Radiation after reconstruction surgery

kittycat

Hey gals!  For those of you who don't know me, I was dx twice with BC this past year.  I had DCIS the first time and had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction (tissue expanders and then exchange surgery with silicone implants).  Then, 4 months after my exchange surgery, I was dx with a new primary cancer (in same general area) as first dx.  This time it was IDC and DCIS (a few small tumors).  The lumps were imbedded in my scar tissue near my implant.  I had positive margins, so more tissue was removed and 10 lymphnodes were removed - all were clear.  Nothing showed up on my petscan and brain MRI (I had headaches).

So, I was told I needed to have chemo and radiation.  I am triple negative and BRCA1+, so they are being very aggressive (like a bilateral mastectomy for DCIS wasn't).  I am also only 40 years old.  I just started chemo - dose dense ACx4 & Taxol x4.  So far, so good.  Some fatigue and headaches, but no nausea. 

After chemo I am going to start radiation.  I am scared what is going to happen with my implants.  I worked so hard through those tissue expander torture treatments and surgeries.  I don't want them to have to remove my implant. I don't want to be lopsided.  Has anyone had experience with radiation and implants?  I already saw one rad onco who knows my PS very well.  I might get a 2nd opinion. Any input you all can give would be greatly appreciated. 

waltersren1

I'm just getting ready to start rads.I have had implants for 7 years.Got them years before my cancer diagnosis.I have been worried about the outcome ever since learning I would do radiation.I have talked to my plastic surgeon several times and he has assured me if my implants become tight or have any problems after the rads he can fix it.He said its not as easy but it can be done.I opted to do my radiation at a hospital closer to home instead of the hospital my surg.onc and ps are at.I met the rad.onc.3 weeks ago for the first time and she really tried to scare the heck out of me about the implants and radiation.She said she didn't understand why I hadn't just had a mastectomy and the implant replaced.Thank goodness I had an appt with my ps after that and he once again reassured me that he will fix it if I have any problems.So I feel better about the whole situation.So sorry to hear you had a reoccurence so soon or at all for that matter.Good luck with your treatment.