Forum Discussion

Reggiewedge's avatar
Reggiewedge
Member
8 years ago

Breast reconstruction after 17 nodes removed and radiotherapy

Hi, I had a double mastectomy in August when an expander was fitted for breast reconstruction, unfortunately I had to have lymph nodes removed on the left side which has resulted in chemo and I will shortly start radiotherapy.The reconstruction surgeon has said that there is a fairly high possibility of the new insert on the left side where the radiotherapy will be performed will harden . I am at a loss what to do as it will only last approx 18 months. The one on the right side should be Ok. 
I am currently thinking of abandoning both and just be flat chested. Has anyone got any experience of this situation and I wonder what you decided. I should tell you that I am just 70 years of age.
Reggiewedge

9 Replies

  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    8 years ago
    Trials and tribulations. If you are a member of the Choosing breast reconstruction you will find a post with photo of an infection that I  had. Turns out it was topical only. After expander but before implant. 
    All part of the roller coaster that we're on.
    Most sail through unscathed. 
    Take care 
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    8 years ago
    Please pass on my best wishes, that's a miserable thing to happen, hope she recovers in every way soon. 
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    8 years ago
    @Reggiewedge ...fyi scorpionqueen has an infection. Very rare 8 months after surgery. Implants removed to wash the pocket area out.  They have offered to replace almost immediately infection cleared , so I doubt they think it any more than an unfortunate event...very unfortunate. She's is just concentrating on healing and deciding where she will go from here. 
  • Reggiewedge's avatar
    Reggiewedge
    Member
    8 years ago
    That must be dreadful for Scorpion Queen, I wish her well with her recovery and thankyou for your response. Sue
  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    8 years ago
    ScorpionQueen, I think that is who it is has had a massive reaction to her new breasts recently, just out of the blue and they had to be removed. She is in hospital for a while. She very nearly wasn't with us any more. She may well come back to the forum to relate her saga when she is feeling a little better. <3 
  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    8 years ago
    Capsular contracture is a definite risk after radiation. It maybe your surgeon is talking about that happening even after the exchange to implants. Do you have the implant in now or still the expander?  I think having the skin expanded prior to radiation does help, but it’s not something anyone can predict. Have you requested to join the choosing breast reconstruction group. It’s a private group with lots of photo stories. Some of the implant stories might have information you are after. @ScorpionQueen used to be active on here and I’m pretty sure she had expanders, then radiation then exchange to implants. 
    Good luck. 
    Paula x
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    8 years ago
    Welcome.

    The exchange surgery is very minimal so if the implant hardens it's simple to replace. Nothing much you can do but wait and see and make informed choices when it and if it happens. I went into surgery hoping I wouldn't need radiotherapy but we just don't know until after pathology comes back. I would say most of yours would be directed to the node area. The radiotherapist will give you more information about that. 

    Take Care. Kath x
  • Caseypinto's avatar
    Caseypinto
    Member
    8 years ago
    @Reggiewedge - welcome! Big decision for you to make - I opted for expanders and reconstruction- but thankfully didn't need radiation or chemotherapy so I'm not sure what happens with that. My expanders are very hard anyway. Did your surgeon mean that your expanders will harden - or your implants? Lots of beautiful ladies on here with many different experiences so I'm sure someone will help you with your decision very soon - I'm sorry I can't be of any help to you but wish you all the very best for your recovery xx