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Two issues after surgery

Forums General Melanoma Community Two issues after surgery

  • Post
    Mrsgkr
    Participant

      Hello everyone. My husband had surgery on December 8, 2011 to remove a malignant melanoma (stage 3) from his abdomen. He also had two lymph nodes removed from his left groin. He developed an infection in the incision where they removed the lymph nodes. The infection has cleared but he also has what the doctor refers to as 'tape burn' at the site of the same incision. He has been using Silver Sulfadiazine on the burn twice a day since December 10. His doctor says it looks better but to us it doesn't look like it is getting any better. Not sure what to do.

      Hello everyone. My husband had surgery on December 8, 2011 to remove a malignant melanoma (stage 3) from his abdomen. He also had two lymph nodes removed from his left groin. He developed an infection in the incision where they removed the lymph nodes. The infection has cleared but he also has what the doctor refers to as 'tape burn' at the site of the same incision. He has been using Silver Sulfadiazine on the burn twice a day since December 10. His doctor says it looks better but to us it doesn't look like it is getting any better. Not sure what to do.

      Another problem is that he now has no energy. He was doing really well the first two weeks after the surgery now suddenly his energy is gone. We also brought this up to his doctor, who said it's normal. My husband is a landscaper and pre-surgery he was so energetic the only time he ever stopped was when he went to sleep. This has both of us confused and him very worried that there's more going on. 

      I have done a lot of searching on the internet for lack of energy after surgery, but nothing that touches on what he's experiencing.

      If anyone can give a little insight, or perhaps someone to speak with, it would be very much appreciated.

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        FormerCaregiver
        Participant

          Welcome to our forum. From what you have said, it appears that cause of your husband's lack of energy is possibly due to an undiagnosed infection. This may be related to his recent surgery. Can tell me more about the tape burn at the site of the incision?

          Does he have any other symptoms such as a fever, excessive sleepiness, lack of appetite or feeling faint?

          Best wishes

          Frank from Australia

          FormerCaregiver
          Participant

            Welcome to our forum. From what you have said, it appears that cause of your husband's lack of energy is possibly due to an undiagnosed infection. This may be related to his recent surgery. Can tell me more about the tape burn at the site of the incision?

            Does he have any other symptoms such as a fever, excessive sleepiness, lack of appetite or feeling faint?

            Best wishes

            Frank from Australia

            FormerCaregiver
            Participant

              Welcome to our forum. From what you have said, it appears that cause of your husband's lack of energy is possibly due to an undiagnosed infection. This may be related to his recent surgery. Can tell me more about the tape burn at the site of the incision?

              Does he have any other symptoms such as a fever, excessive sleepiness, lack of appetite or feeling faint?

              Best wishes

              Frank from Australia

                Mrsgkr
                Participant

                  Thank you for your reply Frank. I apologize for not getting back to you before now.

                  The skin where the burn is looks like chicken fat. I can't think of any other way to describe it. When it's wet it's a yellowish color (like chicken fat). When it's dry it's sort of a cream cheese color. The burn is an odd shape. It starts about an 1/8 inch below the scar, where it's a round shape. Then it gets very narrow and extends upward onto the scar where it's an oblong shape right on top of the scar. The part below and extending up to the scar look like they are healing. However, the part of the burn actually on the scar looks like it's getting wider. At his last visit with the surgeon about a week ago, the doctor said the burn was "looking good". My husband doesn't agree with that.

                   

                  He does not have any other symptoms. He has began getting his energy and appetite back. 

                  Mrsgkr
                  Participant

                    Thank you for your reply Frank. I apologize for not getting back to you before now.

                    The skin where the burn is looks like chicken fat. I can't think of any other way to describe it. When it's wet it's a yellowish color (like chicken fat). When it's dry it's sort of a cream cheese color. The burn is an odd shape. It starts about an 1/8 inch below the scar, where it's a round shape. Then it gets very narrow and extends upward onto the scar where it's an oblong shape right on top of the scar. The part below and extending up to the scar look like they are healing. However, the part of the burn actually on the scar looks like it's getting wider. At his last visit with the surgeon about a week ago, the doctor said the burn was "looking good". My husband doesn't agree with that.

                     

                    He does not have any other symptoms. He has began getting his energy and appetite back. 

                    FormerCaregiver
                    Participant

                      The tape burn has probably been caused by an allergy or sensitivity to surgical tape.

                      It is encouraging that your husband has started to feel better.

                      Take care

                      Frank from Australia

                      FormerCaregiver
                      Participant

                        The tape burn has probably been caused by an allergy or sensitivity to surgical tape.

                        It is encouraging that your husband has started to feel better.

                        Take care

                        Frank from Australia

                        FormerCaregiver
                        Participant

                          The tape burn has probably been caused by an allergy or sensitivity to surgical tape.

                          It is encouraging that your husband has started to feel better.

                          Take care

                          Frank from Australia

                          Mrsgkr
                          Participant

                            Thank you for your reply Frank. I apologize for not getting back to you before now.

                            The skin where the burn is looks like chicken fat. I can't think of any other way to describe it. When it's wet it's a yellowish color (like chicken fat). When it's dry it's sort of a cream cheese color. The burn is an odd shape. It starts about an 1/8 inch below the scar, where it's a round shape. Then it gets very narrow and extends upward onto the scar where it's an oblong shape right on top of the scar. The part below and extending up to the scar look like they are healing. However, the part of the burn actually on the scar looks like it's getting wider. At his last visit with the surgeon about a week ago, the doctor said the burn was "looking good". My husband doesn't agree with that.

                             

                            He does not have any other symptoms. He has began getting his energy and appetite back. 

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