radiation after full bilateral masectomy with breast expanders?

christald21

Hi,

I just was told by my breast surgeon that I need to have radiation now, after she performed complete bilateral mastectomy, and the I had a plastic surgeon begin reconstruction with expanders put in. The pathology report came back saying that in one lymphnode there was still some cancer. .5 cm,

My question is, is this pretty common to have radiation after surgery, and now I have expanders in too? Since I have no more breast tissue, where would they put the radiation. And since they took everything out, then why is my surgeon saying that I am stage 2A now... please keep in mind, I have had already 6 rounds of chemo, before this surgery. I am totally shocked today, at what she told me. after surgery she said that everything came out clean.

I am so confused and nervous, and have so many questions. I feel like I am reliving my first day that I heard I might have cancer. ( a living Nightmare)

I just saw the surgeon today, and she gave me a referral for a radiation onconlogist... I so want to see him, like yesterday. I know they will make me wait to see him, and I have so many questions.

KCinMN

I was diagnosed with stage 3 plus lymph nodes, so I'm different there... BUT, I did 16 rounds of chemo this summer, surgery this fall (bilateral mx with TE's), and I'm starting Rads in a few weeks. I had clean margins, and a scan showed no activity... But the thought is that if there is any tiny, leftover, stray cancer cells left in the breast/axial area, they will be radiated away...

I'm guessing stage 2a for you because of that small area in lymph?!? That's probably why they recommend it.

So sorrry. It's definitely a nightmare. And no fun when they throw an extra treatment in that you're not wanting! Maybe meet with the RO and ask away!?!?

I know for me, although I'm considered "cancer free" at this point, the radiation is just another step in making sure this never happens again!

ProudMom_Wife

I understand where you are coming from. I had a BMX w/TEs placed. After surgery I was told everything was fine. Then when the pathology report came back I was told I had lymph node involvement but was in the grey area for radiation treatment. I also refused ALND. So while I gathered information and got second and third opinions on whether or not to do radiation therapy I proceed with the expansion while having chemo treatments. My Plastic Surgeon said if I was going to radiate he would rather have me fully expanded, leave the TEs there, then after I healed from radiation, if I chose to do it, then do the exchange. Things didn't go as planned, but it has all worked out. After multiple opinions I decided to only radiate my axilla and not my chest wall since I had clean margins. However I had to do the exchange surgery before radiation because one of my TEs started to push on the incision scar. Its been a few years now and all is going well and my saline implants are fine. I know you are scared and feel like the surprises keep happening. You always need to be comfortable with your decision for different treatments so ask for a second or third opinion from a radiation oncologist. Try to stay positive and find those silver linings and reasons to laugh. I absolutely love that I no longer need to wear a bra.