Forum Discussion

CatRM's avatar
CatRM
Member
7 years ago

Rads after DIEP reconstruction...any experience?

Hiya, just wondering whether anyone here has had radiation after their reconstruction, rather than having a masectomy, then rads, then reconstruction? My surgeon reasons it will be ok, but the plastic surgeon is not keen! Not helpful!

Did you have any bad experiences doing this? Or was all well?

I'm booked in for an MRI just to double check the size of the cancer, then they'll decide whether it's an instant recon or delayed, so it might be a clear cut answer, but I'd still like to hear of any experiences you've had please! 
diep
radiation
Reconstruction
  • CatRM's avatar
    CatRM
    Member
    7 years ago
    @kmakm well you're no help are you  :D glad you managed to avoid at least one thing!!!

    Thanks all for your info, appreciated :) 

    Yes, will check out that group thanks @SoldierCrab
  • SoldierCrab's avatar
    SoldierCrab
    Member
    7 years ago
    you Might get more answers in this group http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction

  • JoeyLiz's avatar
    JoeyLiz
    Member
    7 years ago
    From a Radiation Therapist point of view, it is harder to achieve the optimal plan on reconstructed breasts depending on how much of the chest wall is left and how the reconstruction has been done. When I was faced with the possibility of a mastectomy I knew I wouldn't get an immediate recon for that reason and my rad onc and plastic surgeon agreed.

    But please be assured that the radiation therapists do everything possible to ensure the best possible plan is achieved if you do decide to go that way. 

    Best wishes x
  • Sister's avatar
    Sister
    Member
    7 years ago
    I know that some women have it immediately and for some it is delayed until after rads.  I know why the latter is but not sure about the former.  Maybe to do with how much they have to take?  I know that my surgeon said that he could not even consider reconstruction until at least 12 months after due to the tightening caused by the rads.  He's very happy with how my skin has coped and we'll talk again in May (although I don't know that I want to do it).
  • kmakm's avatar
    kmakm
    Member
    7 years ago
    Sorry no. Two sugeries, chemo then a BMX and DIEP reconstruction, and now Letrozole. Radiotherapy was the only bit I managed to avoid... K xox