Cellulitis

[Manchesterlady]

Hi , just recovering two days after laperoscopy biopsy . Had to call gp out as I’ve got a very inflamed belly button . On two lots of antibiotics now as he says I’ve got cellulitis. Panicking a bit now . Any advise . Thank you

[bamboo89]

Well the antibiotics should take care of the cellulitus - I've had that once before, but not as a result of surgery. I got it in my arm, from the tiniest, practically invisible nick in the skin acquired while gardening - I was only given one lot of broad spectrum antibiotics, presumably because it was only in the skin. I imagine you've got two lots of antibiotics to cover any cellulitis further inside, though you don't say which antibiotics you've been given.

[Manchesterlady in reply to bamboo89]

Hello , thank you for your reply . Yes I’m on metronidazole and flucloxacillin . Hope they work quickly , have to go back to st Mary’s if it’s spread by tonight . Scary how quickly it has come on

[bamboo89 in reply to Manchesterlady]

Yea, it moves rapidly - I remember I working in the garden that ,morning, and this strange looking area appeared within hours. I went to the hospital at 4 am in the morning, it didn't hurt, but it looked weird... good job I did! Like you, I had to go back if the area spread after starting antibiotics. But it didn't, it was fine. You've been given a broad spectrum antibiotic, penicillin based, which works on aerobic bacteria, and metronidazole which works on anaerobic bacteria, so you're double covered. It'll be fine...

[Manchesterlady in reply to bamboo89]

Thank you . Fingers crossed. I’ve been reading your posts , and I think your very brave.

I will be 75 in June and think the same as you , is it worth the chemo if it isn’t a cure , just living waiting for it to come back . I was in complete shock at my diagnosis, and wanted to take my own life . So to live with all the anxiety, my life would be a misery . Thank you for listening to my ramblings x

[bamboo89 in reply to Manchesterlady]

Well you must want to live, or you wouldn't be so worried about the cellulitis! I don't want this cancer to kill me either, but equally, I'm not prepared to undergo chemo, so, as we've all gotta go sometime or other, I'm just going to carry on living while I can, the way I would if I didn't know I'd got anything wrong. Admittedly with some alterations, like diet, sugar and things... Some things are out of our hands, really, and I don't mean its in the hands of the doctors either... Good luck anyway, keep an eye on that cellulitis ...

[Nancy222]

I had cellulitis on my calf and it hurt like someone put a red hot branding iron there and left it. But the antibiotics took care of the pain almost immediately. It sounds like you've been treated quickly. Keep the area clean and dry and try not to let your clothes rub the cellulitis. Use a clean hand towel for that area after a shower and just gently blot. Watch for any signs of blistering or weeping.

As for the anxiety, and not wanting to live, I really feel for you. But 75 is still young if you want it to be. Right now you're in shock, and it's not the time to make major decisions. Your body is fighting cellulitis so take really good care of yourself. I found meditation to really help me relax and give my mind a break. Pamper yourself. XXOO

[lorraine71-Australia]

Hi, I follower your posts and I can't help with the Cellulitus but as for is it worth the chemo if it's not a cure,I know it's a question we need to answer for ourself , I'm 73 and in the last 4 years I've had 5 different chemos, my history is as soon as I stop chemo is my 125 goes back up.

I've been off chemo and now it's back up to 270 so waiting to go back on Carbo/Caelyx,

It has cross my mind should I stop all treatment now but I won't to be here with my family as long as I can ,my oncologist told me that she is treating people for longer as new treatments are being used.

I'm hope you have support and that once you have a treatment plain you will feel more positive..Lots of hugs keep posting ..Lorraine xx💙💙

[Manchesterlady]

Thank you Lorraine. Just at the beginning of this horrible journey , maybe give it one go and see how it goes.i haven’t had the diagnosis as to what type of cancer it is . I will be at Christie’s in Manchester , which is one of the best , so I’m told . I send you love and all the good luck you can have xxx

[harpist_UK in reply to Manchesterlady]

Christie's team is amazing - you are in the best hands, and it may not be as horrible as you imagine....! Good luck.