Radiation with tissue expander

Hello all, 

I am 13 treatments away from finishing and so far, my skin seems to be ok, which surprises the heck out of me. However, I am having a lot of swelling, and with a tissue expander that is the size of a small C, I'm pretty tight. Each treatment makes the swelling worse.

My skin is not inflamed yet, but its very hot and tender. The idea of someone sticking a needle in my expander to reduce the size makes me sweat.

Is there anything I can do to reduce the swelling so I don't have to do that?

Thanks,
Michelle 

ooops I meant vitamin E  LOL!!!

ccbaby  so sorry to hear about your expander and your muscle breaking down why is it that they cant redo the expander and use alloderm?

Get a 2nd opinion.  Although there in nothing wrong with the TRAM flap, I, like you, would want a choice in the matter.  I had implants in and partially expanded during radiation, and I did fine (so far)

I am 4 months out rads with no problems.  And I had lymph node involvement as well, although not under my muscle.  As you know, we are all different, and your GS is NOT the one to make this decision.  Your PS should be the one making it..GS cuts it out...only a PS knows what can and cannot be done during reconstruction.  If your PS thinks this is the case, get a second opinion..Your GS opinion is not the first, your PS opinion is the first...  JUDY

Mikk,

I had an expander, and went through 28 rad treatments.  I didn't have any major issues.  That was over two years ago, and the skin on that side is still a little darker but that would be the case anyway.  Good luck!

Bobbie

Judy's right.  Get the opinion from your PS.  They should be involved in the planning from the very beginning. And the decision is yours.  Learn all you can about the different types of reconstruction, write your questions down and ask EVERY one of them until you are satisfied.  GS can not do all the types of surgery that a skilled PS can.

The PS refused to put the TE in if I needed to have rads, until the rads were done and then even that; use a Lat Dorsi to help the skin stretch with the TE.

It is common that they will put a TE in before having rads?

If you want to try for implant ONLY.. you HAVE to get that TE in there at your Mast...

I was fully expanded before rads started.. then rads... then exchange.

Some, Like our Dear Judy... Get 1/2 expanded before rads and finish up after rads.

If you want to see my pictures...  I am FINALLY done with all treatments and surgery.... PM me and I will tell you how to do this..

YES... your PS is the one who tells you your OPTIONS for reconstruction... not your BS/GS/

CCBABY.... We have talked on FB about all this... but I want you to know here too.. I love ya and I will get you me PS #. SS!

I feel A LOT more confident going into my appt with the PS next week.  I have been set on my decision, but with all the push back I have been getting from my GS, it was getting very overwhelming.  I feel so much better!  Thank you all for your help.  I'll keep checking back and I'll let you all know how the appt comes out on Wed.

Thanks, Carolyn.  I know that sometimes you have to take charge and tell them what you want to do.  I have a lot more confidence in this procedure than I do the TRAM flap.  I understand that there are complications with anything, but at least I know that if there is failure with the TE's I can always go to the TRAM.  I can't do it the other way around if there are problems.  I can breathe a little easier going into this weekend than last.  Thanks again.

Scherri-

I also was stage III BC (ILC) and had tumours on both breasts. It was recommended to me by my GS and agreed upon by my PS to have tissue expanders placed. I had care at a highly rated cancer center here in Mpls. My largest tumour was at the very top of my breast along the chest wall. Because I had more of a thickening than a lump, they felt a tram flap for me would mask any recurrence. They said the TE would push any growth forward and would be really obvious. I had TE placed by the PS at the time of my mast., had chemo and fills done, then did radiation to both sides for almost 6 weeks and that ended last Feb. My exchange to silicone was in Aug. My skin has done well and I am very pleased with everything. My PS said there are always risks with TE and that increases with radiation but many do just fine. My PS is excellent and pretty conservative with things and this was the best ption for me. Don't feel you have to be pushed into something you don't really want. Hope your PS appt goes well- they are the ones that do all the reconstruction stuff anyway. I had my final appt with my GS after one year but still am seeing my PS- you'll see them more than anyone if you have TE!!!   Good Luck! Kathy

I appreciate this dialog about TE and rads. One thing I'd add in terms of getting second opinions from PC's is to really find one who does a lot of reconstruction surgeries. Reconstruction isn't glamorous or lucrative and many PC's do mostly cosmetic work b/c it pays better. Interview the person and ask how many reconstructions they do per week AND ask for referrals.

I've skimmed through the discussion and people have recommended aloe and Vit E--is there anything else folks recommend during the process of TE + rads? I'll start in a couple of weeks and want to facilitate a good outcome. I'm really fair skinned and I've read this may be a negative. However, my mom, who is also fair skinned, went through it earlier this year and did really well, Any advice and/or suggestions would be appreciated!  

Judy, thanks for the Miaderm rec. I'll look it up online. I'm glad you had luck w/cocoa butter--it'd be nice to use something simple and easy to purchase.

I've just finished my stretching exercise and that brings me to another question...how does it feel to be on the radiation table? I'm only a little over a week after my tubes have been taken out and I can put my arms over my head, but my expanders feel pretty darned cumbersome when I'm lying down. I was SO flat chested before that I'm not used have anything protruding:) I guess I'm wondering how much flexibility is needed to be relatively comfortable on the table?

Another question for you all...is there any concern that having the immediate reconstruction will make it more difficult to detect local recurrences?

I know I should have asked these questions BEFORE making the decision. I really went back and forth. When I was first diagnosed and they were talking immediate surgery I said "no" to immediate reconstruction b/c it was too much--no time to process. Then when they decided on neoadjuvent chemo I had time to reconsider and although my rad onc wasn't for it b/c he said it made his job harder, my breast surgeon and onc supported my decision to go ahead w/the immediate recon. Now I'm second guessing myself, which is what I always do. It's probably why I seldom remodel my house--if I can barely pick out paint colors how the heck am I supposed to pick out new boobs?