Breast implants after APBI radiation 4 years ago)

Dxlsoleil

I've been reading posts on here now and am freaking myself out. Most of the posts I've read are full mastectomy, and it sounds like full radiation. Does anyone have a successs story (or two) about doing reconstruction following a lumpectomy and APBI?

I angsted for weeks on my treatment, I opted for a partial mastectomy / lumpectomy, followed by radiation, which was done via Accelerated Partial Breast Radiation. Only one week of radiation, twice a day - sign me up! And much less damage to other organs, especially since cancer was on left side. Took a month off and started Tamoxifin, which I tolerate well. At diagnosis, I was 52, and pre menopause, not even peri. Last menstruation was the month before I started Tamoxifin. No big loss.

Four years later, I finally get in shape, start doing yoga, and lose about 30 pounds. Ya me! The weight loss, combined with menopause, made the dents in my left breast much more noticeable, and suddenly I had a fairly large mass of hard necrotic tissue, probably from the radiation catheter (of course RO says it was the surgery). The lump was sometimes painful, several yoga positions were impossible. Talked to my BS, she suggested PT, so I went in several times a week to have my boob massaged, the lump would seem to dissipate, only to return the next day.

I asked if I was a candidate for reconstruction, and BS recommended a PS who she felt could handle the radiated tissue. So, I did it, I am one week out, so far so good. BS removed the tissue (tested negative!). PS did say that the left breast was much more difficult, she had some problems creating the pocket, but thinks it is going to be fine. She does want me to wear an underwire sports bra, which is contrary to everything Ive read.

I was relatively small, about 36A, until I gained weight (before diagnosis), then went to about a 36C. With the weight loss, back to a 36A, so, I went fairly small with my implants 240 left, and 255 right, We used gummy silicone, non textured, under muscle.

I would love to hear some success stories

Moderators

Hi Dxlsoleil, and welcome to Breastcancer.org!

Thanks for posting -- we're sure others will be by shortly to weigh in with their experiences, and we hope our post will "bump" your thread back into Active Topics, where it can more easily seen by others.

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