How common is scarring & retraction following radiation?

Options
HealingDreams
HealingDreams Member Posts: 50
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

This is the side effect of radiation that I am most worried about, though perhaps I should be more worried about others!

Does anyone have any information about how common this side effect is? I couldn't find this information on this site or other sites. Though scarring of the lung is mentioned, scarring and retreaction of the breast is often not even mentioned. Several women on this board have complained about it. How common is it?

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • lane4
    lane4 Member Posts: 175
    edited June 2012

    Hi, HealingDreams - I am surprised that no one has posted here. I also was worried about those side effects and when I asked, my RO just acted like he didn't know what I was talking about. I, too, would like to hear from others. I know I have plenty of scarring in the radiated breast and I had a fair amount of retraction, too. However, I had a large amount of tissue removed from an average size breast. Most websites mention that "in some women, the breast becomes smaller and firmer" as though it only happens to a small number of women. I also have read that retraction and asymmetry are more common than the radiation literature suggests.

    At any rate, this will bump this thread up again, so maybe someone else will reply soon.  I hope all is going well for you!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Letlet
    Letlet Member Posts: 1,053
    edited June 2012

    I had radiation after my exchange surgery. I have a silicone implant on the left. Yes after radiation my L boob was higher, harder and my lymphedema therapist continues to work on it. She has done wonders with "releasing the fascia". She pretty much said underneath eveything had melted/fused together. The tightness is much better now, and the skin has become moveable again.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HealingDreams
    HealingDreams Member Posts: 50
    edited June 2012

    I did ask my rad onc for statistics to answer the question of what percentage of women have scarring and retraction of the breast. It's high: 30 to 40%.

    Thanks for the information, Letlet, about your lymphedema therapist and fascia. I wonder if LMTs could do the same for us?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lane4
    lane4 Member Posts: 175
    edited June 2012

    HealingDreams - It sounds like you have a RO who will answer your questions honestly. According to mine, radiation does not shrink your breast or cause scarring, retraction, or fat necrosis. It made me feel like something was wrong with me or that I was just really unlucky.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HealingDreams
    HealingDreams Member Posts: 50
    edited June 2012

    I'm so sorry that your radiologist made you feel like it was your problem, lane4. Obviously, it's not. It's an all too common side effect. I wish they'd find a way to prevent it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Butterflylady2012
    Butterflylady2012 Member Posts: 187
    edited June 2012

    HealingDreams - Both my Plastic Surgeon on the Radiation Doctor said to expect retraction and scarring.  In fact I had my last expansion yesterday on my right side and the PS put in a little extra saliene, because he said it will retract and he said the radiation does damage the breast tissue too.  Not something I like to hear, but I guess that is the reality!  Seems like different doctors have different feelings on this subject.   

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marjie
    marjie Member Posts: 1,134
    edited June 2012

    I have some retraction and scarring.  Nothing I am too worried about - my radiated boob sits higher and is much firmer than my other one but once I have a bra on the difference is not noticeable.  My RO told me it was quite common.

    As for the lung scarring - I was told that it was a possibility and that it was also very common to develop a "radiation cough" up to six months after rads, and that it would clear itself up.  I don't recall any cough.

    It has taken me quite a while to get the flexibility back on my rads side and it's still not 100%.  I have some shoulder issues that I need to work on and my RMT is really helping with the muscle stiffness.

    All in all - yes, there are changes from radiation, but nothing I can't live with.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories