I had a partial mastectomy and lymphectomy June 1 2009. I developed a deep staph infection in same breast. Not MRSA. Am now on 3rd round of Bactrim. Due to start chemo tomorrow. Am concerned about repeat use of an anitbiotic. Are there other ways to manage and get rid of staph that won't interfere with chemo?
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Q: breast cancer surgery staph infection (not MRSA). 3rd round of Bactrim. Other treatments???
Answers (1)
7/12/09 8:41am
Sara, a post-operative infection isn't unusual. I'm not a doctor, but it seems a bit unusual to give the same antibiotic three times if the infection proves stubborn, but maybe Bactrim has been proven to be the most effective antibiotic for the particular strain of staph you have. I don't think the oncologist will start chemo if there are still signs of infection because chemo reduces resistance to infection. The oncologist may have some ideas on what to do next. There are doctors who specialize in these types of infections; maybe you should ask for a referral to one of those. This sounds like a situation where a second opinion could be helpful.
7/12/09 5:11pm
Your oncologist has actually seen the degree of infection and obviously feels that it's sufficiently under control to go ahead with chemo. I'm sure she wouldn't make that recommendation if she was worried about the infection. I hope all goes well with this next stage of treatment.
7/12/09 5:49pm
Phyllis,
Thanks for encouragement. It is in her hands.
FYI-tomorrow is my first "South African Martini"-martini sounds fun?? Too many negative connotations for today's "chemo cocktail". Just playing mind games with myself. The oncologist is South African was very re-assuring. I'm letting the worry about staph go. Sara
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By Sara Kramer— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 07/12/09
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Phyllis-Thank you so much for responding so quickly. I will talk to my regular internist about another opinion or option. The oncologist wants to start chemo tomorrow unless the infection is worse. She is trying to balance getting the infection in control with need to get started on the chemo process. We've already delayed one week.
Sara