Cellulitis after lumpectomy & mammosite

[deb949]

I was operated on 1 month ago for cancer.  I had a lumpectomy and mammosite radiation.  During this time I was taking an antibiotic because of the cathater for the mammosite.  One week after getting off the antibiotic I developed Cellulitis in my incision.  The Dr. put me on Keflex which I have been taking for 4 days.  During this time I have continued with a fever (99-100).  This morning after the shower the incision was the size of a golf ball and just as hard and red.  It began to ooze a yellow/green pus and is still draining.  I have a call into the Dr. but they haven't returned my call, what should I do in the meantime? Is it ok to put gauze on it?

[carme]

You need to see a doctor ASAP!

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  It's all right to apply an antiseptic solution like povidone iodine (betadine) on the wound before putting clean gauze.  Consult with your doctor as soon as possible. A gram stain and culture of that discharge may need to be done to determine what micro-organism is responsible for the infection.