BM w/immediate reconstruction 5 yrs after lumpectomy & radiation

sweave

I'm new to this forum, and my situation, so I'm feeling very overwhelmed and looking for some advice/guidance from others..

I am currently scheduled to have a BM with immediate reconstruction later this month. Unfortunately, I underwent a lumpectomy in my left breast 5 years ago, and underwent radiation therapy with an extra blast of radiation on my chest wall.

My plastic surgeon has expressed that he wants me to be aware that there may be issues with implants on my radiated breast (as planned). As a result, he wants to have the option of using the latissimus dorsi muscle if needed.

Is there anyone here that has been in this situation? I'm wondering.... Because I'm having both breasts done, would they do the same with both sides? Would I still have the TE's as planned? Where is this back tissue implanted? Over the TE? Or does this replace an implant?

I'm so confused. I can call my surgeon (and I will), but I'm wanting to make educated inquiries, so I'm trying to figure out the basics myself first.

Any help is appreciated right now!

Moderators

Hi Sweave-

We have some information on latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction on our main site, which you can find here: http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/reco.... To answer a couple of your questions, the flap is moved under your skin from your back to your chest wall, and used to help rebuild the breast. If you're getting an implant as well (most women undergoing latissimus dorsi flap recon still do need an implant), it will placed at the same time, under the flap, so no TE in that reconstructed breast.

Since you're having a bilateral mastectomy, you may want to discuss your options for the other breast with your doctor. We know how important maintaining symmetry is to a lot of women who undergo reconstruction, so make sure to ask that the differences would be in the lat dorsi breast vs the other breast.

Good luck on your upcoming surgery, and please let us know how everything goes!

The Mods

sweave

Thank you very much. This already helps get me get pointed in the right direction!