Radiotherapy - tattoos, right to your records
The user and all related content has been deleted.
Forum Discussion
I didn't have radiotherapy when I had my implants but I did have several incidences of them migrating. One popped out in my armpit and both have travelled up my chest and had to be repositioned. Its very painful and distressing. You need to get some help with it, if that means moving to another surgeon, even within the same facility, do it as soon as possible.
It seems some people are more prone to these complications than others, but that does not mean you have to put up with it. Making a fuss is not always easy, particularly when you are already feeling like shit, but it is sometimes the only way to get results. I had my breast care nurse take photos of mine on one occasion, emailed them to my surgeon and threatened to share them if nothing was done. Back in for a revision within a week. It should not come to that.
- My PS is situated at Essendon Fields so people invariably fly in to see him from Essendon Airport. If you’re wanting to go private, he’s an outstanding surgeon. Just PM me and I can give you his details x
- @magoo oh goodness, that is so upsetting to read! Im in Melbourne and went public for reconstruction but only on the advice of my Surgeon and PS. They both do work in the public system and it was to help alleviate the out of pocket. So I still got them both which was great. There are also others who have PS's in Melbourne and done an excellent job, @nikkid has a fabulous plastic surgeon. Have you joined the private Breast reconstruction Group? there are photo stories of all types of recon and a lovely supportive group there. xx Melinda
- 1.5 hours out of Melbourne. :)
- Where are you, @magoo?
- Hi Mel Yes 2 of the dots are big and quite obvious particularly the one in the centre of my chest! :( I have a lot of questions about my reconstruction which is disappointing. Yes since reading that it is unusual to use radiated skin for an implant I now know why. It is tight and itches it is discoloured and I have problems with fluid drainage under the breast and around to the back. The site of the previous surgery is very tight and doesn't stretch of course. I see a physiotherapist who has helped with lymphatic drainage and recommended a bra specialist who had fitted me with compression bras and provided me with a breast form to fill our my bras. The implant sits too high on my chest and under the arm making it hard to fit a bra as the bottom of the bra is empty. I am sooo disappointed with the outcome and the limited choices I was offered. If anyone can recommend a good caring plastic surgeon who cares about the outcome I would appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback.
- @Magoo I really am surprised are the dots big? mine were like so tiny you couldnt tell them from a freckle. I too had a recurrence in the same breast in scar tissue at the 4yr mark though in 2015. I had a single mastectomy/diep flap recon in Feb 2017. I was told due to radiation I couldnt have an implant as my skin was too fragile and thin. x
- I think the staff sometimes get so involved in a busy routine that they forget they are dealing with an actual person who has feelings and is going through a traumatic experience and is so fragile!!
- @magoo Terrible they didn't tell you. Shame on them.
Hi Aggie I have to agree with you re: Tattoos. I was horrified the day 10 years ago they did them at CT without knowing previously. I went to the change room after and cried my eyes out. I started laser treatment last year to have them removed but part way through this treatment which takes ages I was diagnosed a second time. Same breast almost same location in scar tissue same type 10 years later. Mastectomy and implant reconstruction in January - still have the horrid little dots. Reconstruction is horrible so it doesn't really matter now. We certainly need more information about the options available to us.
