Infection in open wound

[tr71068]

I was diagnosed with colon cancer in Sept 2010 and it has been a whirlwind of activity since. They have removed most of my large intestine with some major reconstruction I did not end up with a colostomy but they did leave the wound open with a wound vac to help with healing. About 2 weeks in and I developed an infection pocket they have given me antibiotics for 2 weeks but still there. So as of tomorrow they are taking me back in to clean out and irrigate unless something else needs to be done. Has anyone had this happen I am horrified I will end up back in the hospital for another month and I do not want that to happen. I keep thinking the worst but truely is this as bad as I think it is ?

[GettingOlder]

I had the same thing happen to me. What stage was your cancer diagnosis? Depending on the stage and if has spread (mine had and I was stage III) is generally how they approach all post surgery attention.
I know what you mean about the whirlwind of activity, but try and think positive (that's what my onclogist and the chemo nurses taught me) and trust that your doctors are doing everything possible to help you.
I'm almost finished my first year of remission - - think of that - - it will help to maybe let you realize that there IS a light at the end of the tunnel. Best wishes!

[mammo]

Often the best way to get rid of a stubborn infection is to go in and physically remove it.  They sound like they are very ambitious in keeping you well, and not allowing this to linger.  They normally leave a wound open so it can drain as it heals, and it sounds like something was "caught" in a pocket causing infection.  I feel it will be okay.  I have 2 sons and a grandson who have had total colectomies, so I have seen this before.  Try to relax, you'll be fine.  Take care!