Radiation with expanders in after reconstruction??

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Kristian
Kristian Member Posts: 68
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hello,

I was diagnosed with stage 2, grade 3 breast cancer in Dec 2008.  I had a lumpectomy and chemotherapy Jan-June 2009 then In September 2009 I had a bilateral mastectomy and LAT flap reconstruction with expanders.  In March 2010 I felt a lump above my right expander, the same side where my original tumour was.  Unfortunately, it turned out to be a recurrence. I am going through chemo right now in hopes of shrinking the tumour as it has grown into my muscle.  Just wondering if anyone has had experience with radiation while expanders were still in. I was supposed to have my exchange surgery in April, but the "lump" that turned out to be cancer stopped my exchange surgery from taking place.  I saw a radiation oncologist last week and he told me they can radiate the breast, but it will be difficult because of the foreign body that remains in my breast.

Anyone have any experience with this??

Just looking for more info.

Thanks!

Kristi :)

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  • RegulJ
    RegulJ Member Posts: 244
    edited May 2010

    Just giving my opinion here----I have TE and am currently doing rads, IMRT to be exact. I don't see why you can't do rads. With careful planning they should be able to zap the tumor.

    Good Luck :)

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  • mom3band1g
    mom3band1g Member Posts: 817
    edited May 2010

    I have TE's in and will be starting rads next week.  I know it's not everyone's first choice but I was told it should be OK. 

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  • gale1525
    gale1525 Member Posts: 232
    edited May 2010

    I had rads with TE's it was fine except that after they did the exchange I got capsular contracture and more shrinkage with the skin and thinning of the skin so now I need have flap surgery.So I would wait maybe a year after you finish rads so hopefully your skin won't continue to shrink.

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  • mom3band1g
    mom3band1g Member Posts: 817
    edited May 2010

    lluistro - how long did you wait from end of rads to your exchange surgery?  My ps is telling me to wait about 4 months....wondering if that is long enough.  Thanks,

    k

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  • Kristian
    Kristian Member Posts: 68
    edited May 2010

    Thanks everyone for the info.  I met with my surgical oncologist on Monday and he said that he wants to remove my expander in order to get everything he needs out when he removes the tumour.  He does not feel that the expander should pose a problem with the radiation, but he said he will just remove the expander in my right side, and not put a replacement in until after the surgery and radiation. He told me that they would decide how to reconstruct my breast after they have treated the cancer.  All I can say is that I better not lose my foobs, I really like them.

    I have heard that implants sometimes "migrate" to the sides when radiation is done.  lluistro, did you have just the expanders in originally??  I had lat flap surgery, so I have the muscle in from my back and the expanders were underneath the muscle. I have a friend though that just had the expanders, no other muscle put in.

    Thanks again, I have found this website really helpful.  Unfortunately, it seems like every time I go to a Dr's apmt, I leave with a zillion questions, even though I ask all the questions I think I need answered when I am there.

    Take Care.

    Kristian

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