I had breast augmentation - now diagnosed with DCIS

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Zinnia51
Zinnia51 Member Posts: 6
edited November 2016 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

It seems like I am the only one in the nation who has undergone breast augmentation and now diagnosed with DCIS.   It was so weird when I was in a consultation with the Plastic Surgeon and she said to me, 'gee, you have hardly any breast tissue' to which I replied, 'Hence the need for implants!'.

I am having a second opinion this Friday.  I want to know how long I have to futz around with this until I take action.  If I do lumpectomy, I'm afraid I will have just skin covering a large portion of my implant.  I also wanted to say that my grade was II to III not III (but there was not an option for that on my profile page).  My K1-67 was 5%.

If I have radiation, it's almost a guarantee that the implant with encapsulate and my skin will tighten and shrink and that it will be compromised and maybe the other breast would have to be redone to match the quasi-mumified one!  I am beside myself and removing these things is not an option without replacement.  Anyone familiar with national geographic?  My own mother said, "you need help" when she saw the state of my breasts after nursing two children for a long period of time.

Anyway, I was looking into the brachytherapy...the one with the wire whisk (SAVI) didn't look like it would be a good fit cuz the cancer is under the nipple area.  I don't have the 7 mm of skin required for the mammosite radiation therapy.  Why couldn't they make a little balloon or a tear drop shaped one for different excisional sites?  Sort of like a custom fitting.  I know they have the capability!  Was it because a MAN thought it up?  OK...I'm upset and I apologize.  This is not productive, but I do feel A TAD better!

I just got wind of now this IORT radiation during the lumpectomy.

I am ready to just do nothing, but I know that's not an option.  I am upset and dismayed. After I told my BS that I didn't want radiation, he said, well, then we can take the nipple and areola and do a mastectomy.  I was flabbergasted.  I have Stage 0 DCIS with no lymph node involvement.  How can that be the best course of action?

What about minimal cutting and minimal radiation.  I don't even want to hear about this Tamoxifen.  The other alternatives with me having osteoporosis and pina in some areas.  I did the Reclast IV last August.  Didn't get the bone density yet.  

I was so upset I just got an MRI on June 6 cuz I wanted to know what was going on.  The BS got all of it, except left a less than 1 mm margin, which isn't safe.  He did a wonderful job.  The radiologists used a wire entry and they targeted the calcifications.  I was ready to hear it was nothing.   My sister and mom had the needle biopsy, everything fine.  No family history.  It's Long Island....it's the BC Capital of the world!

Well, can anyone help me, please????  At least I can go to sleep knowing I've asked and maybe one of you wonderful ladies (or more) would have some sort of answer or hope for me.  Thank you and God Bless! 

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  • mssunshine71
    mssunshine71 Member Posts: 162
    edited June 2012

    Wow, I am totally in the same boat right now!  I just had DCIS removed and will have to go through radiation.  The plastic surgeon said the same thing to me "You have very little breast tissue"  I also have bone issues and am worried about that as well.  I am just a week out from surgery and so far it looks like it will heal nicely but I also heard radiation can ruin the implants.

    Did you get yours over or under the muscle? 

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  • Mooleen
    Mooleen Member Posts: 185
    edited June 2012

    I had implants when I was diagnosed with stage 0 DCIS. When I saw the oncologist he mentioned that they didn't have a lot of data on women with implants and BC. Amazing! Also the radiation would probably mess up my implant. In the end when they didn't get clear margins after two excisions, I opted for the mastectomy with TEs. I don't have any regrets because I don't have to worry about the what ifs and I didn't have to have radiation or chemo or take Tamaxofin. The TEs haven't been too bad for me. I lost all sensation in that breast with the breast lift augmentation surgery. I am looking forward to my exchange in August. After that I am going to have the other breast tuned up with a lift and a new implant. I am hoping to be smaller as iwas a 36DD after the initial surgery.

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  • Mooleen
    Mooleen Member Posts: 185
    edited June 2012

    I had implants when I was diagnosed with stage 0 DCIS. When I saw the oncologist he mentioned that they didn't have a lot of data on women with implants and BC. Amazing! Also the radiation would probably mess up my implant. In the end when they didn't get clear margins after two excisions, I opted for the mastectomy with TEs. I don't have any regrets because I don't have to worry about the what ifs and I didn't have to have radiation or chemo or take Tamaxofin. The TEs haven't been too bad for me. I lost all sensation in that breast with the breast lift augmentation surgery. I am looking forward to my exchange in August. After that I am going to have the other breast tuned up with a lift and a new implant. I am hoping to be smaller as iwas a 36DD after the initial surgery.

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  • Zinnia51
    Zinnia51 Member Posts: 6
    edited June 2012

    Morning, Sunshine :)  

    Mine are over the muscle and the Plastic Surgeon also said that whoever did these, did a great job.  Not that it made me feel any better under the circumstances!  Also, they are saline implants.

