I was almost 6 wks out from bilateral skin/nipple sparing mastectomies with tissue expanders placed when I spit a suture  through the skin and 12 hours later septic in ER with MRSA, with which I was found to be colonized at mastectomy.  Emergent removal of expanders and almost 3 wks of IV antibiotics.  I realize I am fortunate to be alive, but I would like to have reconstruction.  I cultured positive for the mrsa again, and am currently trying to decolonize, as no one will put implants in me unless I can culture negative.  Does anyone have any experience with this?
 
Karin
stage 2 invasive lobular

Hi Karin--No two situations are really the same, but 7 years ago, I had to have a tissue expander removed because of MRSA.  I would have to guess that since I was a nurse in a facility where MRSA was rampant, I, too, was probably colonized and whether I gave myself MRSA or it was given to me during some process of surgery, is a moot point.  I was never septic.  Being septic is a very serious, life-threatening event since it can shut down all body systems.  Anyway, I was immediately sent to an infectious disease specialist who prescribed antibiotics by mouth and that took care of the situation.  For an assortment of reasons, I decided not to pursue reconstruction--this is all personal and each of us must do what is best for us as an individual.  I would suggest that you see an infectious disease specialist at a large teaching hospital, at least for a 2nd opinion.  You can then made your decisions based on what he/she has to say.  Good luck.
                                                                              Ann B.
 

Ann B.
12/89--Lumptectomy of left breast for 2 sites of DCIS followed by radiation and 5 years of tamoxifen. ER/PR +
12/2002--Mastectomy of Left breast for recurrence. Nodes negative. ER/PR+ Her2-. Arimidex.

Karin, I totally "get" where you are coming from.  MRSA is very scary, very dangerous, and can make grown doctors run for the hills screaming that they won't touch you for a procedure.

I know.  I survived a very lengthy, extensive bout with MRSA, which I developed after my bilat mast. At least that's what I thought at the time.  Months after, we determined that my initial colonization more than likely occurred during the last lumpectomy I had which determined that my BC had recurred, and I needed the mastectomy.  I chose to have bilat mast w/immed DIEP flap reconstruction, not knowing that I was a carrier.  When and exactly how I got MRSA is not important.  The fact is, I underwent several hospitalizations, weeks of multiple IV antibiotics, the addition of an infectious disease specialist to my medical team, and what ultimately resulted in a huge open wound along my abdominal incision which took months to heal from the inside out.

I am not sharing this to discourage you.  I want to empower you.  I survived and healed with the help of my outstanding medical team, a large teaching hospital in Dallas, and very close monitoring.  That was just about 2 years ago now, and I am completely healed.  I didn't have expanders, instead I had my own tissue, which helped in dealing with the overall effects.  Having a weakened immune system doesn't make it any easier to deal with this, and it must be treated aggressively.

Today, I look back on that time and realize that ultimately I became stronger.  I urge you to seek opinions of those medical professionals whom you trust, and who have experience in dealing with MRSA.  Don't shortchange yourself when it comes to being your own best advocate.  You are worth everything.

I hope this helps, please feel free to email me, or at least PM me.  I don't make it to Komen as much as I should anymore.  A dear friend read your post and let me know.  All of Komenville watches over each of us.

Hugs, love, strength, and prayers!!

Deb/aka Mimi

Deb/aka Mimi
Dx '03, ER/PR+, Her2+, Grade II, Stage III
SNB, 18 wks chemo  36 rads; 
Rec in 07, Bi-mast/DIEP 08/29/07