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Tumor growing in mastectomy scar

I have recurrent Triple Negative Breast cancer. The biggest of the tumors is growing out of the mastectomy scar (which has been radiated with high doses of radiation. The tumor is making a bigger and bigger lump on my chest wall and has grown into the muscle and the chest wall itself. I have been warned that it could break through and that would cause really unpleasant results. I am taking Xeloda and hoping that will help shrink this huge tumor. I cannot take infusion chemotheraphy for this as my side effects were so extreme the first time that Xeloda seems to be my only choice. However, I mostly would like to know what sort of bandages I could use if it breaks through and what can be done to diminish the rancid odor.


This discussion is related to ulcerating tumor.
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Avatar universal
Valerie,

I have multiple ulcerating tumors that have 'broken through' the skin.

  You will want to get 'adaptec' for direct skin contact.  It is a mesh like material that is treated with a vasaline like substance.  It is to keep other dressings from sticking to the ulcerating wound.

On top of that you will want to put ABD pads to absorb the discharge.  This is also the layer to put flagel (sp?) on to keep the smell down.  If you are experiencing pain, this is also a good layer to put lidocane on (you can also add lidocane to the adaptec before applying to the skin).

Next layer you will want to piece together baby diapers.  Cut the legs and wide waistbands off.  The inexpensive store brands are actually the best.  Luvs are the worst because they are a very scratchy plastic like material.

To hold all the wound dressing in place, use elastinet.  I buy size 10 in 25 yard boxes off the net.  Cut an unstretched piece about 18 inches long.  Down one seem, about one inch, make a 2 inch cut.  This will be your arm hole.

I find it easiest to put the elastinet around my waist, dress the wounds, then pull up the elastinet to form a one shoulder like shirt.

If you feel like the tumors aren't being supported (ie, when driving a car they bounce) add an abdominal binder, turned upside down so the wider part fits over the boobs versus fitting over the wide hips.

ABD pads, elastinet & adaptec are all orderable off the net at cheaper prices then local medical supply houses.  Adaptec is extremely expensive due to single use only.  I reuse them by washing them.  I also wash the elastinet.  The diapers usually don't leak except around the edges (ugg!).  If drainage gets onto the abdominal binders, they have to be washed with cold water by hand.  Do your best not to leak.  Basically, if you smell yourself, you are probably leaking.
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Avatar universal
Katrin, thanks for your suggestions. The breakthrough hasn't occurred yet, but I have been warned that it most likely will. I will begin my Internet search right now for bandages that might suit. I appreciate the time you took to answer my question.
Valerie
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492898 tn?1222243598
Dear Valerie,

   That is terrible what you are going through and I am really sorry. I have read a few posts of  breast cancer patients going through this, I mean after the tumor broke through the skin.

Of course they did not mention exactly what type of bandages they used, and I doubt that anyone can advise you about this issue here, and most likely not even your oncologist. (doctors don't know anything about such stuff)

You need to find a nurse, or someone who really had the knowledge and experience to advise you, and who has worked with people who have this problem.

Maybe on the Internet, where you may at least get s reference, but much better in your area.

It may help to take baths with Epsom Salts in it, like a cup to a full bath.  The salts are not only great for general pain, but they pull out from the skin everything like  infection, and fungi, etc, and would most likely help with the odors. It's really worth trying even if this sounds too simple. If you do this though, you must drink a lot of water as the salts dehydrate you.

Otherwise, please find that person who knows about what you need. I know that when a tumor breaks through it is a big deal and you will have to spend much time and energy attending to it. Even the best pads have to be changed  at least 2-3 times a day, and do not guarantee that your clothes remain dry. Also, they need to be ordered from a specialty store and cannot be obtained in a regular drugstore as far as I know.

Take care, Katrin

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