mentally.

Blessings and good luck!  You'll get through this with your determination.

On 10/21/2008 Delia Margaret wrote:

I was operated on four years ago today for breast cancer.  After serious infections, chemo and radiation and a "flap" operation to close up open the wound after 18 months of daily dressing, I seemed on the road to recovery. Yes ,Hair never did return to former luxurient growth (dammit!) and for many months there was a very painful adjustment to the Arimidex, which disappeared on changing to Aromasin.  My feet and hands are chubby and two sizes larger, but what the heck!  Aren't I alive?  Now my question is?  Does anyone know how I can avoid the recurring cellulitis I have endured since the beginning?  I have had nine different episodes each involving being on a drip in hospital for either two weeks or four weeks at a time.  In the past 12 months I have been in hospital for four and a half MONTHS pumping those dreaded anti biotics into me.  My doctors look pityingly at me and say " you are just unlucky".  I have decided NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I get it on my breasts, ribcage and back especially where there is scar tissue. There seems to be excessive radiation burn ,although I did not have any adverese effects at the time.  I can NOT plan anything in my life and would so appreciate any input, if any, from out there.

 

Kindest regards,

Delia

Hi Delia, Boy, you've been through a lot.  I have had breast cellulitis 4 times, beginning in my left breast that I had breast cancer in in 2001 and had lymph nodes removed.  I was hospitalized 3 of the times, a week at a time.  The infection would spread all the way up to my neck and up my back.  It got so that the antibiotic of choice, Keflex (?), wouldn't work any more and they went on to other ones.   Knock on wood, I haven't had a recurrence this year, but did get a diagnosis of metasticized breast cancer to the peritoneum.  I think the cellulitis kept coming because of my immune system being compromised because of the lymph node removal.  They would take a nasal swab and would know right away what germ caused the cellulitis.  This would be done by an infectious disease specialist.  The last one was caused by Streptococcous.  Hopefully, you will be able to build up your immune system so that you won't be getting this any more.  See a nutritionist and they may be able to give you some good tips on how to accomplish that.  Good luck and take good care of yourself! 

This might be of interest.  I have had fourteen atttacks of recurring cellulitis over the past three years.  Finally it has been suggested that the reason is radiation burn, combined with mild soriasis ,allowing entry of the ¨bugs¨.  I have just completed ten sessions of HYPERBARIC THERAPY and see a complete regeneration of the breast tissue.  I am also taking a profilactic antibiotic called CALVEPEN 666mg once a day for the forseeable future.

But the best part of all is that, due to the hyperbaric treatments, my hair has grown thick and after three years of wispy, thin strands, it looks like normal hair.  YIPPEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!The nails grown strong and long too.  But it was the hair loss that made me so miserable.  I hope this is of some help.

Delia