Wound Healing at the T-Juncture
Hi everyone! I had my bilateral lumpectomies with reduction and lift (oncoplasty) on March 6 at KU. I am having an issue with my incision at the t-juncture (where the three incisions come together under the breast) opening back up and now trying to get it to heal. I have been checking in weekly with the plastic surgeon's NP, and used three different types of ointments and gauze treatments. But when I saw my oncology surgeon almost two weeks ago she said I was for sure going to need to go back into the OR to have it repaired. Upon follow up with the plastic surgeon's NP, she said no. It didn't need surgery. But, it doesn't feel like it is getting better, it is painful, and I need to heal in order to start radiation.
If you've been in the situation, or if you were me, what would you do? Would you just be patient and continue to doctor the wound at home? Would you go to a wound care facility? Do I need to be doing something else? I guess it was weird that one surgeon said one thing and the other disagreed. I guess at this point it feels very passive to doctor the wound once per day and hope for the best. But if you have a story of this working for you I'd love to hear it!
Thanks so much!
Sorry to hear what you’re going through. I also had bilateral oncoplasty. I would not wait but rather call the surgeon’s office and insist upon seeing the surgeon. Reiterate to them on the phone that you already saw the NP and are frustrated and in pain and you need to see the surgeon ASAP. Don’t take no for an answer. I would have your oncologist reach out to the surgeon and that will surely get you in, especially if the oncologist thinks it may need to be re-looked at.
@iamasurvivor OK -- will do. I send photos usually once per week as well, so I've been staying on them, but maybe I need to go back to the oncology surgeon to see what she thinks?
Sure you could each out to oncology surgeon too, especially if they’re willing to see you right away. And if they think you need surgery/repair they can communicate with your plastic surgeon to expedite things.
@iamasurvivor It is interesting, because that is what she thought two weeks ago, and sent me straight to the plastic surgeon where they said no. I think I will just re-start that conversation now that it has been two more weeks.
Good idea and good luck!