Reconstruction After Radiation

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udpt82
udpt82 Member Posts: 124
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
Hi all, In Sept. 2008, I was dx with ILC and underwent chemo until Jan. 2009, followed by bilat. mast. and TEs in Feb. and then radiation which ended in June.  I am supposed to have the exchange surgery in December.  I have been told by the plastic surgeon, that after radiation there is higher likelihood that the procedure will fail, but I am keeping my fingers crossed.  I have some questions that I believe woman who have been through it can help me understand.  First, I still get episodes of tightening on both sides, but it is worse on the radiated side.  I massage the TEs and even am seen by a P.T. to try to loosen the tissue on the radiated side.  I am curious, since I was overexpanded prior to radiation, whether this will decrease after the exchange.  Also, I am curious how woman who had radiation did with the exchange.  Any recommendations to help the outcome?  I see the plastic surgeon on the 11th to schedule, and would also like to make sure I am asking the right questions before the procedure.  I posted this on the Breast Reconstruction forum also, but have not had many responses, so I am wondering if this would be the appropriate board, but if not, please let me know if there is a better one.  Thanks for the help.
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  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 1,092
    edited November 2009

    I also get tightening, more on the rads side, but I understand that the rad side has CC which will be corrected during the exchange.  So yes, it 'should' go away, but not having had the exchange yet, I can't say for sure.

    Your PS is waiting 6 months for the exchange, mine wait nine, and used to wait one year, to allow the skin to recover from the rads.  If your skin is in good shape, go for it.  There is a chance of it not working, and therefore an LD procedure would have to be performed, so there is another option..  Let's hope your implants are fine.  Many of the women have had it done and are just fine.

    For more imformation, go to the "Radiation with Tissue Expander" Thread in the forum.  JUDY

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