Hi Rosemary:

It certainly does sound like Heather and by proxy you, are having a rough time.

I think you should be adamant about getting wound culture to identify the organism-it is a simple swab of the pus that won't cause Heather any pain and may offer some additional helpful information.When people are immunosupressed after sugery and lack of nutrition, the "usual culprits" aren't always the ones that make appearances. Sometimes, organisms show up that probably would be less likely to appear if the person was healthier. I agre that is is unlikely problems from radiation.

Is she running a fever?

If necrosis is a fear, Heather needs a CT.

Be back shortly with more ideas and update on David-have to run to a meeting,

Kim