    I will let you know what I plan on doing.  My excisional biopsy went well and it's been since May 24th.  My MRI showed fluid in the biopsy site. It seems like the skin has adhered to the site so the only good thing about that is no more mammos...MRIs only.  

    I don't know when I plan to have the lumpectomy, I am still in the "second opinion" stage. We have to find better ways to treat ladies with implants!  We have to demand!  

    The Rad I will be looking into next is the 3DCRT, which would be the only option for me under the circumstances...check out if they offer that Rad machine where you live.

    Keep me posted.  Off to get ready for work.  

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  • Zinnia51
    Zinnia51 Member Posts: 6
    edited June 2012

    Hi Moleen....that makes sense to me as you were large.  I just realized what TE meant! Tissue Expanders!  I'm glad you feel comfortable about the route you took.  

    I'm sure 'the girls' will look beautiful and that you'll be happy!  Thank you for your input! :) 

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  • mssunshine71
    mssunshine71 Member Posts: 162
    edited June 2012

    Hi Zinnia.  Mine are under the muscle and the silicone, gummie bear type.  I'm wondering though if radiation ruins the implant I should still qualify for reconstruction (which of course I'd like to avoid).  I've yet to talk to the RO and haven't even had my follow up with the surgeon for my path results yet.

    The surgeon did, however do a fantastic job with the lumpectomy.  Because there are already implants there and i have "Very little breast tissue"  I don't think there will be dimpling from removing the lump.  Here's hoping!

    Keep me posted as well :)  Hope you had a good day at work today! 

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  • Zinnia51
    Zinnia51 Member Posts: 6
    edited June 2012

    Morning, sunshine....I will keep you in the loop.  Lots to tell, but no time now. LOL!  Talk soon.  Have a great day....raining heavily here..good for the vegetation :)

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  • BelaHersh
    BelaHersh Member Posts: 1
    edited June 2012

    You should consider having a lumpectomy and IORT.  That way you don't have to have radiation over the whole breast and implant.  My friend recently had a lumpectomy and IORT for DCIS.  Her entire radiation course took ten minutes and was completed while she was asleep.  Her doctor was Joshua Ellenhorn, MD.  He was great.  He practices in Los Angeles.

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  • daches
    daches Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2012

    My wife, 75, was diagnosed about a month ago with DCIS, stage 0, high grade. She had a lumpectomy with clear margins June 15, and plans to start brachytherapy using the SAVI device within the next week or two.  I have been digging through the internet, including reading a number of technical papers (I am a retired scientist), and I'm convinced SAVI is the best course for those who qualify (totally unqualified medically to offer this opinion).  As I recall, SAVI has been successfully used on patients with implants.  There is a lot of information on the Cianna website about clinical trials and other experience.   Before you give up on that option find someone who has actually been trained to use it.

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  • 39yearsold
    39yearsold Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2015

    I live in the UK have had over the chest muscle implants for nearly 18 years and have recently been diagnosed with high grade DCIS. The only treatment my consultant has stated is to remove my implants 525cc (size 32F), lumpectomy and radiation full breast. No option to reconstruct now or in the future by replacement implants or fat transfer.

    I am struggling to find any information out here in the UK and am concerned about being 39 with boobs like a 90 year old as I was size 32AA prior to augmentation. The consultant seems to have no regard for my physical or mental wellbeing. Whilst I appreciate some survivors could view this as vanity as a sex abuse victim it is very important to me. I would appreciate any advice or experience you can share

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  • Jelson
    Jelson Member Posts: 1,535
    edited August 2015

    you might try the search function here on BCO to find others who have been in similar predicaments, I just tried Breast Augmentation Radiation and found some postings that might be of help to you, other combinations of words might bring up other postings. Also, there might be some breast cancer organizations in the UK that could provide guidance in your care system - ie second opinions, what is covered/what isn't. The moderators' comment and citation bring up an important point, what was your consultant's reason for saying no reconstruction option for you. What is medical advice vs what is covered under your health plan v what risk you are willing to assume.

    your concerns are not trivial or vain.

    good luck to you.

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  • jamtoday
    jamtoday Member Posts: 5
    edited November 2016

    Hi! I've just been diagnosed with low grade IDC and I have silicone implants, ancient (more than 40 years old). I'm wondering about IORT and that might be a good option. Do you know, is it possible to have IORT if you have implants?

    thanks so much.

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  • Jelson
    Jelson Member Posts: 1,535
    edited November 2016

    jamtoday - if you can't find a thread on the radiation board about your question - I would create a new thread on the radiation board - I think you would get more of a response than here - also you might want to consult a plastic surgeon as well as a radiation oncologist about what options are best for you.

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