Any TN with pre-existing implants - surgery recommendations?

Tara1218

I have a unique situation and I'm looking for other similar cases to help me in my surgery/radiation decisions. I'm Stage II, IDC, 1 tumor Left Side 1.9 cm + 1 Lymph next to tumor. I'm 46 years old and have 10 year old implants.

I'm in chemo now: Carboplatin/Taxol - finished 6/12 weekly. AC to follow biweekly for 8 weeks. Surgery to follow in June. Radiation has been strongly recommended.

I'm desperately looking for someone that has been in this situation. I have many options but the radiation is a large factor in my decisions too. 4 options:

1. Breast conservation: remove implants, have radiation. No reconstruction.

2. Lumpectomy: keep existing implants, do radiation and wait to see how implant responds. Fix right side to match left.

3. Nipple Sparing Double Mastectomy: replace implants, do radiation and deal with whatever happens to radiation impact on implants later.

4. Nipple Sparing Double Mastectomy: replace implants, no radiation if clear margins and no positive lymph. Radiation if recurrance.

I really do not want to do #1 but I'm struggling on probably #2 or #3. Very concerned about recurrance rates in these 2 options. I don't want to be worried all the time about getting it again. Anyone have advice for me?

MinusTwo

I already had implants from prior BMX in place when I had a recurrence. I was able to do chemo, ALND surgery, more chemo & rads and not lose my implants. Whew!!! Brilliant surgeon. It's my understanding that if you have current implants removed, you can have TEs installed before rads with at least a little fill. Supposedly this holds the skin out better than trying to stretch from ground zero after rads. Good luck with your difficult decision.

Yvette66

Hi Tara:

I was in a the same position. I went with option number 2 and have not had any problems. The results are great, radiation did not cause problems with my implants, they remain soft and pretty much the same as they were before treatment. I had a great surgeon and she really never wanted to consider any option other than lumpectomy; she felt it wasn't necessary to do more. My left breast is a little flatter on the outside where the tumor was removed but you really can't tell unless you know what to look for; you certainly cannot tell in clothing.

I can't say I never second guess my decision but most of the time I am happy with it. These decisions are never easy and will always come with a certain amount of second guessing that will likely continue for some time. Overall, I am happy that I went with the least invasive procedure.

Good luck with your decision and your treatment!

Yvette