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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Breast Cancer, Lymphedema, Radiation, Surgery, now open wound area under armpit
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Breast Cancer, Lymphedema, Radiation, Surgery, now open wound area under armpit
by KenKK, Feb 15, 2006 12:00AM
My Wife has Breast Cancer, first occurance 1995.
She has had 2 other returns of cancer since.
Lymph nodes remove, masectomey w/reconstuction, Chemo, first time.
4 years later
Radiation and more Chemo 2nd time.
5 years later
3rd time more Radiation and chemo. It was a year
last Aug from her last treatment.
The last occurance had external tumors growing from armpit
area to right side of right breast. The radiation and chemo
killed the tumors. They dried up and fell off.
One of the areas under the armpit got infected and left
an open wound.
Our choices for the open wound are Stem cell, and Hyperbarlic Chamber. Surgery (Plastic Trama Surgeon) was also considered.
We went with the Hyperbarlic Chamber. 40 treatments to start.
They said after 20 we should know if there is improvement.
My wife has a pain in the upper arm that was radiated along
with the arm pit area. She also has Lymphedema. Therapy for
the Lymphedema helps along with with a Arm Pump. I also apply
MLD at home on the arm.
I would like to know any thoughts for the open wound area
and what choices for the arm and upper back pain.
She is currently taking some medication for the pain which works
but it prevents her from sleeping.
This is an amazing girl and would you believe she still goes to
work everyday, (her choice not mine)
Ken
She has had 2 other returns of cancer since.
Lymph nodes remove, masectomey w/reconstuction, Chemo, first time.
4 years later
Radiation and more Chemo 2nd time.
5 years later
3rd time more Radiation and chemo. It was a year
last Aug from her last treatment.
The last occurance had external tumors growing from armpit
area to right side of right breast. The radiation and chemo
killed the tumors. They dried up and fell off.
One of the areas under the armpit got infected and left
an open wound.
Our choices for the open wound are Stem cell, and Hyperbarlic Chamber. Surgery (Plastic Trama Surgeon) was also considered.
We went with the Hyperbarlic Chamber. 40 treatments to start.
They said after 20 we should know if there is improvement.
My wife has a pain in the upper arm that was radiated along
with the arm pit area. She also has Lymphedema. Therapy for
the Lymphedema helps along with with a Arm Pump. I also apply
MLD at home on the arm.
I would like to know any thoughts for the open wound area
and what choices for the arm and upper back pain.
She is currently taking some medication for the pain which works
but it prevents her from sleeping.
This is an amazing girl and would you believe she still goes to
work everyday, (her choice not mine)
Ken
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Feb 16, 2006 12:00AM
Dear Ken, As you have likely been made aware of there is no simple answer for this complex problem. Goals of the treatment of the wound are to prevent further infection and help with healing of the open wound. The other problem: her pain and discomfort would need to be fully assessed (through physical examination, discussion of the symptom) to help to come up with a plan for pain control that works for her. The potential role for further chemotherapy or other anticancer treatments should be addressed by an oncologist with expertise in breast cancer.
