Forum Discussion

Mrs_H's avatar
Mrs_H
Member
13 years ago

Breast Reconstruction after Radiation

Hi there all,

I'm a new member of this great site.  Wish I had spent a lot more time on here the first time I was diagnosed.

Anyhow to tell you a little of my situation, I'm 43 years young and this is my second 'outbreak' in the same breast.  The first time around (7 years ago) I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation treatment - wasn't up to the hormone treatment.  This time around I'm now, obviously, looking at a mastectomy - possibly both breasts.

It appears due to a scar on my abdomen and my concern about loss of upper body strength that tissue transfer may not be a likely option, door isn't closed on that yet though.  The surgeon I have initially seen is suggesting a tissue expander and implant.

I would really love to hear from any ladies who have had radiation treatment prior to an implant and the result they were able to achieve, any complications, side effects, regrets or downfalls. 

I know we are all bigger than our breasts and a boob isn't the only thing that defines us but I would love to still have a cleavage of some description.

Eagerly awaiting the community comments.

Hugs to all, particularly those struggling.

Kelley

chemotherapy
lumpectomy
radiotherapy

7 Replies

  • Garliz's avatar
    Garliz
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi there,can someone tell me how to use this blog and to read my messages. Thankyou Liz.
  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    12 years ago
    Since this blog started there has been a breast reconstruction online group formed. It's a page all about women who want or who have had all types of reconstruction. Maybe someone there can help. http://www.bcna.org.au/group/61026 You just need to request membership. Good luck. Paula. Xxx
  • Garliz's avatar
    Garliz
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi there,can some advise me on having expander put in after three yrs,I had a mastectomy only on my left breast,I would like to see if I can get the expander done after having radiation and chemo after having the mastectomy.i can't have deip due to past scaring on my stomach,I was offered to take muscle and fat from my shoulder but refused,as I have had full lymth removal.i would appreciate any feed back.i am 68 yrs old.thanks Liz.

  • Garliz's avatar
    Garliz
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi there,can some advise me on having expander put in after three yrs,I had a mastectomy only on my left breast,I would like to see if I can get the expander done after having radiation and chemo after having the mastectomy.i can't have deip due to past scaring on my stomach,I was offered to take muscle and fat from my shoulder but refused,as I have had full lymth removal.i would appreciate any feed back.i am 68 yrs old.thanks Liz.

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Kelley, I had a lumpectomy and chemo, radiation in 2009/2010. In March 2011 had a reoccurrence in same breast and had a mastectomy, and more chemo. I finished chemo August 2011. During my chemo I developed lymphedema in my arm/hand. After much thought and research I have decided to have a prophylactic mastectomy of my other breast... As both my diagnosis were 6 and 8 months after clear mammograms and quite large(3cm) tumors. My general surgeon was keen to do the second mastectomy and put expanders and then implants in. I went to see a plastic surgeon for a second opinion. He used to do this sort of surgery but no longer does as it was often(not always) unsuccessful. He suggested either a tram/diep and double reconstruction or the lat dorsi. I was concerned about the lat dorsi as he said he would "muck around" in my armpit a bit and I was concerned it may cause problems with my lymphedema. I have decided on the tram/diep reconstruction. I am not a big lady but thankfully have a bit of a "muffin top" for which I am now grateful LOL. My surgeon said he should be able to get me a set of 12B's which I will be happy with as I never was large breasted. I hear you when you say we are not defined by our breasts, but I so want to be able to have an even set and just throw my togs on and hop in the pool without having to worry about a prosthesis!! I live in the tropics so that is a big part of my life. I am scheduling surgery for April next year when it will be a bit cooler to recover in. My sisters friend did have expanders and implants put in earlier this year after radiation and so far no problems. I also have a friend who had mastectomy and expanders put in immediately and then went on to have chemo and radiation and finally the implants after treatment completed. She said the side she had radiation on is very hard and sometimes painful, but she is happy with it. I hope this helps a little and does not totally confuse you. It has taken me 18 months of research and thinking to finally come to my decision ... Good luck with yours. Paula :)
  • Jrova's avatar
    Jrova
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Kelley, I first had breast cancer in 2002 when I was 34 yrs old. I had a lumpectomy, chemo, radiation and tamoxifen for 5 years. In 2011 when I was 43, I found another lump in the same breast and had a mastectomy and chemo. In September 2012, I had the other boob removed (which was cancer-free) and a double reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi muscles from my back and Air Expander tissue expanders. It's gone really well, especially on the side I had radiation 10 years ago. In two weeks, I'm swapping the air expander for a tear drop shaped implant. My plastic surgeon said I should end up a D cup with cleavage!! I've had no cleavage for a year and I miss it!! My back has two scars that are hidden under my bra and I have great back and arm movement. I'm happy to answer any questions. xx Jane