Forum Discussion
Breast augmentation after cancer??
Hi ladies,
So I'm 34 on Fri and halfway through neo-adjuvant chemo for triple negative BC. My genetic testing results came back this week negative for braca1 and braca2, so it has been decided I'll have a lumpectomy in April followed by rads, then hopefully this will be behind me. My question is, I've always wanted a breast augmentation, especially since having 3 kids and am still considering one after cancer is all behind me, now I have this life is short mentality and feel I should stop putting off all the things I've always wanted. Plus I'm worried about how disfigured I may be after the lumpectomy. Do you think given my history of BC an augmentation for cosmetic reasons is silly?? Do implants effect your ability to be screened properly? Given what I've been through does it seem impractical now? Love your thoughts 🙂
So I'm 34 on Fri and halfway through neo-adjuvant chemo for triple negative BC. My genetic testing results came back this week negative for braca1 and braca2, so it has been decided I'll have a lumpectomy in April followed by rads, then hopefully this will be behind me. My question is, I've always wanted a breast augmentation, especially since having 3 kids and am still considering one after cancer is all behind me, now I have this life is short mentality and feel I should stop putting off all the things I've always wanted. Plus I'm worried about how disfigured I may be after the lumpectomy. Do you think given my history of BC an augmentation for cosmetic reasons is silly?? Do implants effect your ability to be screened properly? Given what I've been through does it seem impractical now? Love your thoughts 🙂
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- I've had full mastectomy bilateral with reconstruction and neither my oncologist or surgeon want ultrasounds. It's actually not standard practise after mastectomy but some surgeons still do it. I haven't kept nipples though. My checks involve a thorough physical exam though, checking nodes and looking at how the skin lays across the chest etc.
- Hi @Jane84, I had a nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate implant 18 months ago. Cosmetically it was a good choice for me as I didn’t have big enough breasts to have a lumpectomy. But even though I can’t have a mammogram I do still need to have an ultrasound. My breast tissue is gone but there can still be a recurrence in the scar area, under arm or chest so ultrasound checks are important. Good luck with your decision. Jane x
- Hi Jane84 I read your post I’m also Triple Neg tumour 1.2cm nodes neg I initially had the lumpectomy and have done 4 x rounds A/C now 12 rounds Taxol. I haven’t got my genetics back but am not expecting to be positive. However I previously had breast implants so to do radiation after is likely to send the breast implant super hard due to capsulation. I did my research and have found a plastic surgeon to do a nipple sparring mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Minimal scarring less downtime and great cosmetic results. After mastectomy there is no further need for mammograms and recurrence very unlikely as breast tissue gone. It’s a very personal choice and does take a lot of thinking about. Annie
- @Mollygirl Thanks for your insight, I will certainly speak more with doctors :)
- Hi @jane84, definitely discuss your wishes to your surgeon and get them to refer you to a plastic surgeon and have a consult with them prior to surgery and rads.
I had a breast reduction three and a half years ago and was so happy with the results ( I know we are at opposites but hey!) like brand new breasts so I totally understand you wanting to revamp your chest! Although I now had mastectomies I don't regret the plastic surgery to my breasts - it was wonderful being so happy with them. Do what makes you feel good I say!!! Xx - Thanks @primek a very useful website!
- Screening after implants is still possible.
However breast augmentation after radiotherapy is much more difficult and you should discuss this with your breast surgeon. Radiotherapy impacts on the tissue and makes it more fragile.
http://www.cancerscreening.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/Content/br-policy-mgmt2 - hi @jane84
why not join the reconstruction group they have lots of information in there ...
http//onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction
