How do you cope when breast reconstruction infections keep coming back?

Recurring infections during reconstruction can feel incredibly discouraging, especially when progress feels interrupted just as life starts returning to normal. Many patients find that staying connected with their medical team about prevention strategies and focusing on small daily victories helps maintain emotional resilience during these setbacks. The frustration is completely understandable - healing isn't always linear, and it's okay to feel upset when facing another procedure.

I am facing that giant too .Came from my 2nd surgery within weeks of each other . I am on a wave of trying to stay encouraged.

Hi, my story is very close to yours, just different times during this past year of 2025. Only my infection didn't go away with antibiotics, Mine busted a stich in the middle of the night, fluids were shooting out everywhere...what a mess. They took out the implant stitched it up...then it keep filling up, first draw was 110 ml, then it was 350 ml with a syst and infection..more antibiotics. Finally it stopped and looked like a flat tire....so disappointed. Now I have one very nice implant, waited 3 months to get the other side replaced and that is scheduled for Nov 5th. But now again the infection is trying to come back. I was on Anastrozole, but I couldn't handle it...they gave me another one, but I just might not do anything. I have osteoporosis, arthritis, overweight, and the list goes on. Thus is way the side effects are worse or make my other issues worse. But actually I am okay with it all, just very tired, so done with Dr.s and testing and cts,mri xrays...blood tests...I don't have any place to draw anymore..now it's my hands...so, you got this...keep on trucking..

I’m still not back to work after one of my expanders was removed after a seroma & infection. They gave me a flat tire on the Non-cancer side and I started body brushing to assist with reducing the lymphedema. I had thought I was moving toward too. I’m thankful for you Maya that you did not become septic and you have a team in place monitoring you. I know the setback is grueling when you want to move forward. Take good care of yourself and treat yourself gently dispite the disappointment.

After my battle in 2015. March til January , I was done with Drs for several years !