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Saturday, December 31, 2011 Momo asks

Q: I am having an issue healing? My skin is thin and not closing. It starts with one stich that will not close, then gets better and no stich holds. No it is a hole the size of a dime exposing implant.

I have been through may surgeries since May..Bilateral nipple sparing mastectomy. Four weeks after I got a fever and some of my skin died so I have the. nipple removed and I had implants out and expanders in. Then in August I had another surgery due to a hole that would not close. Jan 6 I am having another..how can my skin get thicker and strong and heal!!!! I am not on chemo or radiation!
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Answers (1)
PJ Hamel, Health Guide
12/31/11 12:59pm

Momo, this is an issue your surgeon (or another surgeon) simply has to solve; there's nothing you can do to strengthen your skin and/or promote its healing, beyond the usual keeping the wound dry and clean. If your surgeon doesn't seem to be making any progress, then ask for a referral to another breast surgeon, preferably one at a Comprehensive Cancer Center, where they're used to doing LOTS of surgeries and reconstructions. Surely other women have had this same issue; and just as surely, there has to be a solution out there. Unfortunately, it looks like you'll need to do some self-advocating to find it... But be strong; action trumps worry any day, so get on the phone with your surgeon's office ASAP and ask for help and a second opinion, OK? Take care- PJH

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1/ 1/12 9:43am
PJH Thanks! I am truly pleased with my PS and I selected them based on reputation and there strong background in reconstructive surgeries. I have spoken to many women who have not had the issue but others they know have and the only answer was time. the PA at my pre-op on Friday said stress has a heavy influence on healing. I plan on also visiting my Breast Cancer Center near me that I am fortunet to have as a resource. I agree that I need to be my own advocate and will get another opinion out side of this practice. Sometimes I think it was just too much to fast and I have no patience for myself..plenty for others. I have been under tremendous personal stress from a tragic death in the family to my husband being out of work and me trying to work to make ends meet so this could be an underlining issue. I appreciate your feedback and will investigate. Thanks! Hope all will go well Friday and I can report back good news. Momo Reply
PJ Hamel, Health Guide
1/ 1/12 10:15am

Momo, sounds like you've been through the wringer - I'm so sorry for all your troubles... And I, too, believe stress influences healing; it definitely lowers your resistance. I hope 2012 is a MUCH better year for you, and that your Friday appointment goes well. Let us know, OK? Take care- PJH

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By Momo— Last Modified: 01/01/12, First Published: 12/31/11