Mastecomy & Reconstruction

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dorfar
dorfar Member Posts: 52
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

Hi everyone,

I was diagnosed with IBC in April. I finished 4 rounds of AC and then 4 rounds of taxol. I'm now preparing to have a mastecomy. I was wondering if anyone with IBC has opted for reconstruction at the time of mastecomy?

Thanks

Dorothy

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  • Caseysmom
    Caseysmom Member Posts: 507
    edited October 2008

    Dorothy:

     I had my tram flap done at the same time as my mastectomy on my left side.  For one breast the total surgery time was 8 hours and I was in the hospital for about 5 days.  A year later I had a right mastectomy done since I could not have a tram flap again I have a silicone implant this surgery was much shorter I am not sure how long I was under since I also had a complete hysterectomy done at the same time. 

    I hope this helps.

    Hugs

    Laura

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  • ebann
    ebann Member Posts: 3,026
    edited October 2008

    leafDorthy;

    I have IBC as well. My tumor was 12.5cm. They removed it last Monday. I have 3 positive lymph nodes and have to do more chemo. I had a radical double mastectomy. I had my other breast removed cause it had DCIS as well. My breast surgeon told me I should not have reconstruction for a year. IBC spreads, and they need to make sure that you are clear and stay clear. I have had chemo. Taxotere, Cisplatin 4 rounds, Amiridcyin, Cytoxan 4 rounds, Surgery, now chemo again Taxol, and Carboplatin. My doctor said she is wishing for a cure. That is scary to me. She is one of the best oncologist in America. I have found I really do miss my breast and my chest is ugly. I look forward to the day I have it done. I am considering the FLAP. I wish you the best.

    Blessings; Elizabeth

    autumn

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  • Faith316
    Faith316 Member Posts: 2,431
    edited August 2009

    I know this is an old thread I am reviving because I am currently facing the same question.  Do I have immediate reconstruction after mastectomy?  (I have IBC dx in June 2009, had IDC dx in April 2008.  My IBC started while I was in active chemo and radiation treatment.)  I would appreciate any responses.

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  • Caseysmom
    Caseysmom Member Posts: 507
    edited August 2009

    Faith:

    I would talk to your onc about this some docs tell patients to wait for reconstruction.  I had my reconstruction done at the same time that I had my mastectomy.  I have been NED for 4 years.

    Hugs

    Laura 

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  • Booblet
    Booblet Member Posts: 13
    edited September 2009

    I had immediate reconstruction, however they did not know that it was IBC until it reoccurred on my reconstructed breast about a month after surgery.  I've heard skin sparing mastectomy should not be considered with IBC because of the high risk of reoccurence.  They want to do a second mastectomy to my recontructed breast however they don't know if there will be enough skin to close me up after.   Ask lots of questions and make sure your doctor is very familiar with IBC.  It behaves very differently from other breast cancers.   I wish you well.

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  • huntersmom
    huntersmom Member Posts: 28
    edited September 2009

    I did not have mine at the same time because I was having radiation and my surgeon(and other surgeons I consulted) said they would not until a min. of 9 mos passed by.  I am finally having mine in a week and 1/2 and have to say I thought this day would never come.  Waiting has been very tough but I did speak to a person that also had IBC - she did have recons. done right away and then radiation and said it was very painful.....just my 2 cents!

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  • lollypop59
    lollypop59 Member Posts: 123
    edited October 2011

    hi everyone

           i had masceptomy and immeiate recon which was las march 2010 but now only a year later i have four small lumps that have come up on my same side and they are cancer cells. dont know much else yet but ct scan tomorow and see my surgeon tomorow, if i was you i would wait i wish i did now, but it was my surgeon that suggest it.

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  • SeanE
    SeanE Member Posts: 107
    edited October 2011

    Listen to your oncologist, NEVER the surgeon.  The surgeon will always opt for more surgery.  Your oncologist is better equipped to answer that question.

    For IBC, immediate reconstruction is NOT recommended.  Experts in IBC recommend waiting at least a year, and ideally 2 to 5 years, to insure no recurrence.

    Sincerely,

    Sean Elgin

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  • Laura_Jean
    Laura_Jean Member Posts: 48
    edited October 2011

    I had surgery in July 2011 and was told that immediate reconstruction is not recommended with IBC. I had 28 radiation treatments afterwards to the scar area and chest; a fairly large area. Recosntruction would not happen for at least a year, and more likely 3-5 years, if I remain cancer free for that long.

    Laura Jean 

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  • lollypop59
    lollypop59 Member Posts: 123
    edited October 2011

    hi sean E , maybe your right but my surgeon is a very good surgeon i was her2 positive and had 17 nodes removed 7 nodes positive, i had clear margin after treatment no cancer found when i had recon and mx, so that why i had the reconstuction straight away, but anyway i have had the silicone removed, and the four nodules, and hopefully now no more problems, not sure if i need  more treatment i will know on the 1st nov but my surgeon said that my oncoligist will keep me on the herceptin. thanks for replying

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  • ibcmets
    ibcmets Member Posts: 4,286
    edited October 2011

    My PS only did the reconstruction on me at same time of BMX because I was stable for a year after chemo and had no plans for radiation.  I did very well recovering and my breast is no longer red.

    It was a tough surgery and painful; but I recovered well.  Reconstruction is more painful than MX.

    Terri

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  • lollypop59
    lollypop59 Member Posts: 123
    edited November 2011

    hi sean  E,

             i did not need ant further treatment and i have three more cycles of herceptin, then its finish, they decided it was just some cells left from original dx. thanlyou for replying to me, hope is alls well for you .

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