Forum Discussion

SandraP's avatar
SandraP
Member
8 years ago

Radiation and old implants

Hi everyone.  I'm new to the group but I would greatly appreciate it if anyone has had whole breast radiation following a lumpectomy but had implants (from previous cosmetic surgery).  My surgeon opted for Breast Conserving so I have gone through Chemo (which shrunk my tumors but unfortunately didn't get rid of them fully) and am now scheduled for surgery next Friday but was unaware (and uninformed) that I would be having radiation after.  Of course all the doctors are very apologetic for not informing me sooner. I've read horrible things about radiation which can alter the breast.  I have small C breasts (I was an A before implants).  My tumors are at 12.00 o'clock which is where my small amount of breast tissue is and the tumors are about 4 cm one side to the other so I imagine the lumpectomy is going to take every bit of breast tissue away.  I've read the radiation will lift my breast and nipple but as my breast sits so high anyway it is going to make the affected breast abnormally high.  I've also read about capsular contracture following radiation.  It is now making me consider a mastectomy instead to avoid radiation.  Has anyone had reconstruction after the lumpectomy and radiation to fix the affected breast?
radiotherapy
Reconstruction
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    8 years ago
    PS...if you want to see some pics of reconstructed breasts check out the breast reconstruction group. 
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    8 years ago
    I would speak to a plastic surgeon or breast surgeon who does this surgery. You may be able to have a skin sparing mastectomy and a bigger implant in to balance you out. It really might be a simpler option. I had a matrix sling so I could have the breast sit in its natural place and fit a larger impant as I was an E cup and now a DD...but little fullness like the old boobs in bras. I had skin reduction done at same time. Kath x
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    8 years ago
    You will need to get more professional advice. I had rads this year and they were very concerned about not frying my implants which were put in 10 years ago. The target was my neck and armpit but because my implants are manky and encapsulated it was touch and go about whether I could proceed.
    Start making noises until someone, ideally your rad onc, gives you concrete advice. They may refer you back to your plastic surgeon for their opinion as well.