Radiation and Tissue Expanders

Options
HRLori
HRLori Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Does anyone know about the safety of getting radiation when you still have tissue expanders with metal ports in place? I’ve done a great deal of research and it doesn’t seem to be advised, yet my doctor wants to do this. I can’t help but feel I’m being put in harm’s way.
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • julianna51
    julianna51 Member Posts: 438
    edited July 2011

    I asked my PS about this and he indicated there was nothing to worry about....I chose not to believe they (our PS and RO) would put us in harms way if it was really an issue.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HRLori
    HRLori Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2011

    Thanks Julianna. I'm checking with both today!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HRLori
    HRLori Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2011

    I checked with the PS and she said that it was routine - that they work with this RO all the time and there has been no problem.  I'm still waiting to hear back from the RO.  The only drawback is that I have to wait 3 months after radiation to get my surgery for permanent implants.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pegs
    Pegs Member Posts: 198
    edited August 2011

    how my ps and rads. doc i had to have all my fills done before i started rads.  i waited 4 months after i was done rads and had implants put it, didn't work out, having tram flap in nov.  from talking to others, you might want to consider waiting longer than 3 months from what I hear and have read those that waited longer did better.  i wish i had waited longer but i didn't.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shortlady
    shortlady Member Posts: 78
    edited August 2011

    I had rads with my tissue expanders with metal ports.. I had one of the best radiologist around and he said there was not problem and I did not have any.  My plastic surgeon that has been doing breast reconstruction for a while would not do my exchange until at least 9-10 months  after radiation.  I ask him about others that did it sooner and he said if you do it sooner there are more problems.  I ended up waiting  11 months because of scheduling.  It has been 7 weeks and I have not had any problems so far.  My ps says I still need to be careful of the radiated side for a while.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories